'The Simpsons' to air first one-hour episode; poor Mr. Burns

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) - "The Simpsons" is doubling down with an hour-long episode in January.

It will be the first time the half-hour animated series has expanded to a full hour, Fox said Monday.

Al Jean, executive producer of the series that revels in daring humor, included a political shot in announcing the episode.

"I just pray it won't be the last thing people see before a Trump inauguration," Jean said in a statement.

Taraji P. Henson, who plays Cookie on Fox's "Empire," and Keegan-Michael Key will guest star. Henson voices Praline, the former wife of a music mogul who has conned Mr. Burns into bankruptcy. Key voices a rapper, Jazzy James, who joins with Praline, Homer and Bart to help Mr. Burns seek revenge.

The airdate for the episode, titled "The Great Phatsby," a play on the classic "The Great Gatsby," was not announced. "The Simpsons" begins its 28th season on Sept. 25, and will reach its 600-episode milestone Oct. 16.