‘Simpsons’ Producer Says Homer Will Never Stop Strangling Bart
The Simpsons is currently airing its 35th season on FOX and recently celebrated 700 episodes. The Simpsons is one of those shows that stands the test of time and continues to delight audiences. However, as times change, humor and fan preferences move forward. Someone started a rumor that Homer Simpson will no longer strangle his son Bart Simpson, as part of a long-running gag due to new audiences and changing times.
However, James L. Brooks, developer and producer of The Simpsons recently shot down this rumor. He said, “Don’t think for a second we’re changing anything. Nothing’s getting tamed. Nothing, nothing, nothing. He’ll continue to be strangled – [if] you want to use that awful term for it. He’ll continue to be loved by his father in a specific way.”
20th Century Fox Film Corp./Everett Collection
The rumors likely began after the third episode of the recent season where Homer and his family head over to meet the new neighbors. When the neighbor Thayer Blackburn (Hank Azaria) makes a comment about Homer’s firm handshake, Homer jokes, “See, Marge, strangling the boy has paid off. Just kidding. I don’t do that anymore. Times have changed.” Despite Brooks’ response that Homer will continue to strangle Bart, he hasn’t actually done so since season 31.
20th Century Fox Film Corp./Everett Collection
The show has also been renewed for season 36, making it not just the longest-running American animated series, but the longest-running American sitcom and the longest-running American scripted primetime television series as well. While The Simpsons airs new episodes on FOX on Sundays at 8 p.m. ET, you can also watch the series on Hulu and Disney+.
While some fans hoped that the long-running joke might end due to some backlash, others feel nostalgic about the show and don’t want things to change due to “woke” culture. What’s your take? Then tell us, who is your favorite Simpsons character of all time?
