The Simpsons is set to become a major casualty of the writers' strike because not enough episodes have been completed to last the current season.

As each episode of the show takes so long to make, bosses haven't been able to create a backlog to see them through the Writers' Guild of America's industrial action, which has crippled the Hollywood movie and TV industry.

Actress Yeardley Smith, who provides the voice for Bart Simpson, reveals, "We don't usually have as many shows ahead as other animated series. We have about 10 episodes in the pipeline, in various stages of completion.

"The question is whether any of them will be ready in time to air before the season ends in May."

But Smith is convinced this season is one of the long-running show's best, adding: "(They are) really strong. Journalists were writing for a while that The Simpsons seemed to have lost its sass. I think in the last couple of seasons, we've gone back to what makes it so strong - the 'take no prisoners' attitude, the depth of character."

how many episodes are there in the can for The Simpsons

I doubt it'll hit this show hard at all. It's been for how long, 18 seasons? Just because there aren't any original episodes now doesn't mean viewers are going to tune away. They'll just flock back when new episodes are ready to air. It's been on the air for 18 years, and it's still one of the most popular shows on television.

It will be interesting to see, how the people who have sworn allegiance to the WGA, will feel as time goes on.

I don't think the Sipmspns have anything to worry about. They're not the only show that will have a shortened season.

I feel sorry for the new shows that were trying to build an audience. Will the viewers come back when the strike is settled, or will the Networks cut thier losses and axe the shows that weren't big hits?

It seems that The Simpsons may have got their Achilles' Heel.

I don't think the Sipmspns have anything to worry about. They're not the only show that will have a shortened season.

I feel sorry for the new shows that were trying to build an audience. Will the viewers come back when the strike is settled, or will the Networks cut thier losses and axe the shows that weren't big hits?
The new shows are the ones in the most danger. The old shows already have a built in audience.

I guess it turns out season 19 wasn't in trouble after all. They still had 20 episodes available when it was all set and done.