Back in 1993, the producers of “The Simpsons” would have never realized their show would be going strong after 25 seasons — and that’s likely why they signed a 20-year binding exclusivity contract with Fox, so long as they were still making new episodes with the show. Therefore, for the past two decades, the show has been available only in first-run episodes or as reruns on local Fox affiliates (or on DVDs, too).

Now, Twentieth Television is getting ready to shop “The Simpsons” to cable networks for the first time ever within the next year, according to TV Guide, which speculates that this sudden change in policy could be due to The Simpsons finally ending in season 25. But rumor has it that Fox will simply create separate $1 billion-plus syndication deal that will allow it to give “The Simpsons” episodes to possible homes such as FX, Comedy Central, or USA, while still keeping new episodes and syndicated reruns on broadcast.

(via AV Club)