The Simpsons’ Showrunner Proposes Ideal Series Finale That Fans Will Love

Following the imaginative storytelling of The Simpsons season 36, the current showrunner’s vision for a potential series finale feels entirely appropriate. Although season 37 has yet to be officially renewed, optimism surrounds the show’s future. Ratings may be on a downward trend, but critics are singing a different tune, highlighting a significant improvement in the show’s reception over the past few years. According to Vulture, the show is once again hitting its stride, as it embraces more innovative narratives, character-focused storytelling, and playful engagement with its extensive legacy. Episodes from seasons 34, 35, and 36 have amplified the self-referential humor that has always been a hallmark of the series.

With Bart approaching his 11th birthday, he grapples with the unsettling changes sweeping through Springfield. Iconic characters like Principal Skinner and Chief Wiggum have relocated, while the Van Houten family has also bid farewell. Meanwhile, Homer confronts his issues with alcohol and anger, and Lisa graduates to an esteemed music academy. Only Bart seems to understand that these transformations signal the end of an era.

Showrunner Envisions a Simple Series Finale

Insights from Matt Selman on the Series Conclusion

In a recent interview with the New York Post, Selman outlined his vision for the series finale. He stated, “We’ll just pick an episode and say that was the last one.” This finale would refrain from unnecessary self-referential commentary, instead remaining straightforward with only a passing joke about its self-awareness. He argues that this approach would be preferable to a heavily ironic ending.

The Impact of Season 36’s Episode on the Finale Decision

Why Dramatic Changes Would Detract From the Series

Selman emphasized that the series finale should tell “a really good story about the family,” which he believes would best conclude the show’s unprecedented run. While season 36 introduced more somber storylines, pushing characters towards real peril, the show rarely makes lasting changes to its core dynamics. A finale that tied up every character’s arc neatly could feel out of place and contradict the very essence of The Simpsons, as illustrated in the episode centered around “Bart’s Birthday.”

In the narrative of “Bart’s Birthday,” characters like Milhouse and Comic Book Guy seemingly achieve ideal resolutions. Yet, these outcomes feel unconvincing within the show’s framework. Part of what captivates fans about The Simpsons is its commitment to maintaining an unchanging universe. The appropriate way to conclude the series would likely be through another tale centered on the familiar family dynamics.

The Signature Style of The Simpsons: Why Change Isn’t Needed

An Ever-Evolving World, Preserving Constancy

Milhouse’s role in “Oh C’mon All Ye Faithful” better reflects his character than his move to Atlanta in “Bart’s Birthday.” The essence of The Simpsons does not promise happy resolutions for its characters or audiences. Rather, the series presents a cartoonish universe where nothing truly changes, despite the facade of progress. In its parodic homage to traditional family sitcoms such as The Brady Bunch and Full House, The Simpsons celebrates its stasis, often highlighting the fact that characters never fully evolve or learn from their mistakes.

For this show, remaining unchanged represents a strength. In the Christmas special of season 36, even the complex narrative arc of Ned Flanders—who loses and then regains his faith—does not alter his fundamental portrayal as a character. Viewers of the series often find that when they switch from one episode to another, characters like Ned transition effortlessly between their established traits. Ultimately, the unchanging nature of these characters is one of The Simpsons’ defining features.

Future Outlook: Will The Simpsons Conclude After Season 36?

Uncertainty Surrounds Season 37 Renewal

Selman’s perspective on an ideal finale might imply that the show could be nearing its conclusion, and while this scenario is plausible, it remains an unlikely occurrence in the immediate future. Although there has been a notable decline in ratings, the critical acclaim for season 36 and the recent holiday special, which was released on Disney+, suggests that the series still has life left in it. It’s improbable that The Simpsons will wrap up in the next year, especially considering the recent positive reception.

Fans should take comfort in the fact that they will likely receive ample notice before The Simpsons concludes. As a cultural icon with a devoted following across generations, the series’s ending would be treated as a significant event in television history. Unlike many shows that get abruptly canceled, The Simpsons boasts a legacy of over 35 seasons and 770 episodes, making its farewell an inevitable monumental occasion—no matter how ordinary the last episode may feel within the storyline. Therefore, despite the sentiments expressed in “Bart’s Birthday,” there is no cause for alarm regarding the sudden cancellation of The Simpsons.

New episodes are aired on Sundays at 8 PM on Fox.

Sources: Vulture, New York Post

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