‘The Simpsons’ Likely to End Soon, Regardless of Contract Issue

[/caption]Things in Springfield may come to an abrupt halt, regardless of whether the current contract dispute with its voice actors is resolved. Now Fox officials are saying that even if the actors acquiesce, and agree to the pay cut, next year (season 24) will be the series' last.

In other words:

• If the voice actors don't accept the 45% pay cut that production company 20th Century Fox is proposing, the current season will be it for "The Simpsons."
• If the two sides successfully reach an agreement, look for only one more season next year.

Fox tells Reuters that the series is no longer profitable as a first-run series, even though syndication and merchandising profits are hefty.

Regardless of whether the series ends this year or next, it's disappointing that "The Simpsons" is likely to not reach its 25th anniversary.