The Simpsons’ bold new format evolves with ‘Women in Shorts’

Pushing boundaries and breaking molds

The Simpsons has long been revered for its innovative take on the animated sitcom genre, and recent seasons have showcased the series’ willingness to experiment. From its audacious “series finale” Season 36 premiere to its razor-sharp parody of The White Lotus, the show has been pushing boundaries and defying expectations.

This week, the legendary show continues to evolve with its sketch comedy-inspired episode titled “Women in Shorts”. Unlike traditional episodes, this one foregoes a singular storyline in favor of around 15 distinct vignettes, each providing a unique and humorous glimpse into the lives of Springfield’s female residents.

Behind the sketches

The episode was penned by Christine Nangle, a seasoned writer and comedian with a rich background in sketch comedy, having worked on shows like Saturday Night Live, Inside Amy Schumer, and Kroll Show. Her experience with the Upright Citizens Brigade made her an ideal fit for infusing The Simpsons with a fresh, sketch-driven approach.

“Our showrunner, Matt Selman, has really encouraged us to take risks and break format a little bit more,” says Nangle. “I thought it would be cool to do an episode that feels a little bit like a sketch show, delving into the lives of the women of the town.”

A twist from the start

From the very beginning, the episode signals a departure from the norm. Lisa Simpson, rather than her brother Bart, is seen writing on the classroom blackboard in the opening sequence. This subtle switch sets the tone for an episode that will continually play with animation styles and scene types, culminating in a memorable musical number.

Homer’s musical misadventure

In one of the episode’s standout vignettes, Homer Simpson finds himself in a hilariously awkward situation. Voiced by Dan Castellaneta, Homer is too scared to buy feminine hygiene products for his wife Marge, portrayed by Julie Kavner. The store clerks, given voice by Dawnn Lewis and Tony Rodriguez, shame Homer through a lively song and dance routine titled “Incompetent Husband.” This catchy number was composed by Kara Talve, adding an amusing musical flair to the episode.

Exploring untold stories

The episode dedicates itself to uncovering the often unseen lives of Springfield’s women. Each sketch provides a unique narrative, from Malibu Stacy venturing into the real world to Luann receiving support from friends to conquer her wine merchandise addiction. Viewers will also witness Bernice Hibbert’s creative attempts to save her marriage and a humorous take on the opening credits of the sitcom The Nanny, reimagined for a pilot about Luigi’s mother, who returns to law school in a segment called “Mama at Law.”

Esteemed collaboration

Nangle worked closely with producer Brian Kelley and first-time director Eric Koenig to bring this ambitious episode to life. “I really do miss sketch comedy,” Nangle shares. “It felt very cool to return to it.”

Selman’s unwavering support for innovation has enabled the show’s writers and creators to explore new directions, ensuring the series remains fresh and engaging. “Matt Selman, our showrunner, is so innovative, and he trusts us so much to take things in new directions,” Nangle continues. “So in a lot of ways, you don’t feel beholden to the fact that it’s been around for so long. It never gets boring.”

Legacy of innovation

The Simpsons has a history of experimenting with different formats, including the landmark Season 7 episode “22 Short Films About Springfield”. Nangle compares “Women in Shorts” to the Season 34 episode “Lisa the Boy Scout”. This episode begins with a conventional storyline before morphing into an anthology, as two masked hackers hijack the narrative.

Catch the latest episode

Eager viewers can catch the “Women in Shorts” episode on The Simpsons this Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on Fox. The episode promises to offer a fresh perspective on the beloved characters and their stories, emphasizing the often-overlooked experiences of Springfield’s women.

To stay up-to-date with the latest in entertainment and to dive deeper into iconic shows like The Simpsons, share this article on social media and follow our updates. Keep exploring, enjoying, and discussing your favorite series with us!