Al Jean, the showrunner for the past two seasons, has signed a deal to remain for at least two more seasons. Thank God. While the show is still uneven, it has noticeably improved since the Mike Scully days.
Jean re-ups for 'Simpsons' helm Jan. 24, 2003
Al Jean, a longtime member of the "Simpsons" production clan, has inked a new overall deal with 20th Century Fox TV that will keep him at the helm of Fox's animated stalwart for at least two more seasons. Under the seven-figure pact, Jean will continue as an executive producer and showrunner of "The Simpsons" and also develop new projects for the studio. "Al is simply one of the very best, and we're sick and tired of how he gets overlooked because people have longer names," said James L. Brooks, who executive produces "The Simpsons" with creator Matt Groening and Jean. Jean has been a part of the "Simpsons" team as producer or consultant since the show's first season. After running the series early on with Mike Reiss, he took the reins of the show again in 2001.