I admit I was worried for a while. The total silence from Fox regarding the fates of their most iconic animated shows was unusual. Typically they would announce new contracts for The Simpsons, Family Guy or Bob’s Burgers at least a year in advance. But this time, up to the very edge, we heard nothing. I wasn’t the only one whispering rumors of cancellation.

Boy, did we ever turn out to be wrong. Fox just announced the largest renewal contract any of these shows have ever gotten (and when you consider how long some of ’em have been around, that’s saying a lot). The Simpsons, Family Guy and Bob’s Burgers have just been locked in for FOUR SEASONS, guaranteeing their continued existence until at least 2029.

“This new deal celebrates the eternal popularity of these iconic comedies, as well as the enduring, prolific relationship we continue to enjoy with our friends at 20th Television Animation and the brilliant creators — that goes double for Seth this time around — and incredible voices behind these contemporary classics,” says Michael Thorn, President of FOX Television Network.

The seasons themselves are a bit shorter, though — 15 episodes per year. We figure the reason for this is because Fox plans to continue to play their schedule juggling game for AniDom. The shows will share time slots with Fox’s “original” Bento Box cartoons that 20th Television has no involvement in, like Krapopolis and Grimsburg (the former is renewed through Season Four; the latter is expected to get a Season Three).

At the same time, Fox also confirmed their re-acquirement of American Dad, and revealed it’s been given the same deal. Four seasons, 15 per season, 60 episodes altogether.

“This historic four-season order from our longtime partners at FOX is truly monumental for these iconic animated series. We are so proud that these legendary shows will continue for hundreds of more episodes, allowing new and longstanding fans to watch, rewatch and experience more of The Simpsons, Family Guy, American Dad! and Bob’s Burgers for years to come,” said Marci Proietto, head of 20th Television Animation.

Only two AniDom shows have unknown fates now: Universal Basic Guys, which has the back half of a two season order coming this fall but nothing beyond that, and The Great North, which is midway through its fifth season with no word of a sixth.

The post Mega Renewal For Animation Domination: Simpsons, Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers Get Four-Year Contracts appeared first on Anime Superhero News.