Fox is staying the course with The Simpsons.
The network has picked up a historic 26th season of the animated comedy, the network announced Friday.
"For more than a quarter of a century, The Simpsons has captured the hearts and minds of fans in a way that transcends ages, languages and cultures, " said Kevin Reilly, chairman of entertainment at Fox. "This groundbreaking series is not only the longest-running scripted show in television history, it 's one of the greatest sitcoms of our time, and I 'm looking forward to yet another landmark season. "
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The news comes just days after the series' 25th season bowed as the No. 1 series of the night in the key 18-49 demographic, up 12 percent from last season's average.
The Simpsons, which debuted in 1990, is the longest-running scripted show in TV history. The series has won 28 Emmy Awards and was nominated for an Academy Award in 2012 for the short film The Longest Daycare.
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The Simpsons is produced by Gracie Films in association with 20th Century Fox Television, with Starz Media Co.'s Film Roman serving as the animation house. James L. Brooks, Matt Groening and Al Jean are executive producers.
On Oct. 1, Jean revealed that the writers were "working on a script where a character will pass away."
"We are doing this story for the same reason we do all others -- we think it has a good emotional through line," he explained, hinting that the actor won an Emmy for voicing the role. "The story will be produced this year, though it may air in season 26."
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