Matt Selman shares thoughts on how ‘The Simpsons’ should end

Matt Selman shares ideas for Simpsons' finale, emphasizing timeless stories and creative challenges.

Showrunner Matt Selman recently opened up about how The Simpsons might eventually conclude, even though the long-running animated sitcom shows no signs of wrapping up soon. Season 36, which premiered on September 29, 2024, featured an episode imagining potential endings, such as Mr. Burns’ death, Moe’s Tavern closing, and Principal Skinner’s retirement. However, these scenarios were revealed to be part of an A.I.-generated illusion by Bart, underscoring the difficulty of creating a satisfying series finale.

In an interview with the New York Post, Selman reflected on the challenges of ending a show like The Simpsons. “The show isn’t meant to end,” he said. “To do a sappy crappo series finale, like most other shows do, would be so lame.” Instead, he envisions the final episode as “just a regular episode… a really good story about the family.”

Selman also spoke earlier this year to People, where he reiterated that the show was designed to run indefinitely. “Every episode is both a first and a last episode of the show,” he explained, emphasizing the timeless nature of its format.

Adding to the conversation, Emmy-winning writer Carolyn Omine noted that the show’s evolving nature complicates the idea of a finale. “The show keeps changing,” she said, making it difficult to use ideas held onto for years.

Selman jokingly suggested a parody of A Christmas Carol with Mr. Burns as Scrooge as a potential finale. However, he stressed that the ending shouldn’t mimic other series’ finales. As The Simpsons continues its iconic run, Selman’s insights offer a thoughtful yet humorous take on the challenges of ending a beloved, ever-evolving show.

The Simpsons airs Sundays at 8/7c on Fox.