We all need to just accept the fact that The Simpsons will never, ever end. No, it’s not as good as it used to be, but obviously it’s bringing in the viewers Stateside or from the young’uns or something.

Fox announced today that the animated series has been renewed for two more seasons, meaning it has broken the record for the most episodes of any U.S. prime-time scripted TV show.

Its 669 episodes now outnumber the 635 episodes made by the series Gunsmoke, the previous record holder. The series will have all six main voice actors aboard for the coming seasons.

The Simpsons is already the longest-running scripted series in history (Gunsmoke produced more episodes per season so it didn't beat that record) and recently celebrated its 600th episode with its annual Halloween instalment, Treehouse of Horror.

In a joint statement, Dana Walden and Gary Newman, Chairmen and CEOs, Fox Television Group said: ‘This is yet another record-setting moment for what is truly a landmark series. The Simpsons has meant so much to the network, the studio and everyone at Fox, and its continued cultural impact around the globe is a testament to the combined brilliance of Matt [Groening], Jim [Brooks] and Al [Jean].

‘Congratulations to everyone who works on this groundbreaking series – from the voice cast and producers to the writers and production team – you comprise one of the greatest collections of creative talent in the history of the medium. And to the millions of Simpsons fans around the world, thank you for watching all these years. We’re happy to tell you there’s lots more to come.’

That’s all well and good, but at the same time…