FOX Announces THE SIMPSONS Couch Gag Contest

In celebration of the 24th season of THE SIMPSONS, FOX is giving fans of the animated series the opportunity to submit their written ideas for the iconic "couch gag" that appears during the opening credits of THE SIMPSONS. One lucky contest winner will have his or her submission brought to life in the season finale episode airing in May of 2013.

Announced last night during the season premiere, fans can submit a description of their couch gag ideas to thesimpsons.com/couchgag by Thursday, Nov. 15 at 11:59 PM (ET).

Said Homer Simpson, "We are looking for a brilliant, original way to get my butt on a davenport." To watch/share a clip of the contest announcement, click here: http://bit.ly/V7bHCy.

As chosen by THE SIMPSONS producers, up to three finalists' submissions will be announced in January 2013, and an illustration of each submission will be posted to thesimpsons.com/couchgag. Fans then will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite finalist. The fan-favorite submission will be animated by THE SIMPSONS animation house Film Roman and debut during the season finale episode in May 2013.

The winner, in addition to having his or her couch gag featured in the season finale episode, will receive a four-day/three-night trip for two to Los Angeles to visit THE SIMPSONS animation studio Film Roman, a coveted seat at a script read with THE SIMPSONS CAST AND CREW, a one-of-a-kind illustration from his/her winning couch gag plus a special prize pack.

There is NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. The submission period began Sept. 30, 2012 and ends Nov. 15, 2012 at 11:59 pm ET. Open to U.S. residents 18+ in compliance with the rules. For additional info on eligibility, submission requirements, judging and complete Official Rules, visit thesimpsons.com/couchgag. Void in AK, HI and where prohibited. Sponsored by Fox Broadcasting Company.

Tune in next Sunday, Oct. 7 (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT) for THE SIMPSONS' 23rd annual "Treehouse of Horror." In the opening segment of yet another Halloween-themed classic, THE SIMPSONS goes back to ancient times when a Mayan Homer and Marge are witnesses to the prediction by ancient calendar makers that 2012 will be the end of the world. In "The Greatest Story Ever Holed," the first of three spine-chilling stories, the Springfield Subatomic Supercollider creates a black hole that terrorizes the city, sucking up everything in its path. Then, in "UNnormal Activity" the Simpsons install cameras all over the house when things start to go bump in the night, and Marge discovers it may have to do with an unholy pact she made some years prior. In the final thrilling tale, "Bart & Homer's Excellent Adventure," Bart time-travels back to 1974 to buy a comic book at cover price, but inadvertently disrupts Homer and Marge's courtship and becomes the son of Marge and Artie Ziff (guest voice Jon Lovitz) in present-day Springfield.

THE SIMPSONS is a Gracie Films Production in association with 20th Century Fox Television. James L. Brooks, Matt Groening and Al Jean are the executive producers. Film Roman, a Starz Media Company, is the animation house.Visit THE SIMPSONS website at www.thesimpsons.com and "like" the series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheSimpsons. Follow Homer Simpson @HomerJSimpson and join the conversation at #thesimpsons. Shop THE SIMPSONS at www.TheSimpsonsShop.com.