The Simpsons writer and executive producer Rob LaZebnik recently confirmed that the long-running animated sitcom is finally giving fans a Carl-centric episode.

LaZebnik confirmed that Season 34 will include an episode headlined by Carl Carlson (Alex Désert) during The Simpsons panel at D23 Expo 2022. He said that the episode will see Homer's buddy learning more about his biological family, and noted that the show's writers are very excited about it. LeZebnik added that the episode will also feature a guest appearance by PBS series Finding Your Roots and its host, Henry Louis Gates Jr.

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The Carl episode isn't the only The Simpsons Season 34 entry that has the show's creative team excited, either. Showrunner Al Jean recently raved about the season's two Halloween episodes, particularly the one that parodies It. "I think it'll please Stephen King fans, as well as fans of The Simpsons," Jean said. "I would say if there was a poll about what sort of scary things Simpsons fans wanted to see, it was Krusty as Pennywise. I really think it lives up to what you're hoping for, definitely follows the structure of the book -- the two-part structure, the past and present stories. It's great."

Is The Simpsons Series Finale on the Horizon?

Jean is also quick to dismiss persistent rumors that The Simpsons will end in the near future. In a previous interview, the showrunner joked that the animated sitcom could outlive him, and said that it had already surpassed his own generous estimates for how long it would last. He added that, because of this, he now believes The Simpsons could last forever. That said, Fox has yet to officially renew The Simpsons beyond Season 34, and the show's cast members are reportedly yet to have their contracts extended.

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This isn't cause for concern for Lisa Simpson voice actor Yeardley Smith, who has previously insisted there are no signs that The Simpsons is getting canceled. "We started recording Season 34 and it's the last of our two season pickups. We had a pickup for 33 and 34, but I feel like we would be given a pretty big heads-up for the last season because, at the very least, Disney who bought Fox, all but Fox News and Fox Sports, part of the reason they bought it was for The Simpsons. Also, if it was the last season, I think they would want to capitalize on that and make bazillions on advertising," Smith said.

The Simpsons Season 34 premieres on Fox on Sept. 25, 2022.

Source: D23