‘The Simpsons’ to air first one-hour episode; poor Mr. Burns
Posted August 8, 2016 12:29 pm.
Last Updated August 8, 2016 1:20 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – “The Simpsons” is doubling down with an hour-long episode in January.
It will be the first time the half-hour animated series has expanded to a full hour, Fox said Monday.
Al Jean, executive producer of the series that revels in daring humour, included a political shot in announcing the episode.
“I just pray it won’t be the last thing people see before a Trump inauguration,” Jean said in a statement.
Taraji P. Henson, who plays Cookie on Fox’s “Empire,” and Keegan-Michael Key will guest star. Henson voices Praline, the former wife of a music mogul who has conned Mr. Burns into bankruptcy. Key voices a rapper, Jazzy James, who joins with Praline, Homer and Bart to help Mr. Burns seek revenge.
The airdate for the episode, titled “The Great Phatsby,” a play on the classic “The Great Gatsby,” was not announced. “The Simpsons” begins its 28th season on Sept. 25, and will reach its 600-episode milestone Oct. 16.