1 of 1- RadioActive
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The Simpsons Sets Yet Another New Record For Network TV Comedies
The veteran show has just been renewed by Fox for another four years - meaning it's guaranteed to last into its record setting 40th season. Even if you think the show has lost its lustre, that's an absolutely astounding record, and in the current fading OTA TV landscape, it's bound to never be equalled for a regularly scheduled network entertainment show.
How many Simpsons episodes are there? Consider this: Disney+ has just launched its own streaming channel of nothing but the antics of Homer and family. Hour after hour after hour, it will be a while before they have to start rerunning the same shows again. (They're running all 35 seasons, while the 36th is still airing on Fox, which equals an eye-opening 767 episodes. I believe the only one that's not included is the pre-911-made show where Homer visits the World Trade Center's Twin Towers.)
Also getting additional four year commitments - Family Guy and Bob's Burgers. So it appears Sunday night's "Animation Domination" will be around for a long time to come.
‘The Simpsons,’ ‘Family Guy,’ ‘Bob’s Burgers’ Renewed for Four More Seasons
- Binson Echorec
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Re: The Simpsons Sets Yet Another New Record For Network TV Comedies
Episode 3.1 "Stark Raving Dad" is the only episode that does not appear on streaming platforms due to the guest appearance of Michael Jackson. Oddly, MJ only spoke as character Leon Kompowsky's "Michael Jackson" voice and was credited as "John Jay Smith"*. Leon's singing was handled by MJ impersonator Kipp Lennon. Leon's "true voice" was handled by Hank Azaria.
*In the early years of the show, celebrities were often credited using pseudonyms as the show had not yet cemented itself in the pop culture sphere.
Episode 9.1 "The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson" is available but I believe all references to the WTC have been excised, particularly the "they stick all the jerks in Tower 1" line.
I firmly believe the sole reason the show is still alive is due to the merchandising.
Last edited by Binson Echorec (Yesterday 3:00 pm)
- RadioActive
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Re: The Simpsons Sets Yet Another New Record For Network TV Comedies
Not to be morbid but after 40 years, eventually one of the main cast voice-over stars is going to get sick or die. Then what? (It already happened with Marcia Wallace, who played Bart's teacher Mrs. Krabappel.) Their characters will outlive them.
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Thread Starter- TomTV
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Re: The Simpsons Sets Yet Another New Record For Network TV Comedies
AI-generated voices. These are so impressive that it's a no-brainer to just harvest the existing episodes to teach the AI how to speak like the characters. The family of the deceased voice actors would happily get royalties forever from FOX.
- RadioAaron
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Re: The Simpsons Sets Yet Another New Record For Network TV Comedies
TomTV wrote:
AI-generated voices. These are so impressive that it's a no-brainer to just harvest the existing episodes to teach the AI how to speak like the characters. The family of the deceased voice actors would happily get royalties forever from FOX.
Yeah, it would work....but you're risking another strike.
- Binson Echorec
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Re: The Simpsons Sets Yet Another New Record For Network TV Comedies
James Earl Jones gave permission for Disney to use his voice to create an AI archive for future Darth Vader appearances...so it's not off the table. If the performer agrees to it, is that enough leverage for a strike?
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Re: The Simpsons Sets Yet Another New Record For Network TV Comedies
James Earl Jones gave permission for Disney to use his voice to create an AI archive for future Darth Vader appearances...so it's not off the table. If the performer agrees to it, is that enough leverage for a strike?
I dunno. I don't think this would slip under the radar, and if it is taken to be the beginning of the end for voice actors, then probably?