Contract Dispute Threatens The Simpsons' Future

Voice actors struggle over Lisa needing braces and the dental plan. Sort of.

20th Century Fox Television says theThe Simpsons needs to cut costs or the longest running animated television show in history might come to an end. Fox wants the voice cast to take a 45-per-cent pay cut or else the network says it won't be able to afford to produce a new season, as ratings of the show, now in it's 23rd season, just ain't what they used to be. The cast responded with an offer to take a 30-per-cent cut plus a part of the show's profits. While we're of the mind that the show probably should have wrapped it up around the time of the "Behind the Laughter" episode (season finale, 11th season), we'd hate for The Simpsons to die over a contract dispute. We suppose Fox could always just hire the cast's non-union, Mexican equivalents if they want the show to continue without them, though.