With over 700 episodes, The Simpsons has undeniably left its mark as one of the most notable adult shows, now and over the decades. Understandably, with such a long run, the show has built up a large and devoted fan base.
From his comedic yet effective satire to his complicated but moving character dynamics, The Simpsons have lived in our hearts for years. That said, part of what has allowed the show to remain relevant despite the passage of time is its ability to adapt to the tastes of different periods. While the characters themselves haven’t changed all that much, some key details of the show have been tweaked, such as the shows reducing the use of violence and omitting some of the more racist and sexist undertones. While some of the original fans may have been bothered by these changes, they opened the show to appeal to a new audience.
Any show that lasts as long as this one has no choice but to evolve, which The Simpsons clearly did a good job. Nevertheless, the storyline of the show has essentially changed in every way possible, without recycling any content. This fact leaves creators, critics, and fans wondering what the show’s future holds. However it comes about, big change is inevitable in The Simpsons’ future – this is what that change that is still in the air looks like.
One possibility is that the series will have to make drastic changes to the show. This can look like a time jump, evolved character traits, or adjustments to change the dynamics. This can also come in the form of new creative teams working on the show that have distinctly different voices or focus. While fans are usually resistant and critical of such changes (such as Simpsons fans in the past), they are essential to keep the franchise on the map. Even if fans fond of the old structures aren’t satisfied, these changes are aimed at younger generations, which is a big part of what allows the show to endure for decades.
Groening has responded in the past to comments from fans criticizing the new voice shaping the show. He has essentially noted that such a significant amount of time warrants changes as well as new creatives behind the wheel. He clearly supported the direction the new writing team is taking and even talked about how smart he thinks the new content is, even if it’s different from things in the early years.
Al Jean, on the other hand, has indicated that, due to the longevity of the show, he suspected the show would end soon. He went on to explain that he also thinks it is very likely that The Simpsons gets a reboot. The chance of a reboot is essentially the alternative to making big changes to the show.
At this point, a reboot or spin-off feels inevitable, due to how immensely popular the show has remained. The series has simply created a franchise far too successful to become a remnant of its television past. In addition to the hundreds of episodes the show has brought to life, sales of merchandise for the franchise are also impressive. From the vintage merch from the start of the show to The Simpsons products that can be bought in most major stores today, almost every item is worth something because of what it represents.
Another detail that points to the probability of The Simpsons seems immortal, in whatever form, is the current pattern of other adult animation programs being revived. A good example of this is the futurama reboot coming up, by the same creators. futuramalike the simpsons, was very successful at the height of its popularity. However, with the structure and schedule it had at the time, it was unable to adapt to the changing needs and concerns of society. While it wasn’t formally canceled, it hasn’t been made until now. In part, that’s because the show was successful enough to regain popularity, but also because content is now more in demand than ever before.
As one of the most influential adult animation shows, The Simpsons will likely have an even faster turnaround time if canceled. It wouldn’t change how anyone would see the impact of the series if it was canceled after such a long run, especially considering that it started out as a series of animated shorts. This victory story, along with the show’s ability to remain relevant for literally decades, are some of the factors that indicate the franchise would be revived if it were ever canceled.
The show being canceled and rebooted could be a blessing in disguise when it happens. As many of the show’s creatives have pointed out before, the characters are the same age and had the same character flaws for 33 years. This means that for decades writers of the Simpsons have constantly had to create new, new content within the parameters set by the base Simpsons storyline structure. A reboot would allow the storyline to break away from the traditional story structure and focus on a new area, whether that be new characters in the universe, the same characters at different ages, or just a more detailed focus of the smaller ones. components of the world such as Itching and scratching, etc.
No matter how fans feel about any of the likely outcomes of The Simpsons, it seems pretty certain that the show will continue. While this series has undoubtedly proven its ability to adapt and stick out, it’s up to them whether loyal fans will do the same. In reality, The Simpsons Grip on relevant pop culture (and even its future) suggests that if any changes cause fans to lose interest, it’s a reflection of them more than the show. While this reality may not please everyone, it makes the subject of The Simpsons is one that will find its way into conversations for years to come.
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