Emma Thompson and Colin Jost Kick Off The Simpsons Season 38 in “The Children’s Book Job”

Television’s longest-running primetime scripted series is officially back. FOX’s The Simpsons returns for its landmark 38th season on Sunday, September 27, kicking off with the premiere episode “The Children’s Book Job”. An exclusive clip offers a first look at Academy Award-winner Emma Thompson bringing her signature British charm—and a heavy dose of wild misbehavior—to Springfield.

Homer Meets His Match in a Drunken British Author

The season premiere centers on Marge’s desperate bid to save Springfield Elementary by securing a reclusive, famous British children’s author named Constance (voiced by Thompson) for the school’s book fair. Naturally, the plan hinges on Homer successfully picking up the VIP guest from the airport.

Homer completely botches the assignment, leading to a chaotic wild goose chase across town. Instead of a quiet intellectual, Thompson’s character turns out to be an unruly, hard-partying author who drags Homer into a series of absurd escapades—including an unexpected run-in with the local outlet mall constabulary.

Star-Studded Guest Voices and Season 38 Details

Alongside Thompson, the premiere features a guest voice appearance by Saturday Night Live star Colin Jost, who pops in as himself to hawk his own self-styled children’s book.