The Simpsons to change channel in the UK in huge new Disney deal

The Simpsons are leaving Channel 4 for a new home in 2025.

The UK’s favorite animated family, The Simpsons, will be moving from their traditional weeknight slot on Channel 4 to E4. Season 32 of the iconic animated comedy will kick off on E4 in January 2025 as part of a newly renewed deal between Channel 4 and Disney Entertainment.

Under the updated agreement, new episodes of The Simpsons—starting with season 36—will premiere exclusively on Disney+ in the spring before airing on E4. Following their E4 broadcast, these episodes will also be available for a limited time as a boxset on Channel 4’s streaming platform. Additionally, a selection of classic episodes will remain available to stream.

Disney+ remains the exclusive streaming home for seasons 1–35, The Simpsons Movie, and 10 shorts featuring the beloved characters, all of which are available in The Simpsons collection on the platform.

The collaboration aligns with Channel 4’s Fast Forward strategy, aiming to engage younger audiences who increasingly watch both popular entertainment channels like E4 and streaming platforms.

Since first airing on Channel 4 in 2004, The Simpsons has become a fixture of UK television. As the longest-running primetime scripted series in TV history, the show—featuring iconic characters Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie—continues to captivate viewers worldwide since its debut in 1989.

Polly Scates, Head of Acquisitions at Channel 4, said: “The Simpsons and Channel 4 have a historic relationship, and I’m delighted that we will continue to bring this much-loved and iconic series to our audience. In an evolving market, collaboration has never felt more important, and it’s been a pleasure working with Disney Entertainment to bring the latest seasons to UK viewers, who can now watch the show on E4 and C4 Streaming once it has aired on Disney+.”

Dayna Donaldson, VP, Content Sales (UK & Nordics) at The Walt Disney Company, added: “The Simpsons stands the test of time, and they continue to be one of the most beloved and well-known families in the world. We are delighted that Channel 4, along with Disney+, will be bringing these larger-than-life characters and the comedy of Springfield to UK audiences, introducing the series to the next generation and new audiences for years to come.”

With this new deal, The Simpsons remains a key part of the UK entertainment landscape, combining classic TV viewing with streaming for a new generation of fans.