Channel 4 to drop popular show after 20 years

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

The Simpsons will stop being shown on Channel 4 after a whopping 20 years, confirmed by the broadcaster. Announced by Channel 4 yesterday (17 December), the popular animation show will move from its long-standing spot on Channel 4 at 6.30 pm to the broadcaster's sister channel E4.

The move comes as Channel 4 and Disney Entertainment announce a deal renewal, which will bring new seasons of The Simpsons to homes across the UK and Ireland.

As part of the collaboration, the newest episodes of the hit series, starting with season 36, will premiere exclusively on Disney+ in the spring of next year prior to airing on E4 and becoming available on Channel 4’s streaming platform. READ MORE: BBC confirms Gregg Wallace's Celebrity MasterChef replacement amid review 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. "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 at content sales at The Walt Disney Company, says: “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.” The Simpsons is the longest-running primetime scripted show in television and