For two decades, The Simpsons has been a weeknight staple on Channel 4, entertaining millions of British households with the familiar yellow Simpson family and the colourful chaos of Springfield. However, this historic partnership is coming to an end. From January 2025 onwards, the long-running animated sitcom will be moving from Channel 4 to its sister channel E4, marking a significant shift in how UK audiences will access this beloved show.
This transition represents far more than just a simple channel reshuffle. It reflects the fundamental changes happening in television viewing habits, particularly among younger audiences who increasingly favour streaming services over traditional linear broadcasting. Understanding this move is essential for fans wondering where to find their favourite family after more than 20 years in the same slot.
A Historic Partnership Comes to a Close
The Simpsons arrived on Channel 4 back in 2004, beginning what would become a two-decade relationship with the broadcaster. For generations of UK viewers, the 6:30 pm weekday slot became the prime spot to catch Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and baby Maggie in their latest misadventures. The show became so ingrained in British television culture that many viewers considered it as essential to the Channel 4 schedule as the evening news.
The decision to move the series to E4 was announced in December 2024 as part of a renewal deal between Channel 4 and Disney Entertainment. Rather than losing the show entirely, Channel 4 managed to secure rights to continue broadcasting The Simpsons, albeit in a new location and format. Polly Scates, Head of Acquisitions at Channel 4, expressed the broadcaster’s commitment to continuing this relationship, stating that The Simpsons and Channel 4 maintain a historic relationship that the channel wishes to preserve for its audience.
Where Will New Episodes Air?
Starting in January 2025, Season 32 marks the beginning of The Simpsons’ journey on E4. However, the distribution strategy for newer seasons has become more complicated, reflecting the modern television landscape where streaming now plays an equally important role alongside linear broadcasting.
New seasons of the show, including Season 36 beginning in spring 2025, will first premiere exclusively on Disney+ before arriving on E4 at a later date. After their initial broadcast on E4, episodes will then become available on Channel 4’s streaming platform as catchup content for a limited period. This staggered release schedule aims to drive subscriptions to Disney+ whilst maintaining Channel 4’s involvement in keeping the show accessible to British audiences.
The reason behind this multi-platform approach becomes clearer when examining Channel 4’s broader strategy. The broadcaster is embracing what they call a “generational shift that is taking place in TV viewing,” attempting to reach younger audiences who engage with both E4 and streaming platforms equally. Disney+ now holds exclusive rights to all episodes of The Simpsons in the UK, from seasons 1 through 35, giving Disney substantial control over how British viewers access the show’s entire catalogue.
Understanding E4: A Fresh Start for a Classic Show
For viewers unfamiliar with E4, the channel represents Channel 4’s youth-oriented offering, primarily catering to audiences aged 16 to 34. The shift from Channel 4 to E4 sends a clear signal about who Channel 4 believes The Simpsons’ core audience has become. Rather than viewing this as a negative development, it reflects the reality that the show’s primary appeal now comes from younger demographics who grew up with the series and continue to follow it into adulthood.
Channel 4’s 2024 annual report revealed that E4 enjoyed the biggest growth across all the broadcaster’s channels, increasing its audience share from 1.86% in 2023 to 2.01% in 2024. This expansion suggests that moving The Simpsons to E4 represents a strategic investment rather than a demotion. The decision acknowledges where television audiences are heading, particularly among young viewers.
The Streaming Component: Disney+ Takes Centre Stage
One of the most significant changes accompanying this move involves Disney+. The streaming service now sits at the centre of The Simpsons distribution strategy in the United Kingdom, fundamentally altering how new episodes become available.
In spring 2025, Disney+ became the exclusive premiere location for Season 36, with the first five episodes available immediately and new episodes released weekly. This represents a departure from previous arrangements where Sky held exclusive broadcast rights to new seasons, often delaying UK availability by substantial periods. Disney’s approach aims to bring UK audiences closer to the American broadcast schedule, potentially reducing the lengthy waits fans previously endured.
Significantly, Disney+ has also introduced a continuous 24-hour Simpsons stream featuring 767 episodes spanning seasons 1 through 35, totalling nearly 300 hours of uninterrupted viewing. Whilst this feature initially launched in the United States, it demonstrates Disney’s commitment to positioning The Simpsons as a cornerstone attraction for its streaming platform.
What Happens to Classic Episodes?
Fans worried about losing access to classic Simpsons episodes need not panic. Disney+ holds exclusive streaming rights to the complete archive of all episodes from seasons 1 to 35 in the UK, meaning the golden era of the show remains readily accessible through the subscription service. Additionally, Channel 4’s streaming platform will continue to feature a selection of library episodes alongside new seasons after their Disney+ and E4 availability windows expire.
This arrangement ensures that British viewers can still enjoy both contemporary episodes and beloved classics, though accessing them now requires navigating multiple platforms rather than watching everything in one place. For devoted fans with Disney+ subscriptions, this arrangement offers unparalleled access to the show’s entire history.
