"The Simpsons" renewed for 23rd season
- Thread starter Trissh
- Start date
Raghavarayudu
New member
Well, this is the first post that gets it, and I'm not being sarcastic.
The Simpsons is not just a TV show--it's a brand. Ratings really don't mean anything to the show at this point since the advertising income stream is less that 1/4th the show makes in DVDs, underwear, toothpaste, etc.
The problem lies in the world of entertainment in general. With the redbox, blu ray, netflix, youtube, 300+ channel cable tv, video games, internet porn, facebook, and myspace, tv shows and movies don't have time to be make money so networks won't take many risks introducing scripted programming. So, networks like Fox are desperate to hold on to shows that have a familiar name and as long as it generates revenue, Fox will run it into the ground. So, as long as the Simpsons makes 700 million a year in selling merchandise, the ratings could concievably be "0" and fox would continue to air the show to keep the brand visible.
And since Fox's bottom line with the Simpsons's Brand is more dependent on the ability to sell merchandise, it's no wonder the writing went to hell. (And using the "it's been on for 22 years, what do you expect!?" Should not be used to as a free-pass for the show to produce substandard comedy.)
The Simpsons is not just a TV show--it's a brand. Ratings really don't mean anything to the show at this point since the advertising income stream is less that 1/4th the show makes in DVDs, underwear, toothpaste, etc.
The problem lies in the world of entertainment in general. With the redbox, blu ray, netflix, youtube, 300+ channel cable tv, video games, internet porn, facebook, and myspace, tv shows and movies don't have time to be make money so networks won't take many risks introducing scripted programming. So, networks like Fox are desperate to hold on to shows that have a familiar name and as long as it generates revenue, Fox will run it into the ground. So, as long as the Simpsons makes 700 million a year in selling merchandise, the ratings could concievably be "0" and fox would continue to air the show to keep the brand visible.
And since Fox's bottom line with the Simpsons's Brand is more dependent on the ability to sell merchandise, it's no wonder the writing went to hell. (And using the "it's been on for 22 years, what do you expect!?" Should not be used to as a free-pass for the show to produce substandard comedy.)
kookadookalowe
New member
Um, "loose ends"? :shrug: This isn't Lost or something with an elaborate "mythology", it's a standard family sitcom in cartoon form. I don't see anything about the show that requires an "epic finale". A show like Avatar was building throughout its run to a preordained end point, but The Simpsons is just a joke machine that's run out of gas a decade ago. The movie was the last chance to make the end of the series any sort of event, and it was basically just three or four episodes stitched together.
You can merchandise a show that's stopped premiering new episodes just as well, though. And with a bazillion syndication outlets there's no danger of The Simpsons brand disappearing from television even if the show stopped production.
Even if ad revenue is only 1/4 of the money the brand makes, without it, I doubt Fox could justify The Simpsons' high production costs for new episodes. The ratings are still good and they still matter, even if it's comparatively less than almost any other show on TV. New episodes cost way too much to produce for their airing to be meaningless.
Even if ad revenue is only 1/4 of the money the brand makes, without it, I doubt Fox could justify The Simpsons' high production costs for new episodes. The ratings are still good and they still matter, even if it's comparatively less than almost any other show on TV. New episodes cost way too much to produce for their airing to be meaningless.
If the show was to end, there'd be a big "end of series" event and it would be known the show would be an 'old' show after that point. Granted, the finale would draw a lot of people in and then rush of buying Simpsons stuff would be huge, the fall off, year after year, would be eminent and the merchandising would start to sell less and less every year.
The show costs about 5.5 million to make per episode and receives around 6 million viewers each week, minus specials like the THoH episodes. Fox knows if it spends around 105 million a year and takes in 600 million in profits, they have plenty of room for production costs to go up a few percentage points.
The show costs about 5.5 million to make per episode and receives around 6 million viewers each week, minus specials like the THoH episodes. Fox knows if it spends around 105 million a year and takes in 600 million in profits, they have plenty of room for production costs to go up a few percentage points.
I am, without a doubt, happy that the Simpsons will continue on to at least its 500th episode. For all the "fans" who think the series needs to end, let me tell you this: I have been watching this show for as long as I can remember. I consider it, to this day, the greatest animated series of all time. Its quality stems from not just the episodes in any given season, but the work that goes into it each and every year.
The voice actors are some of the best in the industry, and no one can dispute that; these people have been playing the same characters with the same voices for over two decades. Only a handful of series have accomplished this. Meanwhile, the animation is top-notch; the shows switch to HD brings some of the best animation on American television.
