Summary
The Simpsonshas been on the air since 1989, and it has released thirty-five seasons so far at the time of writing. However, with Season 36 already greenlit, it looks like that number is going to continue to grow. The animated sitcom has won several Emmys in its time, and it is a financial juggernaut.The Simpsonsis constantly being licensed for video games, toys, and even theme parks. As such, it is impossible for fans to ever imagine the series coming to an end.
All good things must end, though, andThe Simpsonslooks like it could be nearing that time. Many of the actors in the original voice cast are approaching eighty years old, so it would be nice to send off the show with all of them still involved. Ending a show that has gone on this long will be difficult, but the creators have a few options they can use.
1Kill Off The Simpson Family
Literally End The Run Of The Simspons
It is something that no one would ever expect, given thatThe Simpsonfamily has not aged in the time they have been on-screen. Characters have had birthdays in certain episodes, butBart has remained in the fourth grade for decades years now. Therefore, killing off The Simpson family in the final episode of the show would be a great way to send off this long-running series in the most unbelievable way possible.
It is common for networks to dust off old TV shows for continuation to make more money from a beloved IP, but it would be fun ifThe Simpsonswriters denied them this chance by killing off the show’s main cast. While this ending would have definite shock value, it is doubtful a show like this would end on such a dark note, especially given how it is supposed to be a family comedy.
2Spin-Off
End One Tale By Starting Another
A common trope on TV is taking one character from a popular show and making them the focus of a new series in a new setting. The idea of doing a spin-off show ofThe Simpsonsis one that was discussed early on in the show’s run, and the notion even became a joke in the Season 8 episode, “The Simpsons Spin-Off Showcase.”
The Simpsonstakes place in the town of Springfield, and the main family is surrounded byhundreds of supporting characters. Any one of these cartoon characters could thrive in their own show, and givingThe Simpsonsa spin-off would be a great way to put the original to bed while welcoming something new.
3A Big Crossover
The Simpsons Has Influenced TV For Decades
The TV landscape in 1989 was very different from the one seen today, and making a prime-time, animated sitcom likeThe Simpsonswas considered a big risk. However, the show prospered and has become one of the biggest and best shows in TV history. As a result, there is a lot of content out there that would not exist withoutThe Simpsons.
Before it became a hit, most audiences viewed animated content as something exclusive to children. The rise ofThe Simpsonshas given other creatorsthe chance to experiment with adult animation, and other big shows likeFamily Guy,Bob’s Burgers, andRick and Mortymay not have existed. Therefore, a big send-off episode featuring guests from other shows influenced byThe Simpsonswould be a very fitting way to say goodbye.
4Treehouse Of Horror
Feature Multiple Endings
A common trope ofThe Simpsonsis the Treehouse of Horror episode that they release every season during Halloween. Beginning in Season 2,The SimpsonsTreehouse of Horror specials normally feature three otherworldly stories in an anthology designed to scare the audience.
These episodes have become a staple of the show, and are often a highlight in every new season. Therefore, the show could play with this established concept when it comes time to end things. The writers could feature three stories of how the show ends in a funny spoof, concludingThe Simpsonson a high note using a concept familiar to fans.
5Christmas
Loop The Show Back To The Pilot
As many people know,The Simpsonsbegan as a series of shorts that were part ofThe Tracey Ullman Show. When the show was picked up for a full-length series, many people had input on how it should work. As such, a disagreement with how the animation should look meant that the original episodes that aired in Season 1 were presented out of production order. Therefore, the first episode of the show is a Christmas episode.
The episode worked to win over audiences, though, and it opens with Homer and Marge driving up to the school to see the kid’s Christmas pageant. A lot has happened since the first episode in 1989, and it would bepoetic to seeThe Simpsonsreturn to Christmasor even this exact moment when it comes time to end things. Previous showrunners have even stated that this ishow they want the series to end.
6Simpsons Movie 2
Go Out In Front Of A Big Audience
The Simpsonsis a huge property, and the show finally received a feature film in 2007.The Simpsons Moviewas a big success, and the series has continued for another seventeen years since this landmark moment.
A second movie would be a great way to end such a long-running show. Releasing a movie would make the end ofThe Simpsonsfeel more like an event, and it would also provide a financially viable way to cut ties with such a profitable property. With Disney now in charge ofThe Simpsons, fans can only hope that a second movie comes sooner rather than later.
