Current:Home > NewsIs 'The Simpsons' ending? Why the show aired its 'series finale' Sunday -VisionFunds
Is 'The Simpsons' ending? Why the show aired its 'series finale' Sunday
View
Date:2025-04-12 15:16:54
Is it the end of the road for "The Simpsons"?
Not quite: The hit animated series aired its "final episode" on Sunday night, but in actuality, it was a meta-way to start the Season 36 premiere.
Titled "Bart's Birthday" and presented as a "Fox special presentation," the episode kicked off with animated celebrities shown rolling into the "Dolby-Mucinex Theater" for the occasion, hosted by Conan O'Brien.
"It's such an honor to be with you all for the series finale of 'The Simpsons,'" O'Brien says to the onlooking crowd, flanked with animated versions of stars who have appeared on the series, including Seth Rogen and Mr. T. "I knew I was the right man for the job because I've hosted the last episode of three of my own shows, and counting."
We've got room on the couch! Sign up for USA TODAY's Watch Party newsletter for all TV & film news.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
He continued: "Well, it's true. Fox has decided to end the Simpsons."
O'Brien then continues the faux obituary for the legendary Fox sitcom.
"Not many people know this, but Fox has been trying to end it for years," O'Brien's character says. "When the very first episode aired in 1989, the viewers agreed on one thing: It wasn't as funny as it used to be. Fox executives, unaccustomed to criticism of any kind, immediately caved to public pressure and decided to end 'The Simpsons' in 1990."
'The Simpsons' writerreacts to viral 'prediction': Is Kamala Harris going to be president?
O'Brien's character aired clips from what he says were unaired series finale attempts before presenting the "final" episode, which was created using artificial intelligence and includes several dramatic attempts to wrap up the show's storyline, including Moe's shutting down and Mr. Burns dying.
A longtime 'Simpsons' characterwas killed off. Fans aren't taking it very well
By the end of the episode, Bart becomes self-aware and realizes his birthday means he will turn 11. (Bart has been 10 years old since the series began.) He refuses, leading to Homer strangling him and the show glitching and resetting. With everything then back to normal, the "series finale" is no longer.
"The Simpsons" remains America's longest-running animated series, sitcom and scripted primetime television series. The first episode aired Jan. 14, 1990.
Though the series may not be as popular as it was in its heyday in the 1990s, the show is still known for its sometimes uncanny way of predicting the future, at least according to fans.
veryGood! (9318)
Related
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Taxpayers no longer have to fear the IRS knocking on their doors. IRS is ending practice.
- We asked, you answered: What's your secret to staying optimistic in gloomy times?
- Tar Sands Pipeline that Could Rival Keystone XL Quietly Gets Trump Approval
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- Climate Change Threatens 60% of Toxic Superfund Sites, GAO Finds
- Another Rising Cost of Climate Change: PG&E’s Blackouts to Prevent Wildfires
- Search for British actor Julian Sands resumes 5 months after he was reported missing
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- What does the end of the COVID emergency mean to you? Here's what Kenyans told us
Ranking
- 'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
- How Nick Cannon Addressed Jamie Foxx's Absence During Beat Shazam Premiere
- Accidental shootings by children keep happening. How toddlers are able to fire guns.
- California’s Low-Carbon Fuel Rule Is Working, Study Says, but Threats Loom
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- Q&A With SolarCity’s Chief: There Is No Cost to Solar Energy, Only Savings
- Will artificial intelligence help — or hurt — medicine?
- The Kids Are Not Alright
Recommendation
Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
If you're 40, it's time to start mammograms, according to new guidelines
RHONJ: How Joe Gorga Drama Brought Teresa Giudice's Daughter to Tears During Her Wedding
Critically endangered twin cotton-top tamarin monkeys the size of chicken eggs born at Disney World
Retirement planning: 3 crucial moves everyone should make before 2025
Titan submersible maker OceanGate faced safety lawsuit in 2018: Potential danger to passengers
They're trying to cure nodding syndrome. First they need to zero in on the cause
Why Are Some Big Utilities Embracing Small-Scale Solar Power?