The reason I can't stand people talking sh*t about the show is because of how nitpicky people get about it. Some say the series has stopped being good since the 90s, and that is a just plain false. The series is still good, but over the years it has changed; it is not the same as it was. For some people that's fine; for others, not so much. Take into account, though, that the teams responsible for the show have changes over the years. Conan, John Swartzwelder, Brad Bird, and others don't work on the show anymore. The fact is, a series this long running is not going to be able to keep all its fans interested and/or satisfied. However, that does not mean the series is bad or outdated.
If you don't watch or like the show anymore, that's fine, but please don't ask for it to be taken away from people who do still like the show. I hate Full Metal Alchemist, but I accept that people like it; it's just not my cup of tea. I am not going to go to the anime boards and tell people to stop watching that show, that's just selfish and kinda stupid.
Not matter the reason of the series' length, I am glad The Simpsons is still around. It is one of the constants on television I can still count on. I am not saying every episode, or season, of the series is gold, but the show is mostly consist in its quality, and that's good enough for me.
The voice actors are some of the best in the industry, and no one can dispute that; these people have been playing the same characters with the same voices for over two decades. Only a handful of series have accomplished this. Meanwhile, the animation is top-notch; the shows switch to HD brings some of the best animation on American television.
The reason I can't stand people talking sh*t about the show is because of how nitpicky people get about it. Some say the series has stopped being good since the 90s, and that is a just plain false. The series is still good, but over the years it has changed; it is not the same as it was. For some people that's fine; for others, not so much. Take into account, though, that the teams responsible for the show have changes over the years. Conan, John Swartzwelder, Brad Bird, and others don't work on the show anymore. The fact is, a series this long running is not going to be able to keep all its fans interested and/or satisfied. However, that does not mean the series is bad or outdated.
If you don't watch or like the show anymore, that's fine, but please don't ask for it to be taken away from people who do still like the show. I hate Full Metal Alchemist, but I accept that people like it; it's just not my cup of tea. I am not going to go to the anime boards and tell people to stop watching that show, that's just selfish and kinda stupid.
Not matter the reason of the series' length, I am glad The Simpsons is still around. It is one of the constants on television I can still count on. I am not saying every episode, or season, of the series is gold, but the show is mostly consist in its quality, and that's good enough for me.
dianaflo909
New member
I'm one of those "Fans" and I hate to tell you this--the show is on cruise control and the writers know Fox won't cancel them regardless how terrible the show becomes. And for what's it's worth, I've been watching the show since the Ullman Shorts and the only interest I have in the show is saying I saw them all in, in order and I don't watch them again after I've seen them. (That's been a rule since Season 10.) Also, I'm one of those "Fans" who doesn't put 470+ episodes into some top ten list.
The "lots of hard work "reasoning doesn't work, either. Lots of "hard work" is put into making Chrysler cars and trucks and they're the worst of the American made cars on the road today and people still buy tons of'em. And can you honestly tell me the last THoH had a lot of 'Hard work" put into it when it couldn't even get the "The Room" joke right when a character named Lisa was...in the room!?
Heard any Homer lately? "shudders"
The switch to HD has been a step DOWN in animation. The stiff and sterile look of the show of these past two seasons has taken the grubby charm out of the characters and given them a coldness that's about as charming as a computer clean room. If you want good animation, check out the first 8 seasons.
Uh, no, again. Remember the musical "Hail to thee Kamp Krusty"? Compare that comedic genius to the garbage filler that was Lisa's "singing" with the Glee Cast in this years season premier. Every verse and coinciding on-screen action was joke, upon joke, upon joke and in the end the whole scene with the kids collapsed upon itself via the risers in a hillarious ending. What did S22's premier with the guest starring Glee cast offer? "Lisa" rhymes with "visa"?--And both scenes lasted the same amount of time!
And this is a problem since most of the new "Zombie" Simpsons has scenes that are dragged out beyond the point them being remotely funny.
That's the problem with the Zombie Simpsons--the writers haven't changed. Much of the core writing staff today has been around for almost a decade. Compared to the staff of the first 9 seasons that changed writers every few years and an executive producer who changed every two seasons which kept the show fresher. Now we have Al Jean who should've stepped down six years ago and let someone else take over, but since he's part owner of the Simpsons brand, that's not going to happen, sadly.
Yes it does. The show survives because, like I said earlier here, it's a familiar face in a sea of options. Most studios and TV networks aren't lucky enough to have a brand that has instant recognition and they'll do anything to keep that brand recognition alive. The quality of the show in 2010 is of little importance. :sad:
It's called freedom of speech.
