The SimpsonsShowrunner Admits He's 'in Super Denial' About This Inevitable Aspect of the Show (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Homer Simpson in The Simpson.Photo:FOX

FOX

Eventually, all good things come to an end — evenThe Simpsons.

After the long-running animated series airedwhat it dubbed a “series finale” episodefor its season 36 premiere on Sept. 29, thinking about what the end of the show wouldactuallylook like feels like the natural course of action. However, something that could also change the trajectory of the series is if one of its primary cast members suddenly died.

“That I’m in super denial about,” showrunner and executive producer Matt Selman tells PEOPLE exclusively.

“I don’t think about it, so I’m just going to not think about that,” he adds. “But certainly, it’s just if the show ever does a last episode.”

(L-R) The Simpsons actors Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Dan Castellaneta and Julie Kavner attend “The Simpsons” stamp dedication ceremony at the Fox Studio Lot May 7, 2009 in Century City, California.Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

The show is now just four years shy from its milestone 40th season and Selman has been around for 27 seasons, beginning as a writer in 1997. Given his history with the show, the 52-year-old does have one proposal for if the series were to ever end on its own time.

“I just hope it’s just a regular episode with no Winky Winky stuff at all,” he explains. “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.”

Thinking specifically of the “series finale” 36th season premiere that just aired, Selman doesn’t think a big to-do is necessary to close out the show. “We did that. We just did that. We covered it. Check that off the list,” he adds.

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The Simpsonsairs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.

source: people.com