Composer claims Simpsons set to end

The Simpsons began as a series of shorts on The Tracey Ullman Show in 1987

US broadcasting giant Fox may finally be axing The Simpsons after a 30-year run, according to the composer of the classic cartoon’s theme tune.

Now in its 31st season, The Simpsons may be in its final year, Danny Elfman told website Joe.ie.

“From what I’ve heard, it is coming to an end. I don’t know for a fact, but I’ve heard that it will be in its last year,” Elfman said.

“All I can say is that I’m so flabbergasted and amazed that it has lasted as long as it did. You have to realise, when I scored The Simpsons, I wrote this crazy piece of music and I expected no-one would hear it, because I really did not think the show had a chance in hell.

“Really, I expected it would run for three episodes and get cancelled, and that would be that, because it was so weird at the time, and I just didn’t think it had a chance. So believe me, that is one of the truly big surprises in my life.”

Created by Matt Groening, The Simpsons first appeared as a full series in 1989. The animated sitcom has enjoyed huge success over the years, but in more recent times has faced criticism that it is past its prime.