The Simpsons Showrunner's Bold Statement: 'We're Never Going to Do a Series Finale' After 800 Episodes
In a surprising turn of events, the iconic animated series The Simpsons has defied the conventional wisdom of television showrunners. After nearly 40 years and an impressive 800 episodes, the show's creator and showrunner, Matt Selman, has made a bold declaration: 'We're never going to do a series finale.'
This statement comes as a refreshing twist, especially considering the trend of many popular TV shows ending with a grand finale. But Selman's decision to avoid a traditional series finale is not without its reasons. In an interview with TheWrap, he revealed that the show's unique format and structure make a traditional finale unnecessary.
'We did an episode about a year and a half ago that was like a parody of the series finale,' Selman explained. 'We jammed every possible series finale concept into one show, so that was sort of my way of saying we're never going to do a series finale. We did a series finale in the middle of the show that made fun of all the ideas of wrapping everything up or ending.'
Selman's approach to The Simpsons is unconventional, as the show's characters reset every week, much like the concept of Groundhog Day. This means that if the show were to end, it would simply be a regular episode with the family, perhaps with a few Easter eggs to hint at the show's longevity. No grand farewell or emotional send-off is necessary.
The Simpsons, created by Matt Groening in 1987 as a series of animated shorts on The Tracey Ullman Show, has become a cultural phenomenon. After premiering on December 17, 1989, the show has now entered its 37th season. The 800th episode, titled 'Irrational Treasure', is set to air this Sunday at 8 p.m. ET/PT, marking another milestone in the show's long-running history.
But the celebrations don't stop there. Disney+ has dedicated a channel to the show, and a new movie is set to debut in theaters on July 23, 2027. So, while a series finale may not be on the cards, the future of The Simpsons looks bright and full of possibilities.
Selman's decision to avoid a traditional series finale is a bold move, and it will be interesting to see how the show evolves in the coming years. Will The Simpsons continue to defy expectations and keep viewers entertained for generations to come? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the show's longevity and cultural impact are a testament to its enduring appeal.