I disagree. The show puts out two, maybe three episodes that are actually funny. The rest is mostly yellow filler material.
EDIT: Read this.
The "lots of hard work "reasoning doesn't work, either. Lots of "hard work" is put into making Chrysler cars and trucks and they're the worst of the American made cars on the road today and people still buy tons of'em. And can you honestly tell me the last THoH had a lot of 'Hard work" put into it when it couldn't even get the "The Room" joke right when a character named Lisa was...in the room!?
Heard any Homer lately? "shudders"
The switch to HD has been a step DOWN in animation. The stiff and sterile look of the show of these past two seasons has taken the grubby charm out of the characters and given them a coldness that's about as charming as a computer clean room. If you want good animation, check out the first 8 seasons.
Uh, no, again. Remember the musical "Hail to thee Kamp Krusty"? Compare that comedic genius to the garbage filler that was Lisa's "singing" with the Glee Cast in this years season premier. Every verse and coinciding on-screen action was joke, upon joke, upon joke and in the end the whole scene with the kids collapsed upon itself via the risers in a hillarious ending. What did S22's premier with the guest starring Glee cast offer? "Lisa" rhymes with "visa"?--And both scenes lasted the same amount of time!
And this is a problem since most of the new "Zombie" Simpsons has scenes that are dragged out beyond the point them being remotely funny.
That's the problem with the Zombie Simpsons--the writers haven't changed. Much of the core writing staff today has been around for almost a decade. Compared to the staff of the first 9 seasons that changed writers every few years and an executive producer who changed every two seasons which kept the show fresher. Now we have Al Jean who should've stepped down six years ago and let someone else take over, but since he's part owner of the Simpsons brand, that's not going to happen, sadly.
Yes it does. The show survives because, like I said earlier here, it's a familiar face in a sea of options. Most studios and TV networks aren't lucky enough to have a brand that has instant recognition and they'll do anything to keep that brand recognition alive. The quality of the show in 2010 is of little importance. :sad:
It's called freedom of speech.
I disagree. The show puts out two, maybe three episodes that are actually funny. The rest is mostly yellow filler material.
EDIT: Read this.
What i'm concerned about regarding how the show has kept on pumping out bad episodes year after year after year for at least a decade is that these post-classic seasons influences peoples perception of the series as a whole. In other words, they ruin the reputation of the great, classic seasons. More and more often do i hear kids and younger teenagers saying things like "i don't get why the Simpsons is so popular, that show isn't nearly as funny as people say it is", which is, of course, perfectly understandable if the person saying it bases his opinion on the show on Zombie Simpsons (season 10 and beyond).
I can imagine 40 years from now when people go back to take a look at the old "television classic" that is the Simpsons, only to see a season 18 episode and go "huh, so people actually thought this was comedy gold back then!?"...
I can imagine 40 years from now when people go back to take a look at the old "television classic" that is the Simpsons, only to see a season 18 episode and go "huh, so people actually thought this was comedy gold back then!?"...
Alright Simspin, your entitled to your opinion. A couple of things: Unless you have actually worked on an episode of the Simpsons, you have no idea what goes into making the show. You don't know the process or procedure, but prove me wrong if you do. I am not talking about rumors, hyperbole, and murmurings, I am talking facts. Don't bag on the show just because you don't like it. And if you don't like it, stop watching it.
As for those who believe bad episodes will tarnish to rep. of the series, I refuse to believe that. I'm bias, though, since I still watch and, wait for it, enjoy the show. I hate some episodes too, but not all of them. I can't single out entire seasons to be bad. I can't say I have watched every episode. I'm not a Simpsons historian or even a fanboy. I just like the show. Is that so wrong.
Another thing Simspin, since all you did was say the opposite of what I posted, I don't believe a word you just wrote. If you want to find all the bad and none of the good, be my guest, like the song. I am not trying to be Homer-Superior or anything. I'm just stating what I believe. You know, freedom of speech and all.
I was hoping to read someone actually glad the show is still on, but I'm probably on the wrong board. I can't wash away the much haterade with a little personal truth; it's a waste of time. B*tch and moan all you want about
"the decline of a once great series." I have better things to do, like watch this week's episode of the Simpsons! How far will Lisa go to not end up like Marge? Find out on Sunday at 8pm, 7 central, only of Fox.
As for those who believe bad episodes will tarnish to rep. of the series, I refuse to believe that. I'm bias, though, since I still watch and, wait for it, enjoy the show. I hate some episodes too, but not all of them. I can't single out entire seasons to be bad. I can't say I have watched every episode. I'm not a Simpsons historian or even a fanboy. I just like the show. Is that so wrong.
