In a revelation that may surprise fans of the iconic animated series, The Simpsons’ showrunner Matt Selman has confirmed that the series will never have a traditional finale. As the show continues its 37th season and prepares for its 800th episode, Selman elaborated on what an ending might look like—if it were ever to occur.
A Series Without Closure
Since its debut in 1989, The Simpsons has become a cultural cornerstone, generating countless predictions about its eventual conclusion. However, Selman asserts that should the day come when the series winds down, it would not follow the conventional path of a grand finale. Instead, he indicated it would feel just like any other episode.
“We did an episode about a year and a half ago that parodied the idea of a series finale,” Selman shared in an interview with TheWrap. “We crammed every possible concept of wrapping everything up into one show, which essentially was my way of saying that we will never do a series finale.”
This playful take on finales reflects a broader ethos of the show, which has historically maintained a consistent narrative reset each week. Selman likened this approach to “Groundhog Day,” where the characters experience life without the burden of consequence or memory.
The End of Characters, Not the Series
While Selman insists that a definitive conclusion is off the table, he acknowledges that several recurring characters have met their demise in recent seasons. Notably, Alice Glick, Springfield’s church organist, was killed off during a service led by Reverend Lovejoy in November. Introduced in the show’s second season, Glick was voiced by Cloris Leachman until her passing in 2021, after which Tress MacNeille took over the role.
“She will live forever through the beautiful music she made,” said executive producer Tim Long, confirming Alice’s death. But he added, “In another, more important sense, yep, she’s dead as a doornail.”
The previous year saw the departure of Larry the Barfly, a beloved character who had been part of the show since its tenth season. Long defended the decision, stating, “We wanted to show that even the most peripheral people in our lives have dignity and worth, and we really shouldn’t take anyone for granted.”
A Legacy That Continues
As The Simpsons gears up for a new film—rumoured to be a sequel to the 2007 feature—the conversation around its longevity and future remains vibrant. While fans may speculate on the show’s eventual end, Selman’s comments reaffirm that the essence of The Simpsons lies in its enduring format, where the adventures of the Simpson family are ever-repeating yet perpetually fresh.
Whether through clever satire, sharp social commentary, or simply the timeless antics of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie, the show has managed to remain relevant across generations.
Why it Matters
The refusal to create a traditional finale speaks volumes about the nature of The Simpsons as a cultural phenomenon. It reflects a philosophy that values continuity over closure, allowing audiences to engage with the characters indefinitely. This approach not only enriches the viewing experience but also underscores the show’s ability to evolve and adapt without the constraints of a definitive ending, ensuring that it continues to resonate with fans old and new for years to come.
