The Simpsons Will Premiere Season 38 on September 27

The long-running animated comedy returns to Fox with a new season premiere featuring guest voices.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Television

Graphic illustration of a stack of books and a quill pen in bold primary colors, evoking a classic literary theme.
The animated series The Simpsons is set to debut its 38th season on Fox on September 27, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Simpsons will kick off its 38th season on Fox on September 27, 2026. The premiere episode, titled The Children's Book Job, features guest voice appearances by Emma Thompson and Colin Jost.

Why it matters

The show continues its historic run, having already secured a renewal through its 40th season. This premiere event helps sustain the long-running series' presence in the cultural landscape as it maintains its commitment to seasonal traditions like the Treehouse of Horror.

The show is currently renewed through Season 40 on Fox. This upcoming launch marks the 38th season of the long-running animated program.

The players

Emma Thompson

She is an Academy Award-winning actress and screenwriter known for her extensive work in film and television.

Colin Jost

He is a comedian and head writer for Saturday Night Live who frequently appears in various television projects.

Fox

This is a major American commercial broadcast television network that serves as the primary home for The Simpsons.

The details

In the premiere episode, Homer suffers a head injury that transports him into the world of classic literature while he helps Marge organize a book fair for Springfield Elementary. The episode also features guest star Emma Thompson as Constance Clavinger and Colin Jost appearing as himself.

Timeline

  1. The Simpsons renewal through Season 40 was announced in Spring 2025.

  2. The Simpsons Season 38 premiere airs on September 27, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

The show continues to anchor Fox's animation block, reinforcing the trend of legacy scripted series remaining central to network programming strategies. The upcoming Treehouse of Horror XXXVII special extends the legacy of this long-standing Halloween tradition.

Viewers can catch the new season premiere on Fox starting September 27. The content remains accessible through standard broadcast scheduling and associated streaming platforms.

The takeaway

The return of this series highlights the enduring longevity of network-driven animated content in a fragmented media environment. Fans can anticipate the seasonal shift into the Halloween programming block following the premiere.

Further reading

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Source note: This article includes information reported by TV Insider.

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