“The Simpsons” government producer Matt Selman lastly addressed the controversy surrounding the choice to “kill off” Marge Simpson throughout a flash-forward scene within the Season 36 finale.
Whereas the transfer shocked many followers, Selman dismissed the backlash, calling it “ridiculous” and explaining that the “Simpsons” episodic format permits for speculative fantasy situations, the place something can occur.
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‘The Simpsons’ Shocks Followers With Marge’s Demise In Daring Future Timeline Of ‘Estranger Issues’ Episode
The episode in query, titled “Estranger Issues,” aired on Might 18 and takes a daring step ahead within the Simpson household’s timeline.
The storyline jumps 35 years into the longer term, revealing that Marge has died, and Bart and Lisa are estranged after they cease watching “The Itchy & Scratchy Present” collectively.
Homer, now in a retirement residence, struggles to take care of his household bonds. A quick scene reveals Homer grieving at Marge’s funeral, with the remainder of the household surrounding him.
Nonetheless, Marge’s “dying” is not everlasting.
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A Heavenly Return In ‘The Simpsons’ Finale
Estranger Issues (s36, e22)
”When Bart and Lisa cease watching Itchy & Scratchy collectively, Marge fears they will begin to drift aside, and has no thought how unhealthy issues are about to get.” pic.twitter.com/fbDOVstGz2— Simpsons Clips (@DailySimpsons89) June 28, 2025
On the finish of the episode, she watches over her household from Heaven, content material to see Bart and Lisa reconnect and save Homer from his solitary life. In a twist, Marge reveals that she married Beatles icon Ringo Starr whereas in Heaven, including a humorous and lighthearted contact to the in any other case emotional scene.
The controversial determination to jot down Marge out of the collection briefly sparked outrage amongst “The Simpsons”’ loyal fanbase, with many expressing their shock on social media.
“I haven’t even watched ‘The Simpsons’ in 10+ years, however they actually killed MARGE?!” one viewer posted on X, voicing the collective disbelief.
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Matt Selman Defends Marge Simpson’s Demise
Regardless of the backlash, Selman welcomed the response, viewing it as an indication of the present’s enduring relevance.
“I suppose this speaks to the truth that individuals care about Marge,” he advised Selection. “On the finish of the day, it’s in all probability good for enterprise even when these ridiculous, deceptive tales go viral!”
Selman additional defined that in “The Simpsons” world, future episodes are speculative fantasies, and this was only one attainable consequence for the beloved characters.
“Marge will in all probability by no means be useless ever once more. The one place Marge is useless is in a single future episode that aired six weeks in the past,” he added. “’The Simpsons’ doesn’t even have canon!”
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Breaking New Floor With Deaf Illustration And ASL
The present’s creators have all the time been identified for pushing boundaries, and this surprising transfer is simply one other instance of how “The Simpsons” continues to evolve after greater than three many years on the air.
In 2022, “The Simpsons” made historical past by that includes a Deaf voice actor and incorporating American Signal Language (ASL) into the present for the primary time. This milestone occurred in Episode 17 of the present’s thirty third season, titled “The Sounds of Bleeding Gums.”
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The episode facilities round Lisa Simpson, the household’s oldest daughter, as she meets Monk Murphy, the son of her late music idol “Bleeding Gums” Murphy. Lisa learns that Monk was born deaf and initially thought of getting a cochlear implant. Wanting to assist, Lisa quickly realizes that Monk does not have to be “fastened” and is completely content material along with his life as it’s.
Why Followers Imagine The Present Predicts The Future
Over time, “The Simpsons” has gained a status for “predicting” the longer term.
From political occasions to technological advances, followers have pointed to varied moments within the present that appear eerily correct as soon as they arrive to fruition in actual life. Some consider that the present’s success at forecasting future occasions is merely a coincidence, whereas others see it as a testomony to the present’s potential to faucet into societal traits and cultural shifts.
Probably the most broadly mentioned predictions was made in a 2000 episode titled “Bart to the Future,” wherein the present depicted Donald Trump because the President of the USA. Whereas it was meant as a satirical portrayal, Trump went on to win the presidency in 2016, and once more in 2025, which sparked debates about “The Simpsons”‘ obvious foresight.
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Because the longest-running animated present on tv, with 37 Emmys below its belt, the present stays a major half of popular culture.
In April, Fox renewed “The Simpsons” for 4 extra seasons, guaranteeing the present’s place on tv for the foreseeable future.