‘The Simpsons’ Creators Reflect on 800 Episodes and Future Plans
As “The Simpsons” celebrates its remarkable 800 episodes, the creators reflect on how the animated series transformed from crude shorts into a cultural phenomenon. This milestone comes as the show enters its 37th season, showcasing a legacy few series have achieved.
The Enduring Legacy of “The Simpsons”
Executive producer Al Jean expressed gratitude for the show’s lack of a big overarching narrative. He believes this choice contributed to its longevity, with characters remaining unchanged after each episode. Current showrunner Matt Selman acknowledges the complexities of having characters that do not age, questioning whether they retain memories of past events.
Creators Share Insights
Matt Groening, the show’s creator, sees the achievement of nearly four decades of production as a double-edged sword, focusing on the pursuit of artistic perfection. Meanwhile, episode 800, titled “Irrational Treasure,” aired on Fox, marking a significant milestone in the series’ history.
- Executive Producer: Al Jean
- Current Showrunner: Matt Selman
- Creator: Matt Groening
- Episode 800: “Irrational Treasure”
Nancy Cartwright, who voices Bart Simpson, reflects on her journey since auditioning for the role in 1987, highlighting her passionate connection with the character. Despite the decades that have passed, she notes that many fans still do not realize that a woman voices Bart.
Cultural Impact and Controversies
The show gained notoriety early on, facing criticism for its content, particularly Bart Simpson’s rebellious nature. Groening recalls how the backlash fueled popularity, helping to establish the show as a staple in American culture. He emphasized that the decision to target adults instead of children was a pivotal moment for its creativity.
As the internet emerged, the series adapted, with character responses reflecting critiques from its audience. The character “Comic Book Guy” was inspired by those who labeled new episodes as the “worst ever.”
Famous Guest Stars and Predictions
Over the years, “The Simpsons” has featured many guest stars, including Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga. Groening recalls how he initially mistook Jackson’s call as a prank when booking his iconic appearance.
The show’s alleged ability to predict future events has also become a topic of intrigue, such as the portrayal of Lisa becoming president after “President Trump.” Al Jean explained that these predictions are coincidental, while Selman noted that modern advances like AI have diluted the authenticity of such predictions.
Future of the Series
Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox has allowed “The Simpsons” to reach new audiences through Disney+. Selman highlighted this exposure as beneficial for the show’s future, especially with younger viewers embracing it.
As the series heads toward Season 40, there are no signs of slowing down. Jean affirmed that they plan to continue creating episodes, emphasizing the profound connections fans have made with the show over the years. Groening shared that many ideas for future stories remain unwritten, keeping the show’s potential limitless.
In conclusion, “The Simpsons” stands as a testament to enduring creativity, cultural significance, and the ability to connect with audiences across generations. The commitment to innovation ensures its presence in pop culture for many years to come.