Broader Changes in UK Television Viewing
The Simpsons’ move from Channel 4 to E4 represents a larger pattern affecting UK broadcasting. As streaming services grow increasingly powerful, traditional linear television must adapt to remain relevant, particularly when targeting younger audiences. Channel 4’s “Fast Forward strategy” explicitly aims to encourage young viewers to consume more content via streaming platforms rather than relying solely on linear television.
This shift reflects genuine changes in how people watch television. According to Channel 4’s 2024 annual report, the broadcaster reached record levels of online viewing, with 1.8 billion programme views initiated through streaming platforms, representing a 13% increase from the previous year. For viewers aged 16 to 34, Channel 4’s digital channels collectively achieved their highest audience share since 2018 at 4.3%.
Impact on Regular UK Viewers
For viewers accustomed to settling down at 6:30 pm for their daily Simpsons fix, this transition necessitates adjusting viewing habits. Those without Disney+ subscriptions must now either switch to E4 for older seasons or subscribe to access the latest episodes. Those who prefer watching shows on their own schedule can access recent episodes through Channel 4’s streaming platform after their initial broadcast window.
Reactions from UK audiences have been mixed. Some viewers expressed nostalgia for the show’s long tenure on Channel 4’s main channel, with one fan commenting that watching The Simpsons at 6 pm became a cherished routine repeated across decades. Others recognised the practical reality that fewer people now watch television at fixed times, making E4 and streaming services genuinely more suitable homes for the show.
The Voice of Change: Pamela Hayden’s Departure
The Simpsons’ channel move occurred during a period of significant change for the show itself. Shortly before the announcement, Pamela Hayden, who provided the voice for Milhouse Van Houten and numerous other characters for 35 years, announced her retirement from the series. Hayden’s departure, having appeared in nearly 700 episodes, represents the end of an era for the show’s voice acting contingent.
Hayden described her decision as bittersweet, noting that hanging up her microphone represented a difficult choice after spending decades bringing characters to life. Her final episode aired in the United States shortly before the UK channel move was announced, adding another layer of transition to The Simpsons universe at this particular moment.
Looking Forward: What This Means for Fans
Despite the changes, The Simpsons will not disappear from UK television. Instead, accessing the show now requires engagement with a more fragmented media landscape than previously existed. Viewers will need to decide which streaming services suit their needs and whether watching through E4 remains their preferred option.
For casual viewers, Channel 4’s streaming platform offers free, ad-supported access to newer episodes after their initial broadcast windows expire. For dedicated fans wanting simultaneous access with American viewers and continuous 24-hour streaming options, Disney+ subscriptions remain the most comprehensive solution.
The move also opens opportunities for Channel 4 to experiment with how The Simpsons fits into E4’s broader programming schedule, potentially offering themed marathons or special events that might not have been possible during the show’s traditional weeknight slot.
The Bigger Picture: Streaming Services Reshape Television
The Simpsons’ transition reflects a broader transformation affecting all UK television. As streaming services accumulate content rights and production budgets rival traditional broadcasters, linear television must evolve or risk irrelevance. Channel 4’s decision to move The Simpsons reflects not weakness but rather pragmatism about how audiences actually consume entertainment in 2025.
This arrangement also demonstrates the complex negotiations that now characterise distribution rights in the entertainment industry. Disney, as both the production company and streaming service owner, has genuine incentives to prioritise Disney+ availability whilst maintaining terrestrial television presence to ensure broader audience reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch The Simpsons in the UK from January 2025 onwards?
The Simpsons airs on E4 starting January 2025 with Season 32. New seasons premiere exclusively on Disney+ before airing on E4. Episodes are also available on Channel 4’s streaming platform for limited periods. Disney+ holds exclusive rights to all seasons 1-35.
Do I need a Disney+ subscription to watch The Simpsons?
Not necessarily. E4 viewers can watch Seasons 32 and onwards without a subscription through traditional television broadcasting. However, Disney+ subscriptions provide access to all classic episodes (seasons 1-35), new seasons as they debut, and a continuous 24-hour Simpsons stream.
Will The Simpsons disappear from linear television?
No, The Simpsons will continue broadcasting on E4, though not during the traditional 6:30 pm Channel 4 slot where it aired for 20 years. Channel 4’s streaming platform also offers episodes after their initial availability windows.
Why is The Simpsons moving from Channel 4 to E4?
Channel 4 is embracing changing television viewing habits, particularly among younger audiences who prefer streaming and youth-oriented channels. E4 has experienced significant audience growth, making it a strategic choice for reaching younger demographics.
When will Season 36 arrive in the UK?
Season 36 premiered exclusively on Disney+ in spring 2025, with episodes released weekly. These episodes will later air on E4 before becoming available on Channel 4’s streaming platform for limited periods.
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