The Simpsons Showrunner Al Jean Comments on Harry Shearers Return

On Tuesday, fans of The Simpsons breathed a sigh of relief when it was announced that voice actor Harry Shearer had agreed to return to the long-running show.

In May, Shearer announced that he was leaving the show because he wanted "freedom to do other work" as he had been allowed to in the past.

Current showrunner and executive producer Al Jean has now weighed in on the issue of "freedom." "I would like to clear up a misunderstanding," Jean tweeted. "I have recently been told that during a period where Harry Shearer believed he had a five-week free period from The Simpsons, I was unaware of this fact and did in fact request material from him. If so, my bad. I am truly glad he is returning to the show."

The Emmy Award-winning actor provides the voice for numerous characters on the show, like Principal Skinner, Kent Brockman, Mr. Burns, Waylon Smithers, Ned Flanders, Reverend Lovejoy, Dr. Hibbert, Lenny Leonard, Otto Mann, Rainier Wolfcastle, and Dr. Marvin Monroe.

The Simpsons 27th season premieres on September 27.