Fans of the long-running animated television show The Simpsons were left bewildered after the premiere of Season 36, titled "Bart's Birthday," was marketed as the show's "series finale."
What initially appeared to be a serious conclusion soon revealed itself to be an elaborate prank, generating a mix of surprise and laughter among viewers.
The episode, hosted by former writer Conan O'Brien, opened with a fictional gala featuring animated celebrities. In a tongue-in-cheek manner, O'Brien announced that Fox had decided to end the beloved series, drawing on his own experiences with television finales.
“I legit thought this was the series finale until I realized it was all a joke XD,” tweeted one fan, encapsulating the sentiment of many who were caught off guard. Another viewer remarked, “I DEFINITELY FELL FOR THAT 'SERIES FINALE' ON-SCREEN GRAPHIC!”
As the episode unfolded, it showcased a montage of supposed "unaired series finale" scenes from previous Simpsons episodes, heightening the intrigue. However, the plot took an unexpected twist when O'Brien revealed that the entire episode was generated by artificial intelligence.
The AI-crafted storyline included dramatic moments such as Mr. Burns' death, the closure of Moe's Tavern, and Principal Skinner’s retirement, while humorously parodying notable finales from popular shows like Game of Thrones, Succession, and The Sopranos.
In a striking moment, Bart Simpson snapped out of the AI-induced illusion, returning to his familiar 10-year-old self after a brief, bewildering stint as an 11-year-old. The revelation turned the supposed "series finale" into a lighthearted joke, leaving fans both amused and relieved.
Despite the misleading marketing, The Simpsons is not nearing its end. Series creator Matt Groening reassured fans in a 2021 interview with USA Today, stating, “There's no end in sight.” He further commented on the speculative nature of discussions surrounding the series' conclusion, noting that such conversations often unsettle both creators and fans alike.