Another thing Simspin, since all you did was say the opposite of what I posted, I don't believe a word you just wrote. If you want to find all the bad and none of the good, be my guest, like the song. I am not trying to be Homer-Superior or anything. I'm just stating what I believe. You know, freedom of speech and all.
I was hoping to read someone actually glad the show is still on, but I'm probably on the wrong board. I can't wash away the much haterade with a little personal truth; it's a waste of time. B*tch and moan all you want about
"the decline of a once great series." I have better things to do, like watch this week's episode of the Simpsons! How far will Lisa go to not end up like Marge? Find out on Sunday at 8pm, 7 central, only of Fox.
PSP_Hacker
New member
"The Simpsons" renewed for 23rd season
I'm sorry for insulting "your" precious show, but this is a nonsense point: "Unless you work for (insert industry/sport/politics/etc) here, you are not allowed to have a opinion on it." Well, if you truly believe this, then you cannot say anything at all negative about anyone in a job because you haven't worked in that field, either.
Sorry, but the Simpsons Brand is an art form that's broadcast in the public forum and here's the fact that proves the show is kept around for merchandising, not because it's still written well.
No, but your ingrained insistence that the show must stick around strictly because YOU enjoy it and you feel that only 'normal' people want the show to be around and everyone who disagrees with you must be nitpicky, negative, or are an evil person. Really, if the show's "TRUE FANS!!!" are going to come to the defense of the show, at least have some levity about it.
Hey, what you choose to believe is your own business. I didn't take the time to write something just to keep my hands busy, nor do I believe in your overzealous 'defense' of the current state of the show (or its constant Brand renewal) to be good for the show's creative side.
The bottom line is TV shows are not meant to last 22 years, even animated ones where the characters are ageless. When people start crying about how "A terrible Simpsons episode is better than no Simpsons at all!", I just shake my head and this is quoted from the "Dead Homer's Society" and I agree with him 100 percent:
"Listen, none of us would be complaining if the show had soldiered on with contemporary ideas and quality intact. But, (somehow) it?s not reasonable to expect that. We agree. Twenty years is an eternity in television. We?ve been insistent that Zombie Simpsons as is bears little resemblance to the show that preceded it. So either fix it (improbable, now that we?re fumbling through the twentieth season), call it something else (pointless ? a spade?s a spade), or just let it die. We?ve been happily endorsing the latter option and not just out of empty, callous spite. There?s simply no shame in admitting when enough?s enough."
No, this is BY FAR the nicest board to the Simpsons you'll find. If you want to find a board where the show is more "ProSimpsons" you're out of luck.
I'm sorry for insulting "your" precious show, but this is a nonsense point: "Unless you work for (insert industry/sport/politics/etc) here, you are not allowed to have a opinion on it." Well, if you truly believe this, then you cannot say anything at all negative about anyone in a job because you haven't worked in that field, either.
Sorry, but the Simpsons Brand is an art form that's broadcast in the public forum and here's the fact that proves the show is kept around for merchandising, not because it's still written well.
No, but your ingrained insistence that the show must stick around strictly because YOU enjoy it and you feel that only 'normal' people want the show to be around and everyone who disagrees with you must be nitpicky, negative, or are an evil person. Really, if the show's "TRUE FANS!!!" are going to come to the defense of the show, at least have some levity about it.
Hey, what you choose to believe is your own business. I didn't take the time to write something just to keep my hands busy, nor do I believe in your overzealous 'defense' of the current state of the show (or its constant Brand renewal) to be good for the show's creative side.
The bottom line is TV shows are not meant to last 22 years, even animated ones where the characters are ageless. When people start crying about how "A terrible Simpsons episode is better than no Simpsons at all!", I just shake my head and this is quoted from the "Dead Homer's Society" and I agree with him 100 percent:
"Listen, none of us would be complaining if the show had soldiered on with contemporary ideas and quality intact. But, (somehow) it?s not reasonable to expect that. We agree. Twenty years is an eternity in television. We?ve been insistent that Zombie Simpsons as is bears little resemblance to the show that preceded it. So either fix it (improbable, now that we?re fumbling through the twentieth season), call it something else (pointless ? a spade?s a spade), or just let it die. We?ve been happily endorsing the latter option and not just out of empty, callous spite. There?s simply no shame in admitting when enough?s enough."
No, this is BY FAR the nicest board to the Simpsons you'll find. If you want to find a board where the show is more "ProSimpsons" you're out of luck.
