Despite Fox announcing last week the traditional Sunday night opening timeslot was saved for staple THE SIMPSONS, the cast has yet to sign on for a 20th season, according to VARIETY.
This means the season could be in jeopardy. Sources close to both the actors and 20th Century Fox are optimistic the new deal is near, production on the next season has been on hold for months, likely meaning a 20 episode season, not 22.
If a deal isn't reached soon, that number could drop. Pacts are already signed with THE SIMPSONS writers and producer Gracie Films. One optimistic insider told VARIETY it all could be resolved this week.
Key SIMPSONS cast members -- Dan Castellaneta (Homer), Julie Kavner (Marge), Nancy Cartwright (Bart), Yeardley Smith (Lisa), Hank Azaria (Moe) and Harry Shearer (Mr. Burns) -- reportedly make around $360,000 an episode. A new deal could increase that to $500,000 plus bonuses. That figure is more in keeping with many live-action sitcom stars (with the exception of big leads like TWO AND A HALF MEN's Charlie Sheen).
The already-increased salaries could be why there doesn't appear to be the kind of angst that has characterized past negotiations, like in 1998 and 2004.
Production was halted in 2004 when cast members didn't show up for two table reads. They were looking to increase their salaries from $125,000 an episode. In 1998, the actors (then making $30,000 an ep) asked for a big raise, and Fox went as far as hiring casting directors in five cities to find potential replacements. "Unlike the last negotiations, there hasn't been a lot of anger or frustration," one insider said to VARIETY.
This time around, insiders say the talent is looking for a "healthy bump," given the show's treasure chest appeal for News Corps. The voice actors have traditionally argued they ask for a relatively small piece of the SIMPSONS pie given its global worth of several billion dollars. With syndication, international, licensing, merchandising and other moneymakers, THE SIMPSONS has been invaluable to the media conglomerate.
But fewer fireworks this time around could also mean the mutual acknowledgement that THE SIMPSONS hasn't been immune to broadcast TV's viewership decline. However, the talent will likely get their pay increase even as the show becomes less of a cash cow, with whatever gains the talent ultimately secure tempered by the fact that fewer episodes are produced.
