| abstract | - The Simpsons holds several American television longevity records. It is the longest-running prime time animated series and longest-running sitcom in the United States. In May 2007, The Simpsons reached its 400th episode at the end of the eighteenth season. The year 2007 marked the twentieth anniversary of The Simpsons franchise. With its twenty-second season (2010–2011) currently airing, the series has surpassed Gunsmoke in seasons to claim the spot as the longest-running American prime-time scripted television series. However, Gunsmoke's episode count of 635 episodes far surpasses The Simpsons, which will not reach that mark until approximately its 29th season, under normal programming schedules. 2009 marked the 20th anniversary of the half-hour series. Episodes of The Simpsons have won dozens of awards, including 27 Emmy Awards (with ten for Outstanding Animated Program), 27 Annie Awards and a Peabody Award. Since its debut on December 17, 1989 the show has broadcast 473 episodes and the twenty-second season began airing on September 26, 2010. The Simpsons Movie, a feature-length film, was released in theaters worldwide on July 26 and July 27, 2007, and grossed US$526.2 million worldwide. Currently, the first thirteen seasons are available on DVD in Regions 1, 2 and 4 with the twentieth season released on both DVD and Blu-ray on January 12, 2010 in Region 1 and on January 20, 2010 in Region 4.
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