With the $71.3 billion USD Disney/Fox deal that will see Disney purchasing Fox’s entertainment assets gaining ground, Fox is standing firm and will fight to keep ownership of The Simpsons for the foreseeable future.
Speaking at the Fox TV Critics Association press tour, Fox CEOs Dana Walden and Gary Newman explained why the Simpsons means so much to the network and their plans for the future.
“SIMPSONS is so much a part of the brand. There’s been such an incredible halo effect of that show and the other animated series that are on our Sunday night. There are no plans for them to go anywhere other than FOX.” Walden said.
“We have a couple years of episodes already in progress on THE SIMPSONS. So down the line, what kind of decision is made I can’t really speak to.” Walden stated. “But for the foreseeable future, there’s so much upside and benefit to having a great Emmy Award winning, smart, provocative, quality show, that there’s no consideration of not ordering more SIMPSONS.”
Source: IGN.com Fox Intends to Keep The Simpsons After the Disney Merger