Fox Television has signed a landmark deal which will bring Matt Groening’s iconic animated series The Simpsons to China (officially) for the first time ever. Online video service Sohu Video inked a multi-year deal to bring the longest running animated series ever to viewers across China, subtitled in Mandarin. The country joins the list of over 180 territories where the show has been licensed. The deal includes the Chinese premiere of season 26, which kicks off in the U.S. on September 28.
“The Simpsons is a unique television property, which has the ability to transcend worldwide cultural boundaries and has the capability to easily translate into any language,” said Mark Kaner, President of Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution. He added, “We are excited to expand our existing and long standing partnership with Sohu to allow audiences in China to watch one of the greatest TV shows ever made.”
Al Jean, executive producer of The Simpsons added, “Woo hoo! Now we can reveal Springfield is actually in Guangdong province.”