Just a couple of points here:
That's a real bad argument to make, not just for The Simpsons, but for anything. For example, I've never worked on a single Looney Tunes project, but the fact is that there have been no LT show that was as good as the classic theatrical shorts, and very few that are worth anything at all. You can't tell me that just because I didn't work on Space Jam that I can't say that it basically desecrates everything that was set forth in cartoons like Duck Amuck or Rabbit of Seville.
This can and does happen. I happen to be a pretty big Simpsons fan and consider it one of TV greatest shows, but I know people who find it hard to swallow that it could be one of TV's greatest, because while the show had roughly ten years of great episodes, it also had roughly ten years of mediocre to crappy episodes. And they do have a point, it's hard to ignore what has happened to the show in the last decade, just to say that season six was one of the greatest things ever put on television.
That's a real bad argument to make, not just for The Simpsons, but for anything. For example, I've never worked on a single Looney Tunes project, but the fact is that there have been no LT show that was as good as the classic theatrical shorts, and very few that are worth anything at all. You can't tell me that just because I didn't work on Space Jam that I can't say that it basically desecrates everything that was set forth in cartoons like Duck Amuck or Rabbit of Seville.
This can and does happen. I happen to be a pretty big Simpsons fan and consider it one of TV greatest shows, but I know people who find it hard to swallow that it could be one of TV's greatest, because while the show had roughly ten years of great episodes, it also had roughly ten years of mediocre to crappy episodes. And they do have a point, it's hard to ignore what has happened to the show in the last decade, just to say that season six was one of the greatest things ever put on television.
deangelashante
New member
the simpsons really needs to end soon. it's a shell of its former self. i love the simpsons, i always have and i always will. the earlier episodes are some of the best animated tv ever to air. but everything has to end eventually. the simpsons is long overdue.
Uh-huh. It's just that the modern/bad episodes already has tarnished the reputation of the series. 13 years ago, it was hard to find someone who thought the show was garbage. Naturally, not everyone loved or even liked the show, but the vast majority of people agreed that it was at the very least a good show. Nowadays however, after at least 12 seasons of episodes whose majority of jokes ranges from mediocre to downright abysmal, you can't go two steps on the internet without stumbling upon remarks on how painfully unfunny The Simpsons is. And as i said earlier, a lot of non-fans (younger people in particular), are now more familiar with the modern incarnation of the show than the classic seasons, and fail to discern between the very different eras of the series, and therefore instead of being of the opinion that "modern Simpsons isn't funny" has the opinion that "Simpsons isn't funny".
And THAT is something that causes a rather great deal of pain to me, since i love the classic seasons and would have loved it if the show would have ended on a hight note and forever be remembered as a true comedy classic rather than as boring and overrated.
And THAT is something that causes a rather great deal of pain to me, since i love the classic seasons and would have loved it if the show would have ended on a hight note and forever be remembered as a true comedy classic rather than as boring and overrated.
I think the 23rd Season would be the best time to end it.
The episodes aren't as good as the classic ones, and the cast and crew seem to be getting tired of it.
But, as other people have said, the show will live on through merchandising. You still get Merchandise of The Flintstones, Tom and Jerry and such, right?
That and cable syndication rights should make FOX a lot of money for years to come
The episodes aren't as good as the classic ones, and the cast and crew seem to be getting tired of it.
But, as other people have said, the show will live on through merchandising. You still get Merchandise of The Flintstones, Tom and Jerry and such, right?
That and cable syndication rights should make FOX a lot of money for years to come
dianaflo909
New member
There was a time last year when new Simpsons episodes ranged from decent to good which may not have matched the show's charm at its height, but at the very least proved that there was still a bit of hope left in the show.
The last few episodes made those seem like a luke though, so I think I'm done with the show. as for the renewal, was anyone really surprised? I think Simpsons is going to stay in production as long as Fox keeps getting the money from its massive merchandising potential. You have to remember its not just America where Simpsons thrives, but its also a staple of international television.
The last few episodes made those seem like a luke though, so I think I'm done with the show. as for the renewal, was anyone really surprised? I think Simpsons is going to stay in production as long as Fox keeps getting the money from its massive merchandising potential. You have to remember its not just America where Simpsons thrives, but its also a staple of international television.
Even when the show ends, The Simpsons will never really die. Fox will still churn out merchandise a la Looney Tunes and whatever forever, because as mentioned they are a brand now. We will still see them in commercials, maybe even get a couple animated shorts via tv or theatre, video games, and what not.