Did the Simpsons really end? Season 36 'series finale' sparks confusion among fans

The long-running animated sitcom left viewers puzzled when it aired what was called the “series finale” during the premiere of Season 36 on Sunday.

The episode, titled “Bart’s Birthday,” started with an animated version of Conan O’Brien, a former writer for the show, hosting a star-studded event featuring animated celebrities.

“It’s such an honor to be with you all for the series finale of ‘The Simpsons,'” O’Brien told the audience. “I knew I was the right man for the job because I’ve hosted the last episode of three of my own shows, and counting.”

Courtesy: FOX

“Well, it’s true. Fox has decided to end the Simpsons,” O’Brien continued. “This show was such a special part of my early career, so being here means the world to me. Also. I left a sweater in the writer’s room in 1993 and this is the only way they’ll let me get it back.”

After mentioning that Fox “has been trying to end” the show for years, O’Brien introduced clips that he claimed were unseen finale scenes from “classic episodes,” such as 1990’s “Bart the Daredevil” and 2000’s “Little Big Mom.”

O’Brien then revealed the Season 36 premiere and its surprising twist — the episode was created using AI, incorporating various dramatic moments that attempted to bring the series to a close.

Among the AI-generated scenes were Mr. Burns dying, Moe’s Tavern closing, and Principal Skinner retiring, all playing out humorously throughout the episode.

Additionally, there were animated re-enactments of the final scenes from hit shows like “Game of Thrones,” “Succession,” “The Sopranos,” “Breaking Bad,” and “Frasier.”

In the end, Bart wakes up from the AI-created illusion, where he had aged to 11, despite being 10 since the series began. After Bart regains his awareness, the fake “series finale” concludes.

The AI-themed plot confused some fans, but they soon realized the show wasn’t actually ending.

“I legit thought this was the series finale until I realized it was all a joke XD But still this was a great and funny season 36 premiere! Loved all the references!” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“I DEFINITELY FELL FOR THAT ‘SERIES FINALE’ ON-SCREEN GRAPHIC!” another user tweeted.

“Tonight’s premiere — not series finale — of @TheSimpsons was freaking brilliant!!! Great work, writer Jessica Conrad!” a different tweet read.

“The Simpsons” made its debut on Dec. 17, 1989.