There were recent concerns that FOX would not be renewing the “longest running scripted series on television” The Simpsons due to an impasse in negotiations with principal cast members. Rest assured that the network’s flagship program will now remain on the air for another two seasons, bringing the total number of episodes to 559. There is no word yet on just what concessions were made on either side of the bargaining table or if the 25^th season will indeed be the last.

The 23^rd season of The Simpsons features an historic 500^th episode in February 2012 and will return to FOX on Sunday, October 30^th at 8pm EST with the Halloween-themed “Treehouse of Horrors XXII.” Hit the jump for the full press release.

From FOX:

FOX ORDERS DOUBLE D’OHS OF “THE SIMPSONS” Longest Running Scripted Series on Television is Renewed Through Season 25

FOX has renewed THE SIMPSONS, the longest-running comedy in television history, for an incredible 24^th and 25^th season, bringing the series total to an astonishing 559 episodes. THE SIMPSONS airs Sundays (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

In the words of Homer Simpson, "Woo Hoo! I outlasted Andy Rooney!"

The longest-running scripted show in television history, THE SIMPSONS exploded into a cultural phenomenon in 1990 and has remained one of the most groundbreaking and innovative entertainment franchises, recognizable throughout the world. Matt Groening created the iconic family: Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie. In February 2012, THE SIMPSONS will celebrate its historic 500th episode. The series has won 27 Emmy Awards, been the subject of a hit feature film, created “Krustyland” and a revolutionary virtual coaster – The Simpsons Ride – at Universal Studios, received a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame, been honored with five U.S. postal stamps personally designed by Matt Groening, and named the “Best Show of the 20^th Century” by Time Magazine.

Following the MLB American League Championship Series and World Series games on FOX, THE SIMPSONS returns with all-new episodes beginning with “Treehouse of Horrors XXII,” on Sunday, Oct. 30 (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT). In the spooky opener, Homer takes a dangerous dive into an isolated canyon on Candy Peak, but when a crashing boulder traps his arm, he channels Aron Ralston (guest voicing as himself) to save himself. In “The Diving Bell and Butterball,” the first of three hair-raising Halloween tales, a venomous spider bite leaves Homer paralyzed, but when Lisa discovers Homer’s ability to communicate through natural gases, he is able to express his love for Marge. The killer spells continue in “Dial D for Diddly,” when Ned Flanders, devout preacher by day, transforms into a cold-blooded vigilante by night. In the final terrifying tale, “In the Na’Vi,” Bart and Milhouse are assigned on a mission to access a sacred extract on a distant planet. They morph into the land’s indigenous one-eyed avatars, but when Bart finds love and an eternal mate abroad, he is caught in planet warfare.

THE SIMPSONS is a Gracie Films Production in association with 20^th Century Fox Television. James L. Brooks, Matt Groening and Al Jean are the executive producers. Film Roman, a Starz Media Company, is the animation house.

Visit THE SIMPSONS website at www.TheSimpsons.com. Become a fan of the series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesimpsons and follow the series on Twitter @TheSimpsonsTV and Homer Simpson @HomerJSimpson.