Channel 4 Announces Departure of The Simpsons from Its Prime Slot After 20 Years as the Iconic Animated Series Moves to E4 in January 2024

Channel 4 has announced that The Simpsons will be making a major move in just a few weeks.

After two decades of being a staple on the broadcaster’s schedule, the iconic animated series will shift from its usual teatime spot to the sister channel, E4, starting in January.

Where to Watch The Simpsons Next

For longtime fans who are used to watching The Simpsons at 6:30 pm every weekday, this change will take some getting used to.

New episodes will now premiere first on Disney+, while Channel 4’s online streaming platform will offer previous seasons with a slight delay.

Episodes from season 36 will start streaming on Disney+ in spring, right alongside the U.S. release, and The Simpsons Movie (2007) will also be available on the service.

A Historic Relationship

The Simpsons has had a deep connection with Channel 4 over the years, and Polly Scates, the Head of Acquisitions, is excited about continuing this partnership.

She expressed her pleasure at working with Disney Entertainment to bring the latest seasons to UK audiences.

Scates highlighted the importance of collaboration in today’s changing TV landscape, ensuring that fans can still enjoy the show on E4 and Channel 4’s streaming platforms.

Celebrating 35 Years of Predictions

The announcement also comes as The Simpsons celebrates its 35th anniversary.

Since its debut on December 17, 1989, the show has earned a reputation for making surprisingly accurate predictions.

One of its most famous moments was the 2000 episode Bart to the Future, where Lisa Simpson becomes president and mentions Donald Trump running for office.

This became a reality when Trump was elected as the 45th president of the United States in 2016.

In another unforgettable moment, the 1997 episode Lisa’s Sax featured Marge Simpson holding a book titled Curious George and the Ebola Virus, a chilling foreshadowing of the 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak.

The show has also predicted technological advancements, such as the use of smartwatches, in the 1995 episode Lisa’s Wedding, where characters use watch-like devices to communicate.

Even Richard Branson’s spaceflight was predicted by The Simpsons.

A 2014 episode, The War of Art, showed a character traveling to space, which resembled Branson’s actual 2021 spaceflight aboard a Virgin Galactic vessel.

What’s Next for The Simpsons?

As The Simpsons moves to Disney+ and E4, fans can still look forward to more episodes and predictions.

The show’s legacy continues to thrive, and its place in TV history seems secure for many years to come.