Fox to add late-night animated shows as ‘Simpsons’ turns 23

News Corp.’s Fox Broadcasting Co. is creating a late-night animation lineup to bolster its cartoon programming anchored by “The Simpsons,” which first aired in 1989.

The animation block will air at 11 p.m. Saturdays starting in January 2013, Kevin Reilly, president of Fox Entertainment said today at a TV critics conference in Pasadena, California. Fox also will offer animated series for viewing on computers, mobile devices and video-game consoles.

Fox is programming more animated shows after reaching an agreement in October with the voice cast of “The Simpsons” to air the show through its 25th season. Fox’s Sunday night animation line-up, which also includes “Family Guy,” has been a constant ratings winner for the network, Reilly said.

“This is a way to seed more animation,” Reilly told reporters at the conference. “We’re looking for the next generation.”

Viewership of “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy” remain strong even though reruns of the programs frequently air in syndication, Reilly said. Reilly declined to comment whether “The Simpsons” will continue beyond its 25th season.

“Animation is incredibly resilient,” Reilly said.

Nick Weidenfeld, formerly head of program development at Adult Swim, will oversee the Fox division responsible for developing and producing the animated shows, the network said today in a statement. Hend Baghdady will be in charge of production for the division.

Reilly said the Saturday night block of programming will consist of 22-minute and 11-minute episodes. The online animation programming will carry mostly 11-minute segments, he said.