Since its debut on December 17, 1989, 639 episodes of The Simpsons have been broadcast. Its 29th season began on October 1, 2017. It is the longest - running American sitcom and the longest - running American animated program, and, in 2009, it surpassed Gunsmoke as the longest - running American scripted primetime television series in terms of seasons and surpassed the Western in terms of episodes in 2018. The Simpsons Movie, a feature - length film, was released in theaters worldwide on July 27, 2007, and grossed over $527 million. On November 4, 2016, the series was renewed for a twenty - ninth and thirtieth season, extending the show to May 2019.
when did the simpsons first air on television
December 17, 1989