The Simpsons Exec Producer Reveals How He Wants the Show to End

The Simpsons Exec Producer Reveals How He Wants the Show to End

As a long-time fan and admirer of The Simpsons, I must say that Matt Selman’s approach to the series finale is both refreshingly simple and profoundly respectful to the show’s legacy. Having been part of the writing team for nearly three decades, it’s clear that he cherishes every moment spent crafting the hilarious antics of our favorite yellow family.


It seems unlikely that The Simpsons will be ending soon, but if it does, showrunner and executive producer Matt Selman has a clear vision for the series’ final moments. Since its initial airing in 1989, The Simpsons has been a consistent presence on Fox for the past 35 years, becoming a cultural touchstone that future archaeologists may puzzle over as they unearth Bart Simpson toys and ponder, “Could this be how our ancestors truly appeared?

27 years ago, I started my writing journey on The Simpsons, a show I hold dear. Recently, Selman, who’s been part of this incredible animated sitcom, shared his thoughts about its eventual ending. Unlike what one might anticipate with fanfare and grandeur, he prefers it to be just another ordinary episode, devoid of any hints that it could be the swan song.

I’m crossing my fingers that this is simply an ordinary episode, devoid of any Winky Winky elements. It’s just a heartwarming family tale, reminiscent of timeless stories, filled with humor and featuring every member of the family. There’s no need for it to resolve anything, alter anything, or have any loose ends; it’s simply a fun story without any magical aspects or direct address to the audience.

It’s quite unusual, isn’t it? But Selman has his explanations, stating that the first episode of Season 36, titled “Bart’s Birthday,” was so substantial that it could pass as the conclusion many had anticipated. In fact, it was referred to on-screen as “‘The Simpsons Series Finale,’” and boasted an impressive lineup of guest stars like John Cena, Tom Hanks, Danny DeVito, Conan O’Brien, and Seth Rogen. “We went ahead and did it,” he says about the episode, which was a response to the frequent inquiries about the series’ ending. “We just covered it. Consider that item checked off.

Matt Selman Doesn’t Like To Think About the Inevitable

The Simpsons Exec Producer Reveals How He Wants the Show to EndThe Simpsons Exec Producer Reveals How He Wants the Show to EndThe Simpsons Exec Producer Reveals How He Wants the Show to EndThe Simpsons Exec Producer Reveals How He Wants the Show to End

It’s often said that there are only two things in life one can count on: death and paying taxes. For Selman, he tries to avoid contemplating the first, particularly when considering the grim reality that the actors who have provided the voices for the main cast of The Simpsons since its beginning will eventually pass away. This could potentially impact the show’s future if it occurs while the series is still running.

He shared with People that he’s deeply in denial about the situation. He chooses not to ponder on it, preferring instead to avoid thinking about it. However, one can’t help but speculate how the show would proceed if we were to lose Yeardley Smith (Lisa Simpson) or Nancy Cartright (Bart Simpson) prematurely. Would they choose to retire those characters, or introduce a new actor to step into their roles?

Currently, The Simpsons continues to thrive without any immediate concerns about the mortality of its main characters. Although no definitive statements have been made beyond Season 36, producer Mike Price hinted last month that preparations are underway for a future “Treehouse of Horror” episode set to air in 2025, suggesting that the team working on the series feels optimistic about its renewal.

Read More

Sorry. No data so far.

2024-10-14 19:31