Q&A: 'Simpsons' producer Al Jean

After twenty years as a permanent fixture on television screens across the globe and the title of longest-running series in primetime US television history, The Simpsons is undoubtedly in a position to celebrate. One person revelling in the animated show's success is executive producer Al Jean, who has been working with Homer and co since 1989. Recently, we caught up with Al to discuss the history - and future - of everyone's favourite yellow family.

Can you tell us a bit about the upcoming episodes?
"Our next new episode is November 15 and it's a bit of a reference to our recent encounter with Playboy. Marge goes to a photoshoot for a charity calendar and the photographer gets her a little tipsy and she takes off a little more than she expects to. The next thing you know the calendar featuring Marge is all over town. Nelson goes 'haha!' to Bart - 'I've been ogling your mum!' Meanwhile Homer becomes an assistant to an executive at the nuclear plant and they go to Paris for the nuclear version of fashion week called Fission Week. The episode is called 'The Devil Wears Nada'."

In the Marge episode which came first - the story idea or Playboy?
"The episode idea came first because we work a year ahead. The Playboy thing was an independent offer from Playboy. We thought that to be smart we should have them come out around the same time so that's what we did. I think [Playboy] were looking for something that would get them a lot of attention - which it did. I helped write the data sheet so we wanted to make it typical Marge, where she says her turn-offs include muscular men who take care of themselves and have lots of hair."

After twenty years is it difficult to keep things fresh?
"The hardest thing in the process now is coming up with the idea. We don't want to repeat ourselves or do anything any other animated show is doing. Once we get the idea we have such a great staff that it's - I wouldn't say easy - but we know where to go from there. I would be lying if I said it wasn't a little harder than it was twenty years ago."

What do you think has been the reason for the show's longevity?
"I think there are three. The show as created by Jim, Matt and Sam Simon is a brilliant conception. No matter who you are there's a character you can connect with. It's relatable from the first second you see it. I think the fact that they don't age is key because if Bart was now thirty years old wearing short pants and playing pranks you'd feel this was pretty pathetic. We also work really hard - we care about it enormously and we never want it to feel like it's not treated like it's something people really love."

What are some of the other things which blow your mind about The Simpsons?
"The twenty years is insane and I got to not only write for the movie but go on a publicity tour where I saw how beloved it was all over the world. The craziest thing is that it's a cartoon show that's had as guest stars Tony Blair, Stephen Hawking and Thomas Pynchon - you didn't see those guys on The Flintstones!"

You have a lot of guest stars, but is it different when a genuine comedy icon comes in?
"Our secret is we ask people to be guest voices who we really want to meet. When the Smothers Brothers came in it was one of the most wonderful mornings of my career. They were hilarious, they were everything I hoped they would be from watching them on their show years ago. You treasure those moments. It's so magical - every guest star has been amazing. Elizabeth Taylor was amazing, we got to meet the Beatles - it's a dream life."

Can you tell us a bit more about the scavenger hunt?
"Next week in all the Fox shows including House and Bones there are various clues regarding The Simpsons. If you solve them all you win an opportunity to come to LA and go on The Simpsons ride, meet the cast, etc. The clues vary in difficulty. I think the one in House is pretty easy to get but some are very tricky. One even involves me - that's going to be the hardest for people to get I'm sure! If you pay attention you can solve it though. I think this is unprecedented in television, it's really amazing."

The Simpsons continues Sundays at 8pm on Fox in the US and Thursdays at 7.30pm on Sky1 in the UK.

How long do you think The Simpsons will run for? Are you excited about Marge's Playboy spread? Add your comments to this entry below!