Fans can usually come to expect at least one of two things from any long-running program:

1. A constantly-changing list of cast members. (You can refer to the Law & Order franchise for examples.)
2. Periodic contract negotiations.

So it should come as no surprise that America’s longest-running sitcom is once again dealing with matters of the financial kind.

Although production on The Simpsons should have begun months ago, an agreement with the show’s voice talent has not yet been reached. This delay could eventually mean a shortened run for the program next fall. Fans were originally scheduled to get get 22 episodes of the comedy in 2008-09; now the FOX series will most likely celebrate its 20th season with only 20 originals.

Right now the lead actors of the animated program - Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Hank Azaria, Yeardley Smith, Nancy Cartwright and Harry Shearer - reportedly earn around $360,000 per episode. While this amount is definitely not something to scoff at, its a small chunk of the larger Simpsons pie. Sources say the key players are now seeking to up their take to approximately $500,000 a show.

If a deal is not reached soon, fans may see the number of original episodes dwindle even further. Fortunately, some do believe this matter can be resolved very soon.