Who owns The Simpsons?

The Walt Disney Company owns “The Simpsons (1989),” following its 2019 acquisition of 21st Century Fox.

“The Simpsons (1989)” is an animated sitcom centered around the dysfunctional yet endearing Simpson household. Consisting of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie, the family resides in the fictional town of Springfield. The show had been designed as a satire on American family life and politics. Throughout the decades, the series has won numerous prestigious accolades, including more than thirty Primetime Emmy Awards and Annie Awards.

Beyond its influence on pop culture, “The Simpsons” is also known for its remarkable ability to predict real-world events. From forecasting Donald Trump’s presidency and the Disney-Fox merger to accurately calling Super Bowl winners and even paralleling the 2023 underwater submersible crisis, the series has developed an almost prophetic reputation. Whether by coincidence or foresight, “The Simpsons” has become one of the longest-running and most widely recognized animated series in television history.

Who owns The Simpsons?

“The Simpsons (1989)” was originally produced by 20th Century Fox Television and became part of The Walt Disney Company following its $71.3 billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019. This deal, orchestrated under Disney CEO Bob Iger, transferred the ownership of several major entertainment properties, including “The Simpsons,” “Avatar,” and “X-Men,” to Disney.

The acquisition also led to the expansion of Disney’s streaming and content portfolio with networks like FX and National Geographic, as well as the platform Hulu. “The Simpsons” has become a part of Disney’s broader entertainment portfolio with the full series now available for streaming on Disney+. While there have been debates regarding the cost and long-term value of the Fox deal, Disney remains the new home of Springfield and its characters.

Who created The Simpsons?

“The Simpsons (1989)” was created by cartoonist Matt Groening, who was inspired by the happenings in his own life. In 1987, Groening was asked to create short animated segments for “The Tracey Ullman Show,” and he expertly sketched out a cartoon family loosely based on his own. He named the characters Homer and Marge after his parents, and Lisa and Maggie after his sisters. He created the mischievous Bart in place of himself. Additionally, he also named Mr. Burns after the Montgomery Ward department store, and the log cabin located nearby that burned down.

While Groening conceived the family and its subversive tone, the show’s full creative identity was brought together in collaboration with producer James L. Brooks and writer-producer Sam Simon. Together, they expanded “The Simpsons” universe into a satirical world filled with memorable characters and sharp social commentary. Since its early days, when Groening was simply a cartoonist drawing on a wobbly card table in his kitchen, the show has grown into a cultural phenomenon, now broadcast in dozens of languages.