It is stated that The Simpsons is worth more having finished its run altogether than continuing to produce new episodes indefinitely. A deal was signed in 1994 that limits syndication of episodes of The Simpsons to local TV stations. At the time, cable was an insignificant contributor to major off-network syndication revenues, but over the ensuing years, cable grew to be as big an opportunity as local broadcasts. If the show wraps up its run for good, the restriction evaporates and Fox can offer reruns to cable channels or online services like Netflix. The company can easily get $1 million to $2 million per episode for the 550-plus episode library.
If the Simpsons closes as a regular series for good, what kind of new show will take its Sundays at 8e/7c timeslot? If The Simpsons is syndicated on cable, what cable channels will air reruns of the show? Due to its long run, will Thhe Simpsons have to be divided into separate syndication packages?
Personally, I feel that The Simpsons should really go out together and the cast and crew can do their best to make an artistic ending to the show that pays off a lot of the stuff that matters most to fans with the core characters. How do you conclude the run of a venerable quarter-century-old animated series with a sliding timescale and no continuing story arcs? It'll be really difficult, but I guess they'll try their best.
If a decision to end the series is made, the company can avoid another round of troubling contract and salary negotiations like in October 2011. A move to a cable network for new episodes is unlikely. It's all going to come down to a business decision.
