The Simpsons, with more than 60 million worldwide weekly viewers and nearing a record 300 episodes, remains an anchor of Fox's Sunday night schedule. The Simpsons Trading Card Game (TCG) will be released in a series of four Theme Decks ($7.99 each) based on characters from the show, including Homer, Bart, Lisa, Mr. Burns and others. Each Theme Deck will contain 40 cards. Also available will be 11-card Booster Packs ($2.99 each).

The Simpsons TCG, designed for 2 to 6 players, will feature 156 cards in total and will be available at retail stores nationwide in late 2002. Each player must have his or her own deck to play.

"We are excited to be working with the top developer of trading card games," said Peter Byrne, executive vice-president for Fox Licensing and Merchandising. "Wizards of the Coast is creating a game that allows fans to play and interact with their favorite Simpsons characters in a unique new way."

"The Simpsons enjoys a tremendous and enthusiastic fan base," said Chuck Huebner, CEO of Wizards of the Coast. "Our trading card game will bring the Simpsons family and Springfield residents to life, immortalizing everything that fans love about the show: the characters, the script and the fun twisted plot lines."

Voted the best show of the 20th Century by Time magazine, The Simpsons exploded into a cultural phenomenon in 1990. Currently in production on a 14th season, The Simpsons will celebrate their 300th episode in February 2003.

News included here is culled from various sources, including official company press releases and Web sites.