TV’s longest-running sitcom is approaching another milestone, with The Simpsons confirming the air date for its 800th episode, titled Extreme Makeover: Homer Edition. The episode is set to premiere on February 15, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET as part of the show’s 37th season. While the series has marked many anniversaries over its decades on air, this one arrives at a moment when long-running network properties face new questions about longevity, audience habits, and how nostalgia fits into modern TV schedules.
Debuting in 1989, The Simpsons grew from a series of shorts to a cultural fixture of American television. Its longevity has always been part of its identity, but the show’s place in popular culture also comes from its blend of satire and social commentary. Through sheer volume of episodes, it has occasionally mirrored or foreshadowed real-world events, creating a running online discourse about the series’ so-called predictions. Across its run, the show has collected dozens of awards and become the longest-running prime-time scripted series in the U.S. Despite its age, Fox has already committed to Seasons 37 through 40, extending the show’s run through at least 2029.
For the 800th episode, showrunner Matt Selman indicated that the story will shift its focus to the family dog, Santa’s Little Helper. Longtime viewers will see the familiar ensemble return, led by Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, and Yeardley Smith, along with supporting cast members Hank Azaria and Harry Shearer. The show continues to attract guest talent as well, with past appearances from actors such as Michael Keaton, Viola Davis, and Idris Elba.
Fox’s broader animation slate remains active alongside this milestone. The network has renewed The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Bob’s Burgers for multiple seasons, while American Dad! returns to the lineup after more than a decade on TBS. On February 15, 2026, the night The Simpsons marks its 800th episode, Family Guy will debut its 24th season at 9:30 p.m. Bob’s Burgers is set to continue through Seasons 16 to 19, and American Dad! will premiere its 20th season a week later, on February 22 at 9 p.m. The group forms a stable animation block that Fox continues to rely on as viewing habits shift across streaming and broadcast platforms.
For those catching up, Seasons 1–36 of The Simpsons stream on Disney+, while Season 37 is available on Hulu. With the 800th episode on the way, the long-running sitcom moves further into an era where legacy shows compete not only with each other, but with entirely new viewing patterns across platforms.
