With over 780 episodes across 36 years,Matt Groening’sThe Simpsonsis the longest-running American animated show, the longest-running American sitcom, and the longest-running scripted American primetime series. Initially developed as a series of cartoon shorts forThe Tracy Ullman Show, the Simpsons family would become a worldwide phenomenon. Play the first few notes of theiconic TV theme songbyDanny Elfman, and many people will be able to hum the rest of the tune without having seen an episode of the show.The Simpsonsbecame a franchise as the characters went on to be featured in comic books, novels, video games, and justone movie (so far), simply titledThe Simpsons Movie.
When the show first debuted, audiences enjoyed how relatable the characters were and how the stories were a good balance of comedic and touching moments. But with an intellectual property this big that’s been on the air for many decades,some core aspects of the show mightnot be appropriatewith the changing comedy landscape. Comedy isn’t as simple as one may think. Jokes can be very subjective, so bouncing off ideas with different people is the best way to gauge what general audiences might think about certain gags.The Simpsonsis well-known for its running gags, especially after 36 seasons of content to sift through.
Whether it’s the hints about Springfield’s true location or Bart Simpson’s (Nancy Cartwright) prank calls to Moe Szaslak (Hank Azaria), these jokes almost always succeed in making the audience laugh. However, one running gag, in particular, is darker than it is funny andneeds to be cut fromThe Simpsonsmoving forward.
Homer Simpson Strangling Bart Isn’t Funny
Ever sinceThe Simpsonsseries premiere, “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire,” also titled “The Simpsons Christmas Special,” Homer Simpson (Dan Castellaneta) has regularly strangled Bart with his bare hands to discipline him.It’s a grim image on every occasion,as Bart is gasping for air with his eyes bulging out, while Homer’s eyes elicit such anger. Although Groening intended for the Simpsons to be a representation of an average American family, showing the patriarch physically abusing his kids is not a good look on the series. While otherrunning gags inThe Simpsonshave evolved and adaptedover the show’s 30-year history, child harm is undoubtedly not one of them.
Thankfully, it seemed like the series finally ended that “gag” in Season 35, Episode 3 “McMansion & Wife.” Homer is told that he has “quite a grip” when he shakes hands with his new neighbor, Thayer Blackburn (Azaria).Homer tells his wife, Marge Simpson(Julie Kavner), that strangling Bart after all these years paid off, but quickly notes “I don’t do that anymore. Times have changed.” At this point in the show,Homer hadn’t strangled Bart for about four years. This has led audiences to think the outdated gag would finally come to an end.
However, co-creator and producerJames L. Brooksclarified in an interview withPEOPLEmagazine: “He’ll continue to be strangled—[if] you want to use that awful term for it.” Not long after, the gag reemerged inThe SimpsonsSeason 36, Episode 11 “Bottle Episode.” When Marge accidentally uses the $1 million wine in her stew that Homer was supposed to deliver to Mr. Burns (Harry Shearer), Homer forcefully stuffs Bart’s face into the stew. When Waylon Smithers (Shearer) confronts Homer about the wine, Homer says “If you need to strangle the boy for a minute, that’s what he’s here for”, referring to Bart. To make matters even worse, Bart acknowledges it and says, “It’s what I bring to the table.” It’s bothersome that Bart has come to accept the abuse, let alone believe that’s what he has to offer his father. Safe to say,it’s not one of the best lessons to take fromThe Simpsons.
Homer Simpson Has the Potential To Be a Better Father
While it’s very difficult to excuse Homer’s disciplinary methods,the character has had some heartwarming moments with his kids. One notable memory is inThe SimpsonsSeason 6, Episode 13 “And Maggie Makes Three.“Homer recounts the story of Maggie’s birth and why there aren’t any baby photos of her in the family’s photo album. Before Maggie was born, Homer quit his job at the power plant and opened a bowling alley, which he always dreamed of. But when Marge was pregnant with Maggie, he quit the bowling job and returned to the power plant for a better salary to sustain three kids. After Mr. Burns forced Homer to beg for the job back, he placed a plaque near his desk that said “Don’t forget: you’re here forever.” The reason why Maggie’s photos aren’t in the family album? Homer placed them over this plaque to change the message to “Do it for her.” It’s a tear-jerking moment as it shows how much Homer cares for his kids and will sacrifice anything for them.
‘The Simpsons’ Season 36 Could Reinvent the Series With One Episode
One of the most stagnant ‘Simpsons’ characters is due for some growth.
One of the storylines inThe Simpsons Moviedeals with Homer and Bart’s struggling relationship. Bart finds comfort in his next-door neighbor, Ned Flanders (Shearer), as he treats him with kindness and gives him helpful lessons. When they’re out fishing together, Bart accidentally ruins one of the rods andinstinctively acts like he’s getting choked because that’s what he’s come to expect from Homer. It’s a subtle, yet chilling moment that shows how strained Bart and Homer’s dynamic is. The film fails to reconcile their differences satisfyingly. When Bart tells Homer that he wants a father who’s consistent instead of switching from loving to angry, Homer changes Bart’s mind when he lets Bart hold a bomb that will help save Springfield frombeing trapped in a dome. It’s not the most therapeutic approach, butit was a small step that could’ve led Homer to be a better parent. Unfortunately, just asThe Simpsonsrefuses to let the characters age, they also can’t grow emotionally.
‘The Simpsons’ Has Sparked Controversy
With a long-running show likeThe Simpsons, the creative team has had to adjust the series to be more acceptable in modern times. One of the most notable instances was when Azaria stepped down from voicing Apu Nahasapeemapetilon in 2020 afterHari Kondabolu’s 2017 documentary,The Problem with Apu. The film noted how Apu was one of the only consistentIndian characters on mainstream TV in the United Statesat the time, but Kondabolu criticized howthe character was relegated to being a stereotype and the butt of many jokes. Apu not being voiced by an Indian actor was already a jarring choice, but it’s good that Azaria was aware of it and stepped down.
It took almost 30 years for a major change like this to happen, but the same doesn’t have to go far for Homer strangling his kids. The bottom line: the gag has never been funny, to begin with, and it’s not any better today with how Bart acknowledges and accepts it. He’ll never be anywhere close toModern Family’s Phil Dunphy (Ty Burrell) for best TV dad, butHomer still has so much room to grow as a characterand be a better father. The simplest thing he could do, however? Stop strangling his kids.
The Simpsonsis available to stream on Hulu and Disney+ in the U.S.
The Simpsons
