How many episodes The Simpsons has produced and how the series count is built
The Simpsons is the longest-running scripted primetime television series in U.S. history and, as of the 2024–25 season, has aired more than 780 episodes across 35 seasons on Fox. New episodes are typically ordered in blocks of 13 to 26 per season, and production can continue many years after a season first airs. Below is a verified episode-by-season breakdown that explains how the series count grows, how status and rerun cycles affect what you see on air, and how to find the current total.
Quick verified episode and season totals
The following table reflects the last full season reported by Fox and The Simpsons production team, using official episode numbers where available and the most recent confirmed season totals. Numbers add up by summing episodes reported in renewal announcements and press releases, rounded to the nearest whole episode where only ranges are publicly listed.
| Season | Episodes | First air date | Status note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13 | December 1989 | Completed |
| 2 | 22 | October 1990 | Completed |
| 3 | 24 | September 1991 | Completed |
| 4 | 26 | September 1992 | Completed |
| 5 | 28 | September 1993 | Completed |
| 6 | 25 | September 1994 | Completed |
| 7 | 25 | September 1995 | Completed |
| 8 | 25 | November 1996 | Completed |
| 9 | 25 | September 1997 | Completed |
| 10 | 23 | September 1998 | Completed |
| 34 | 22 | September 2022 | Completed |
| 35 | 22 | January 2024 | Completed |
| 36 (partial) | 4 (as of May 2025) | September 2024 | Ongoing |
Total episodes through season 35
Through the end of season 35, The Simpsons has produced and aired 767 episodes. Season 36 has begun airing in 2024–25 and contributes a small number of episodes in most official counts, with around 4 confirmed episodes released by May 2025. The series continues to accept new episode orders in typical broadcast increments.
How episode counts are decided and ordered
Each season of The Simpsons is typically ordered in blocks by Fox, most commonly 13 or 22–26 episodes, depending on scheduling, creative plans, and production cadence. A full season cycle from premiere to finale can span several months, and new seasons may be announced well in advance of completion. Episode production and air dates sometimes shift, so the number of episodes you see airing on TV can differ from initial announcement numbers.
Production vs. air order
Episodes are produced on a schedule that can extend many months or years beyond their first broadcast, especially in syndication and streaming windows. This means the count of episodes credited to a given season can change slightly as production wraps and official lists are finalized. Renewals are usually tied to multi-season commitments, which provide stability to episode counts across a multiyear arc.
Why episode numbers matter for long-running shows
Episode totals are important benchmarks for industry analysis, syndication planning, and audience expectations. A large, stable catalog supports rerun strategies, streaming volume, and long-term brand value. With each new season, The Simpsons adds to this catalog while maintaining its format, which makes sustained metrics like total episodes a useful way to track the show’s scale and longevity over time.
How to calculate the current total yourself
To determine the current episode count at any point, sum the episode counts for each completed season and add the confirmed episode count for the ongoing season. You can check official press releases from Fox or statements from Gracie Films and 20th Television for the most authoritative numbers. Note that announced episode counts sometimes change as production schedules shift.
What to expect in upcoming seasons
Moving forward, The Simpsons will likely continue its pattern of 13- to 26-episode seasons, with renewal announcements made annually or biennially. As the series progresses, each new season increases the overall episode total and contributes to the show’s status as the longest-running scripted primetime series. Accurate totals will remain tied to public statements from the network and production company, not on unofficial estimates.
Bottom line
As of season 35, The Simpsons has produced and aired 767 episodes; a small number of season 36 episodes are still being released in 2024–25. Episodes are ordered in standard broadcast blocks, production can run well beyond air dates, and future episode totals will continue to grow with each renewed season. Use official Fox and production announcements for the most reliable counts rather than unofficial estimates.