Will The Simpsons Ever Come to Netflix?

As of my last update in August 2023, The Simpsons is owned by Disney, following their 2019 acquisition of 21st Century Fox. Currently, The Simpsons can only be streamed on Disney or Hulu. It is highly unlikely that The Simpsons will ever find its way to Netflix, as Disney currently owns the exclusive rights to the show.

The Current Streaming Landscape for The Simpsons

With the acquisition of 21st Century Fox, Disney now owns The Simpsons, the flagship property of 20th Century Fox Television. Every episode of the show is currently available on Disney , and it is reported that Seasons 1 through 33 are exclusively streaming on Disney . Season 34 is currently available on Hulu, and the future streaming platform of the show remains uncertain. It is speculated that Season 34 will switch to Disney once Season 35 debuts, and Season 35 will continue to be available exclusively on Hulu after airing on Fox.

Past and Future Possibilities

While it is unlikely that The Simpsons will ever land on Netflix, there are some historical elements and future possibilities to consider. For instance, the movie “The Simpsons Movie” and the television series “The Tracey Ullman Show,” which launched The Simpsons in the late 1980s, may potentially appear on other streaming platforms. However, the rights to these properties are complex and involve several ownership entities, including Gracie Films, the Fox Broadcasting Company, and Disney.

Ownership Structures and Potential Outlets

Disney's control over The Simpsons, along with the intricate ownership structures within the Fox and Disney family, makes it challenging to predict where these properties could appear. For example, Disney may choose to lease out specific assets to outside companies, such as R-rated movies or other films produced under the 20th Century Fox/Fox 2000 labels. However, these arrangements are not always straightforward, and the nuances of the ownership agreements play a significant role in determining the future of the show's streaming platforms.

Conclusion

While The Simpsons is currently available on Disney and Hulu, it is very unlikely that it will be added to Netflix in the near future. The continuity of these streaming platforms is crucial for maintaining the exclusivity of the show and ensuring continued profit margins for Disney. Any change in the streaming home would need to be mutually agreed upon, and the current arrangements under Disney's ownership make such a move improbable.