The Sun: The Simpsons leaving Channel 4 after 20 years in shock move

Story from The Sun:

The Simpsons will be leaving Channel 4 after a whopping 20 years with the broadcaster.

In a sudden move, the long-running animates series will cease airing in its traditional teatime slot.

Fans of the programme have tuned in at 6:30pm for years to get their regular Simpsons fix - but this all comes to an end from January.

Brand new episodes will now stream first exclusively on Disney+.

However, terrestrial television will still get some Simpsons episodes, albeit a few series behind.

In January, E4 will become the only home of the show on linear TV with episodes from season 32 airing on the channel.

These episodes will then be made available to stream on Channel 4's online platform for a very limited time shortly after airing before being ultimately retained exclusively by Disney+.

Disney+ will begin airing episodes from season 36 in the spring time - at the same time as in the US.

Every episode of the show is streaming now on Disney+ along with the hit 2007 film The Simpsons Movie.

Polly Scates, the Head of Acquisitions at Channel 4 said: “The Simpsons and Channel 4 have a historic relationship, and I’m delighted that we will continue to bring this much loved and iconic series to our audience.

"In an evolving market, collaboration has never felt more important, and it’s been a pleasure working with Disney Entertainment to bring the latest seasons to UK viewers, who can now watch the show on E4 and C4 Streaming once it has aired on Disney +.”

Channel 4 unveiled the news on The Simpsons' 35th birthday.

The show made its debut on 17 December 1989 with the iconic opening Christmas episode - Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire.