News And Notes From “The Simpsons'” 700th Episode

Getting to 600 episodes of The Simpsons seemed pretty easy, getting to 700 felt like getting to 7000. Taking into account all of the voice actor changes in the last year, the Disney purchase that lead to a streaming mess, and the constant delays that have come about this past year because of shitty NASCAR, I feel like this franchise has put on some battle scars recently and that’s not even taking into account any changes that have come about thanks to COVID-19.

Fortunately, Matt Groening, Al Jean, and the like seem to be happy about everything all things considered. In an awful interview with USA Today, Matt continues to get questions about Apu, and I love that he’s sticking with his guns, because he should be. He IS teasing an upcoming episode that would see some sort of conclusion come about thanks to the mess caused by The Problem with Apu. That said, he appears to be fine with the increasing number of BIPOC actors on the show replacing white voices taking on BIPOC roles, although that wasn’t the intention. The irony is the interviewer’s question about not as many people watching the series today (which is a dumb question) and thinking that changing voice actors that fans had grown accustomed to for 30 plus seasons is somehow the fix. But, can The Simpsons get to 1000 episodes? Al Jean sounds unsure in a new interview with Variety,

“We’re going to definitely do 757,” said executive producer Al Jean. “I wouldn’t say that’s the end but I don’t know how much further we can go.” Al later mentions that no matter what happens someone is going to reboot it, but hopefully there’s a whole on the side of the planet before that happens.

The Simpsons starts in on #701 this Sunday Night only on FOX @ 8 pm ET, check your local listings.

Synopsis:

The longest-running primetime scripted show in television history, THE SIMPSONS exploded into popular culture in 1990 and has remained one of the most groundbreaking and innovative entertainment franchises, recognizable throughout the world. HOMER (Dan Castellaneta), MARGE (Julie Kavner), BART (Nancy Cartwright), LISA (Yeardley Smith) and MAGGIE are instantly identifiable television icons. Rounding out this cast of characters are many beloved Springfield residents, including tavern proprietor MOE SZYSLAK (Hank Azaria) and nuclear power plant owner MR. BURNS (Harry Shearer). The Emmy Award-, Annie Award- and Peabody Award-winning animated comedy will begin its 32nd season this year and will celebrate a landmark 700 episodes this spring. Additional upcoming guest voice stars this season include Olivia Colman, Hannibal Buress, Ben Platt and Michael Palin.

THE SIMPSONS is a Gracie Films Production in association with 20th Television. James L. Brooks, Matt Groening and Al Jean are the executive producers. The Gracie Films Worldwide Brand Division develops and produces the licensed content for the series.