For decades, The Simpsons has been a staple of American television, much like Jeopardy! or various The Walking Dead spinoffs. Yet, despite its iconic status, even The Simpsons won’t continue indefinitely. With the recent release of a “series finale” episode at the beginning of Season 36, speculation is mounting about what a true The Simpsons finale might entail.
Matt Selman, the showrunner and executive producer, recently shed light on what could bring this beloved animated series to its ultimate conclusion.
Season 36 Premiere Fuels Speculation
On September 29, The Simpsons premiered Season 36 with an episode labeled as a “series finale,” an experimental approach that caught viewers by surprise. This unusual move prompted many to ponder whether the end of the series could be approaching sooner than expected.
While the episode was not meant to officially close out the series, it has certainly sparked conversations about what a final episode might look like.
Speaking to People on October 14, Selman discussed the possibility of ending The Simpsons permanently. He suggested that there are two primary scenarios for how the series might conclude: a natural conclusion as the show ages or an unforeseen tragedy, such as the loss of a key cast member.
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"That I’m in super denial about," Selman admitted, referring to the latter scenario, as mentioned in a report by TV Insider.
"I don’t think about it, so I’m just going to not think about that." Nevertheless, the reality of a potential The Simpsons finale looms over the show.
Impact of the Voice Cast on the Show's Future
A significant factor in any discussion about The Simpsons ending revolves around its voice cast. Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, and Harry Shearer have voiced the central characters since the show’s debut in 1989.
Given their deep connection to their roles, any change to these voices could significantly impact the show's continuity. Fans have shown resistance to past voice changes, and replacing a key voice actor could be too drastic a shift for the show to endure.
Selman’s Vision for a Low-Key Finale
As someone who has been with The Simpsons for 27 seasons, Matt Selman has given thought to how he would end the series if it were up to him. Instead of a grand farewell or an episode filled with references and nods to the audience, he envisions something much simpler—a regular episode.
“I just hope it’s just a regular episode with no Winky Winky stuff at all,” Selman shared, emphasizing his desire for a story that embodies the essence of the show.
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Selman imagines a The Simpsons finale as a classic, heartwarming family story, much like the episodes that have defined the show for over three decades. His approach would focus on humor and the dynamics of the Simpson family, without the need to tie up every loose end or deliver an extravagant conclusion. He sees it as a way to maintain the spirit of the show, leaving the characters in their timeless world of Springfield.
Reflecting on Season 36’s “Series Finale” Episode
Selman also referred to the recent “series finale” episode that launched Season 36, noting that it satisfied the need for a special send-off, albeit in an experimental way. “We did that. We just did that. We covered it. Check that off the list,” he remarked. For him, such an episode proved that the show doesn’t necessarily need a flashy finale to close out its long run.
FAQs
Did The Simpsons end?
On January 26, 2023, the series was renewed for its 35th and 36th seasons, ensuring its continuation through the 2024–25 television season.
Do people still watch The Simpsons?
While "The Simpsons" has frequently faced criticism for its controversial content and the perpetuation of negative stereotypes, the show continues to air and retains its popularity.
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