With 25 seasons and counting, "The Simpsons" is the longest running scripted television show in history. It is only fitting then that it be "The Simpsons" which will break the record for longest television marathon ever when FXX airs all 552 episodes (and "The Simpsons Movie") in chronological order for 12 days straight, 24/hours a day. In case you are wondering, the movie will air after episode 400.
The madness begins on August 21 and will run through September 1, after which FXX will air "The Simpsons" regularly throughout the week, culminating in an eight episode themed "minithon" every Sunday afternoon. Once the marathon hits, FXX will be the exclusive cable network home for every season of "The Simpsons," the only exception being new seasons airing for the first time on FOX.
FXX snagged the rights to "The Simpsons" last year in one of the biggest television bidding wars in history, with FXX paying an estimated minimum of $750 million for the syndication and video on demand rights for the entire franchise.
This marathon is a celebration of that deal, and is looking to promote the launch of "Simpsons World" and the release of the show on Fox's video on demand service, FXNOW. "Simpsons World" is a website that offers a personalized experience for both casual and obsessed Simpsons fans, and FXNOW users will have on demand access to every episode via the FXNOW app available on iPhone, iPad, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Android devices and smart TVs. "Simpsons World" will also let users explore the city of Springfield's many iconic locations, meet and learn more about characters from the show, and give viewers the power to curate personalized playlists and share their favorite clips. "Simpsons World" will launch in October.
Of course, the distinction of longest running television marathon is just an extra additions to an already exhausting list of awards and distinctions for "The Simpsons." The show has won 28 Emmy Awards, been nominated for an Academy Award, has a star on the exclusive Hollywood "Walk of Fame," was named the "Best Show of the 20th Century" by Time Magazine, the "Greatest American Sitcom" by Entertainment Weekly in 2013 and in 2009 surpassed "Gunsmoke" as the longest-running American scripted primetime television series. "The Simpsons" even has its own roller coaster at Universal Studios.
Even more impressive is that the show is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. Season 26 of the show will air this fall, with show executive producer Al Jean saying one of the shows characters will bite the dust in the premiere. If that doesn't get you excited for the future of the show, showrunners also have a "The Simpsons" and "Futurama" crossover episode slated for November 9, which will have Bender traveling back in time to kill Bart in order to prevent a terrible future.
