The Simpsons Season 36 Ratings Indicate That Similar Episodes Could Revitalize the Series

The Simpsons has seen its share of ups and downs, but season 36’s ratings have sparked notable discussions regarding the show’s enduring appeal. While an announcement regarding the renewal for season 37 remains pending, the series seems to be on stable ground. Critics and fans alike have pointed out a rejuvenation in the show’s narrative flair since season 34, as highlighted by platforms like Vulture. With over 770 episodes under its belt, The Simpsons continues to demonstrate its creative vitality.

This historical longevity has allowed season 36 to venture into bolder, more experimental storytelling. Noteworthy is the season’s exploration of dark themes; for instance, the storyline inspired by the tragic “Miracle of the Andes” melded humor with poignant moments, showcasing a fresh narrative approach. Other episodes have dared to deviate from the norm by concentrating on individual family members and intertwining numerous shorter sketches, even presenting a fictional “series finale” as its season premiere.

Treehouse of Horror Episodes Propel Ratings in Season 36

Standout Episodes: 5 and 7 Capture Significant Audiences

Despite attempts to create a dramatic close for the series, the real crowd-pleasers remain the coveted Treehouse of Horror episodes. This season highlighted the show’s penchant for Halloween specials—three-part segments that parody beloved horror, sci-fi, and fantasy narratives. While other seasonal episodes have shone brightly, such as the festive “Top Goon” from season 34 and season 36’s “Bottle Episode,” it is the Halloween specials that consistently draw significant viewership.

Season 36 showcased a stark contrast in ratings between standard episodes and the Treehouse of Horror specials. For example, viewers jumped from 0.98 million for episode 4, “Shoddy Heat,” to a striking 3.18 million for episode 5, “Treehouse of Horror XXXV.” Likewise, episode 6, “Women in Shorts,” attracted a mere 0.83 million viewers, while episode 7, “Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes,” garnered a commendable 2.69 million.

Not All Anthology Episodes Enjoy the Same Success

Season 36’s Episode 6: A Ratings Disappointment

The Simpsons Women In Shorts Landing Couch 1

While the darker narratives of season 36 reflect the integration of components from the Treehouse of Horror arsenal, the series should exercise caution in altering its format too drastically. The anthology episode “Women in Shorts,” akin to Treehouse stories, aimed to shift focus to various supporting characters but failed to achieve the same level of success. Unfortunately, it became one of the lowest-rated episodes in recent memory.

Observing The Simpsons’ general avoidance of stringent canon, it is crucial to note that Treehouse of Horror episodes uniquely allow for high-stakes storytelling, often leading to character deaths—something rarely seen in regular episodes. “Women in Shorts” matched the ratings of underperforming late-season episodes from seasons 33 and 34, underscoring that not all anthology formats resonate with audiences. The distinctive appeal of the Treehouse series lies in its freedom to break from established canon, providing thrilling experiences that hook viewers.

Expanding the Horror Anthology Format May Benefit The Simpsons

Treehouse of Horror: A Gateway to Narrative Freedom

The Simpsons typically shies away from permanently eliminating characters, confining such events to the Treehouse of Horror format. This unique approach empowers the series to explore darker themes in an entertaining manner, reflected in the consistently elevated ratings of these episodes. The emotional impact showcased in the Mona Simpson storyline illustrates that the show cannot simply dispose of supporting characters without adequate reflection on its narrative universe.

Maintaining an unchanging narrative landscape where characters remain perpetually young and the small town of Springfield endures minimal change, The Simpsons relies on the Treehouse of Horror episodes to introduce thrilling variety. With season 36’s offerings, it is increasingly clear that episodes like “Treehouse of Horror XXXV” and “Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes” are pivotal to the show’s sustained success.

Flexibility in Release Dates Enhances Treehouse of Horror’s Appeal

November’s Release: A Surprising Success

This season’s “Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes” stands out as an inventive tribute to Ray Bradbury, which allowed the show to air a Halloween special well past the October 31st deadline. Interestingly, a similar achievement occurred in season 31 with “Thanksgiving of Horror.”

The success of both episodes demonstrates that the Treehouse formula can drive ratings beyond traditional holiday timelines. For instance, “Thanksgiving of Horror” attracted an impressive 5.42 million viewers, contrasting sharply with the surrounding episodes’ viewership of only 2.08 million and 1.99 million, respectively. This reinforces the notion that the draw of Treehouse episodes transcends their typical October releases.

Fans—old and new—anticipate that Treehouse of Horror episodes will present unique storytelling opportunities outside the usual bounds of The Simpsons universe. These special episodes break the monotony of the series, enabling freedom of exploration that captivates a modern audience amid the competitive landscape of network television.

Source: Vulture

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