'The Simpsons' snatched up by cable network FXX

It was a battle between networks for who would claim the rights of the longest-running comedy in TV history, but FXX was able to take hold of The Simpsons.

The Hollywood Reporter confirms:

"As part of the pact -- said to be the biggest off-network deal ever -- FXX will become the cable destination for all seasons of 20th Century Fox TV's The Simpsons starting in August 2014. The deal covers 24 seasons -- a whopping 530 episodes -- as well as subsequent seasons not in first-run on Fox of the series from Gracie Films Productions and executive producers James L. Brooks, Matt Groening and Al Jean."

For the first time, The Simpsons will be aired on cable. When the show was sold into syndication during the early '90s there was some push-back about the show being on cable, but apparently FXX has managed to take hold of the iconic animated series.

When the 26^th season begins on Fox, FXX and FXNOW will get the subsequent seasons, including the 25^th season, starting in September 2014.

THR included:

"We believe we'll get both reach and frequency from The Simpsons," FX COO Chuck Saftler tells The Hollywod Reporter of the potential gains Simpsons repeats will bring his newly launched network. In fact, for FXX, which bowed in September, the deal comes as the comedy-heavy network with a focus on adults 18-34 continues to add programming. The Simpsons will join a roster of original programming that includes the fourth and final season of Wilfred as well as comedies It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and The League. (The network canceled little-watched late-night talk show Totally Biased With W. Kamau Bell earlier this week.) He added: 'Frequency tends to come from acquired series, where if you're a fan of that show, you'll come back multiple times. It's a way to create sampling for original programming to other programming we'll have on FXX. I couldn't think of a deeper, richer, broader way to create awareness, sampling and breadth for FXX.'"

20^th Century Fox TV Chairmen Dana Walden and Gary Newman pointed out their enthusiasm about the deal and why they were adamant about having the series: "The Simpsons long ago crossed over from 'brilliant award-winning comedy series' to 'full-fledged cultural phenomenon,' and this landmark deal is a testament to its enduring power and relevance."