Shocking ‘series finale’ has Simpsons fans asking if this is the end!
Fans of The Simpsons were left stunned after tuning in to what was billed as the ‘series finale’ of the beloved show.
The episode, titled Bart’s Birthday, aired on September 29, and kicked off what many believed would be a final farewell to America’s most famous cartoon family.
Conan O’Brien, a former writer for the show, opened the episode, addressing fans by saying, “It’s such an honour to be with you all for the series finale of The Simpsons.”
With that, the episode kicked off, sending shockwaves through the fanbase.
But was this really the end for the Springfield crew, or just an elaborate trick?
The impact of ‘The Simpsons’ on TV history exposed.
The Simpsons has been a household staple since 1989, making it one of the longest-running TV shows in history.
The animated sitcom, created by Matt Groening, follows the lives of the Simpson family in the fictional town of Springfield.
Over the years, the show has gained a cult-like following with its sharp satire of American culture, celebrity cameos, and shocking ability to ‘predict the future.’
With a whopping 36 seasons under its belt, the idea that it could all end with a simple birthday episode seemed almost unbelievable.
However, for those who tuned in to Season 36’s premiere, the signs were clear. This could be it.
Simpsons’ “finale” explained.
The episode featured a mix of iconic TV show endings, including tributes to Breaking Bad, The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, and Succession.
It was both a love letter to television finales and a masterclass in The Simpsons’ signature satire.
As viewers watched, the episode looked set to do something never done before: age up a character.
Bart, forever 10 years old, was about to turn 11 for the first time in the show’s 35-year history.
But just as Bart was about to blow out his birthday candles, he hesitated—resetting the entire episode’s timeline.
How Bart’s birthday almost ended The Simpsons detailed.
The moment Bart refused to age, fans collectively breathed a sigh of relief.
It was clear that this so-called “finale” was far from the end.
So, why play this elaborate prank on viewers? The episode’s twist was addressed by showrunner Matt Selman.
Selman explained that the entire episode was designed to poke fun at the current state of entertainment.
In particular, the episode took a jab at the unimaginative nature of artificial intelligence by recreating predictable “finale” tropes using AI.
How ‘The Simpsons’ pokes fun at AI.
“AI is good at regurgitating, but not at being imaginative,” Selman explained in an interview with Vulture.
The episode featured classic characters like Principal Skinner quitting his job and Mr. Burns dying, all predictable moves created by AI.
But the joke wasn’t lost on fans, who quickly caught on to the satire.
“The Simpsons pulling off a fake series finale with an AI twist is a perfect example of how they’ve mastered staying relevant,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Another fan added, “It’s hilarious they had fans fooled, but it’s clear the show isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.”
Showrunner reveals future plans.
Selman revealed that the episode was also a commentary on the difficulty of creating a “finale” for a show that’s designed to go on forever.
Unlike many shows, The Simpsons doesn’t rely on a rigid canon or tight continuity, allowing it to reinvent itself year after year.
“It can go on forever because it doesn’t have a hard canon,” Selman added, hinting that the show may continue indefinitely.
For fans who’ve grown up with the Simpsons family, the thought of it ending is both unthinkable and a constant question.
But after this fake-out finale, it seems clear: Springfield is not closing its doors anytime soon.
Fans relieved as show stays on air.
Despite the panic, the episode’s clever AI twist and Bart’s refusal to grow up gave fans the ending they needed—one that promised more to come.
After all, for a show that’s thrived for over three decades, the finale is nowhere in sight. For now, the Simpsons will live to satirize another day.