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The Simpsons’ new season brings exclusive episodes to Disney+
As The Simpsons gears up for its 36th season this fall on Fox, fans have more to look forward to than just the traditional broadcast. During the D23 convention in Anaheim, the executive producers announced that four new episodes will exclusively air on Disney+ this upcoming season. This marks a significant expansion of the show’s presence on the streaming platform.
A festive start with a Christmas special
One of the highlights is a new Christmas-themed two-parter titled O Come All Ye Faithful, set to premiere on December 17. This date is particularly special as it coincides with the 35th anniversary of the very first Simpsons episode, Simpsons Roasting Over An Open Fire, which aired in 1989. This nostalgic nod is sure to delight long-time fans of the series.
More exclusive content on the horizon
In addition to the Christmas special, two other episodes, The Past and the Furious and Yellow Planet, will also be available on Disney+ in the coming months. Furthermore, a new Halloween-themed short will premiere in October, adding to the series’ tradition of spooky, seasonal content.
Disney+ has previously hosted several exclusive Simpsons shorts, such as The Force Awakens from Its Nap, The Good, the Bart, and the Loki, and Plusaversary in 2021. These were followed by When Billie Met Lisa, Welcome to the Club, and The Simpsons Meet the Bocellis in ‘Feliz Navidad’ in 2022, and Rogue Not Quite One and May the 12th Be with You in 2023 and 2024, respectively. However, this marks the first time that entire episodes will be exclusive to the streaming service.
Implications for the future of the show
This move raises intriguing questions about the future of The Simpsons on Fox. Another 20th TV Animation show, Family Guy, is also producing original episodes for Hulu alongside its Fox run. Could this be a sign of things to come for The Simpsons?
During the D23 panel, creators Matt Groening, Matt Selman, Al Jean, Mike Price, Brian Kelley, David Silverman, and star Nancy Cartwright (the voice of Bart Simpson) shared the exciting news. They also announced that the 18 episodes from Season 35, which aired last season on Fox, will be available on Disney+ starting October 2.
A sneak peek into Season 36
Just a few weeks ago at San Diego Comic-Con, The Simpsons team revealed some of their plans for Season 36. This includes a collaboration with Stoopid Buddy (known for Robot Chicken) to tackle Venom in this fall’s annual Treehouse of Horror special. But the Halloween fun doesn’t stop there. The producers also announced a second spooky trilogy inspired by Ray Bradbury, titled Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes. According to Selman, these stories will be “dark and funny and in the Halloween spirit.”
A poster for the premiere
To build anticipation, here’s a poster for the premiere of Season 35 on Disney+:
Personal reflections for fans
For those who have grown up with The Simpsons, this expansion into exclusive Disney+ content is both exciting and nostalgic. The series has always been a cultural touchstone, reflecting and satirizing society in a way that few other shows have managed. The move to Disney+ not only ensures that the show remains accessible to a new generation of viewers but also allows for creative freedom that could lead to even more innovative storytelling.
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, this development is a fascinating case study in how long-running shows can evolve and adapt to new media landscapes. The exclusive episodes and shorts on Disney+ offer a fresh way to engage with the beloved characters and stories, providing a richer, more diverse viewing experience.
For more details and to watch the trailers, check out the links below:
As we look forward to these new episodes, it’s clear that The Simpsons continues to be a dynamic and evolving force in the world of animation. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, there’s never been a better time to dive into the world of Springfield.
