The Simpsons moves to Seven in new programming deal
The Simpsons will be appearing on Seven this year, Fairfax media is reporting.
A mainstay of Network Ten’s programming for over 20 years, owner Twentieth Century Fox terminated the network’s rights to show The Simpsons and other iconic shows including M*A*S*H, Futurama and Modern Family in October last year following Ten going into administration and CBS’ takeover bid.
Fairfax reports Seven has reached agreement with Twentieth Century Fox to air a number of other programs quoting director of network programming, Angus Ross, as saying the network has “cherry-picked from the Fox library a number of iconic shows … that are proven and consistent free-to-air performers”.
The agreement is reported as not being part of a broader output deal with Ross being quoted as saying: “Seven has no appetite for output agreements and prefers to look for programming gaps in the marketplace and the smart acquisitions to fill them.”
It has been reported Ten’s output deal with Fox, which included The Simpsons, was worth $90 million per year.
Mumbrella has contacted Seven to find the scope of the deal with Fox and which other programs will move to the network.
