The Simpsons showrunner thinks the series will end after 30 seasons

After dominating the cartoon landscape for over two decades, The Simpsons showrunner Al Jean admitted he would not be surprised if the show ended after its 30th season.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Jean confessed that although Fox could decide to end the series after its 28th season (the last one it has been officially renewed through), he believed the network would carry the animated series for another two years.

"It's quite possible that we don't have to go through the whole negotiation for 30," he said. "I wouldn't be stunned if we stopped at 28, but my bet is on at least 30. If you made me pick one, I'd say the likeliest is ending after season 30."

Jean did add that he has been wrong before when it comes to Fox's renewal process. In May, rumors sprung up that the show was in trouble after lead voice actor Harry Shearer's (Mr. Burns, Ned Flanders) sudden departure due to contract disputes. Even when Shearer decided to come back to the show, the question of The Simpsons' inevitable end date never left.

"To be honest," Jean said, "there was one point where we thought it might end in in season 23, with the Christmas episode, 'Holidays of Future Passed,' but we didn't end there."

While Jean confirmed he has no concrete plans for the finale, he has admittedly tinkered around with one very specific idea.

"I thought it'd be cool if the last episode ended with them getting ready for the Christmas pageant that appeared in the first episode, so that the whole series was a loop that didn't have any beginning or end."

For now, fans can count on at least two more seasons of Simpson family mischief.

The 27th premiere of The Simpsons aired this past Sunday, Sept. 27.