Simpsons reach 500th episode

Asked how The Simpsons, an animated comedy about a dysfunctional American family, has survived for 500 episodes and become a phenomenon around the world, executive producer Al Jean was blunt.

“Well, part of it I think is the world hates America, so we’ve really cashed in on that,” Jean said.

Hatred aside, The Simpsons will air its 500th episode Sunday, Feb. 19 on Fox and Global. In the episode, titled At Long Last Leave, the Simpson family is forced to leave its Springfield home and live “off the grid.”

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange makes a brief cameo appearance, voicing his own character. He recorded his bit by phone, according to Jean.

So how long can The Simpsons keep going?

“I’ve jokingly said, ‘Why not 1,000 (episodes)? Why not 2,000?’ ” Jean said. — Bill Harris, QMI Agency