The Simpsons Showrunner Reveals The 2 Conditions Necessary For The Show To End

The Simpsons showrunner Matt Selman gives a candid response on the two conditions that would lead to the end of the long-running animated series. The Simpsons recently toyed with the idea of a series finale, though it was really just a sendup of the way that some of the most famous and infamous finales of recent years tend to feel the need to end on a grandiose and conclusive note that is sometimes at odds with the tone of the series overall. This played out with Bart Simpson actively pushing back against the perfect ending.

Selman, who has been with The Simpsons since 1997, told PEOPLE that there are two conditions that could conceivably bring the animated staple to an end. The first is if the show runs its natural course. The second would be if one of the primary cast members dies, likely meaning Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, and Harry Shearer. Addressing the latter possibility of a main voice actor passing away, Selman says:

That I’m in super denial about. I don’t think about it, so I’m just going to not think about that. But certainly, it’s just if the show ever does a last episode.

Selman, who has been with The Simpsons for 27 seasons, also talks in the quote below about what his ideal series finale would be if that ever happened and again about how the dysfunctional family comedy needed to end on a regular note and avoid breaking the established rhythms of the series:

I just hope it’s just a regular episode with no Winky Winky stuff at all. Just a great family story, just like a classic story that’s just funny and involves the whole family and doesn’t feel like it needs to wrap up anything or change anything or tie anything up or be magic or talk to the audience directly.

The Show Won't Go On Forever

Close

The discussion about ending The Simpsons would likely extend to include major executives at Fox, Disney, as well as show creator Matt Groening and long-time producers like Al Jean. But if it is the case that everyone agrees that the show shouldn't live on beyond the death of a main actor, then an actual series finale could be looming in the distance.

Related 6 The Simpsons Episodes That Would've Worked As The Series Finale The Simpsons season 36 episode 1 revealed itself to be the series finale, but many other episodes would have provided the show with a perfect ending.

The Simpsons season 40 is just four years away, which is a milestone that has been teased as a possible ending point by those involved with the series. It could serve as a lengthy celebration of the show and its massive influence across pop culture. It would also allow the beloved titular family to bow without a larger sense of sadness attached to the series' legacy.

Hopefully, He's Right

An argument can be made that there's too much resistance to recasting characters on shows, particularly supporting players. But with The Simpsons cast, they are a huge part of what makes the series as iconic as it is. Selman is right that, as sad as it is to think about, the story shouldn't continue without them. But as of right now at least, the Fox stalwart is going strong.

Source: PEOPLE