Simpsons Creator Celebrates 800 Episodes, Series Continues Indefinitely
The iconic animated series “The Simpsons” has officially reached a significant milestone with its 800th episode. This noteworthy achievement was celebrated with the airing of Season 37, Episode 14 titled “Irrational Treasure.” The beloved show, which began as a segment on “The Tracey Ullman Show” in December 1989, has become a staple in television history.
Enduring Legacy of The Simpsons
Showrunner Matt Selman emphasized that “The Simpsons” is not set to end anytime soon. In a recent interview, he mentioned a parody episode designed to spoof the idea of a series finale. This unique approach indicates that the show will continue its tradition of entertaining audiences without a conventional conclusion.
Nature of The Show
Selman described the show’s format as akin to “Groundhog Day,” where characters reset weekly without experiencing permanent change. He noted that if the series were ever to conclude, it would likely be a typical episode rather than an emotional farewell.
Creative Vision of the Showrunner
Soon after joining the crew in 1997, Selman penned the episode “Natural Born Kissers” and rose through the ranks to become the sole showrunner by 2024. With six Emmy Awards under his belt, he believes in maintaining the show’s distinctiveness and originality across episodes.
- Season 37, Episode 14: “Irrational Treasure”
- Debut: December 1989 as part of “The Tracey Ullman Show”
- Selman’s Journey: Joined in 1997, became executive producer in 2005, co-showrunner in 2021
- Emmy Wins: Six awards during his tenure
Study of Humanity and Humor
The show’s predictive capability has often surprised viewers. However, Selman clarified that predictions are not intentional. The narratives arise from observing human behavior and culture, leading to relatable and humorous scenarios.
Character Development and Continuity
Across 800 episodes, character arcs in “The Simpsons” have shifted while remaining flexible. Key traits, such as Lisa’s vegetarianism and Patty’s sexual orientation, remain consistent. Still, many plot developments are transient, contributing to the comedy’s fluidity.
The series continues to air weekly on Fox, supplemented by streaming availability on platforms like Hulu and Disney+. Fans can expect more engaging stories featuring the Simpson family well into the future.
