The Simpsons Just Broke Another TV Record

The Simpsons continues to set records. Fox's hit animated show has now passed Gunsmoke for the most number of episodes for a prime time scripted TV series. Sunday's episode was the show's 636th, surpassing Gunsmoke, which had 635 episodes during its 20-year run.

Executive producer and showrunner Al Jean told the NY Post about the milestone, "We never dreamed we'd get this far."

Gunsmoke aired from 1955 to 1975, while The Simpsons has been on TV for almost 29 years now, having debuted in December 1989.

The Simpsons has generated some controversy of late regarding the character Apu and his portrayal on the show in the wake of a documentary that criticized the character. In response to this, Apu voice actor Hank Azaria has said he is willing to step aside.

The Simpsons is currently in its 29th season and has already been renewed for Season 30. When The Simpsons was renewed, Fox released a statement (via Variety) quoting Homer Simpson as saying, "Take that, Gunsmoke! You lost a race you didn't even know you were running!"