The Simpsons axed from Channel 4 schedule as broadcaster confirms it’s dropping iconic series after 20 years

The Simpsons is moving from Channel 4 to E4 in January 2025, marking the end of its 20-year run on the channel.

The long-running animated sitcom will begin airing season 32 on E4 as part of a renewal deal between Channel 4 and Disney Entertainment.

This marks the first time the series won’t be shown on Channel 4 since 2004, with the show leaving its traditional weeknight slot.

Under the new broadcasting arrangement, new episodes of The Simpsons will premiere exclusively on Disney+ before airing on E4.

Season 36 will debut on Disney+ in spring 2025, following the streaming platform’s first-window rights to new episodes.

Disney+ already hosts all previous seasons of The Simpsons, along with The Simpsons Movie and 10 shorts featuring characters like Bart and Lisa Simpson.

The move reflects what Channel 4 describes as a “generational shift” in TV viewing habits, targeting younger viewers who use both E4 and streaming platforms.

Polly Scates, Head of Acquisitions at Channel 4, said: “The Simpsons and Channel 4 have a historic relationship, and I’m delighted that we will continue to bring this much loved and iconic series to our audience.”

She added: “In an evolving market, collaboration has never felt more important, and it’s been a pleasure working with Disney Entertainment to bring the latest seasons to UK viewers, who can now watch the show on E4 and C4 Streaming once it has aired on Disney+.”

Dayna Donaldson, VP of Content Sales at the Walt Disney Company, emphasised the show’s lasting appeal.

“The Simpsons stands the test of time, and they continue to be one of the most beloved and well-known families in the world.

“We are delighted that Channel 4, along with Disney+, will be bringing these larger-than-life characters and the comedy of Springfield to UK audiences, introducing the series to the next generation and new audiences for years to come,” she said.

Following their broadcast on E4, new seasons of The Simpsons will be available as boxsets on Channel 4’s streaming platform for a limited time.

The streaming service will also offer a selection of library episodes from the show’s extensive catalogue.

The arrangement ensures viewers can access The Simpsons across multiple platforms, from Disney+’s complete archive to E4’s linear broadcasts and Channel 4’s time-limited streaming options.

Fans of the long-running cartoon series were left devastated as they mourned the “end of an era” for the show.

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Taking to X, one simply penned: “End of an era.”

“Couldn’t tell the last time I actually watched The Simpsons on Channel 4 but this is insane,” someone else said before a third added: “Yikes – these cutbacks at Channel 4 really impacting. Like #Hollyoaks, #TheSimpsons had been a staple of their teatime offering.”

A fourth noted: “I’m old. I still remember when it moved from Sky to Channel 4!” (sic)