Why The Simpsons ending at season 40 seems likelier than ever

Nearly two decades after Maggie famously uttered her first word during the credits of The Simpsons Movie with a curious, “sequel?”, fans are excited to hear that 20th Century Studios is finally delivering on that promise.

The Simpsons Movie 2 is officially set for a July 23, 2027 release, taking over a scheduling slot that was previously allocated for another installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. For years, I speculated that a sequel could perfectly conclude the series, hinting at a final chapter.

However, rather than planning for a neat ending, it appears that the animated series has already secured another four seasons, which will extend its run to a remarkable 40 seasons, with the next season set to air just after the new movie’s release. This aligns with the show’s 40-year television legacy.

Does this mean that The Simpsons will continue indefinitely? I have my doubts. In fact, this development strengthens my belief that the creators are carefully gearing up for an eventual series finale—though it’s time for Disney to step in and reconsider the show’s direction.

The Simpsons Movie 2 Couldn’t Come at a Better Time

While some may wonder why it has taken Disney so long to greenlight another Simpsons movie, the timing seems just right. The show has experienced a resurgence in quality in recent years, producing standout episodes like the self-aware Bart’s Birthday, which saw the mischievous character finally turn 11 and effectively wrap up long-standing arcs.

The episode Lisa the Boy Scout was a pleasant anthology, showcasing various ‘never-before-aired’ clips, while Treehouse of Horror XXXIII successfully blended genuinely chilling moments with clever nods to pop culture, garnering praise from audiences and critics alike.

All of these episodes centered on classic lore and humor, rewarding dedicated fans with nostalgia—a key ingredient for a successful sequel to The Simpsons Movie.

A quick scroll through the comments on Reddit reveals a delightful mix of old gags and fan theories, such as speculation about Homer visiting a planet filled with talking, singing apes or the potential title The Simpsons Movie 2: Football in the Groin.

This highlights that the writing team acknowledges the decades of robust content available for inspiration. If executed correctly, this film may pave the way for an explosive conclusion to the series, wrapping up seasons 39 and 40 in spectacular fashion.

Moreover, Bart has prophetically mentioned the return date while in detention, underscoring the show’s long-standing history of precognition. It’s destiny.

The Julie Kavner Issue

It is almost unimaginable that, nearly forty years later, the four principal voice actors remain intact. However, time has not been kind—most notably to Julie Kavner, the voice of Marge. At 75 years old, she is the oldest among the main cast, while Dan Castellaneta (Homer), Nancy Cartwright (Bart), and Yeardley Smith (Lisa) are 67, 67, and 61, respectively. Many fans have observed a noticeable decline in her vocal performance, likely due to the strain of sustaining her signature raspy voice across countless characters, including Patty and Selma.

Swapping out actors from a supporting cast can be one thing, but replacing any of the original core cast poses a different challenge. To audiences, these voice actors define The Simpsons—they are, in many respects, irreplaceable.

There are certainly talented voice actors who may wish to step into these roles, and with advancements in technology, it’s even conceivable that AI could take over Marge’s voice. However, would this shift resonate well with fans? I hardly think so.

Of course, any of the others could also decide to retire at any moment, but Kavner seems to be facing downsizing sooner due to her age. By the time season 40 launches, she will be nearly 80, while supporting actor Harry Shearer has already surpassed that milestone.

They each have had impressive careers, and their departure would signal the appropriate closing of an era. Perhaps we may even see this narrative explored in The Simpsons Movie 2.

The Simpsons 850 Theory

Once again, Reddit proves to be an invaluable resource for devoted Simpsons fans, as someone has calculated that given the newer seasons consist of only 15 episodes, the final installment of season 40 may be the 850^th episode.

These two rounded milestones could serve as stellar marketing hooks—it almost feels deliberate.

While fans have been misled by past series milestones, many hold their breath in anticipation of this one.

There is even a theory circulating that they might aim for 1,000 total episodes, requiring ten more seasons… a daunting prospect, risking the show’s quality in the process. Harry Shearer could find himself even older than Mr. Burns by that point, which is a curious thought.

Nevertheless, should audiences be aware that a definitive conclusion is on the horizon, perhaps fueled by the excitement surrounding the new film, The Simpsons may enjoy a remarkable resurgence in popularity. This might be precisely what Disney aims to tap into, particularly after recent controversies.

This shift could lead to increased subscriptions for Disney+, surging merchandise sales, and heightened attendance at theme parks globally. There are real economic incentives tied to the 850 theory.

Ultimately, taking charge of the show’s narrative to avert an unfocused, lukewarm cancellation is vital for this iconic series. The Simpsons is an indelible part of pop culture, shaping humor across generations. A thoughtful farewell would not only be deserved but could set the stage for an unforgettable legacy.

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