Fox Says Can’t Afford More ‘Simpsons’ Without Cuts

Fox says it can no longer afford to produce “The Simpsons” without a huge pay cut for its cast. Fox issued a statement after a report by the Daily Beast said the network had threatened to end the series unless the voice actors take a 45% pay cut. “We believe this brilliant series can and should continue, but we cannot produce future seasons under its current financial model,” Fox said. “We are hopeful that we can reach an agreement with the voice cast that allows ‘The Simpsons’ to go on entertaining audiences with original episodes for many years to come.” “The Simpsons,” currently in its 23rd season, is the longest-running comedy series on television. The Daily Beast said the principal voice cast members were having difficulty renegotiating contracts that currently see them earning around $8 million each per season. An insider said the cast had tried unsuccessfully to negotiate a 30% pay cut in return for a portion of the show’s profits.