The Simpsons Killed Off a Beloved Character & Fans Aren’t Happy

In the Season 36 finale titled “Estranger Things” (aired May 18), The Simpsons delivered one of its most poignant twists yet—a flash-forward set 35 years into the future suggests Marge Simpson has passed away.

The storyline begins with Bart and Lisa drifting apart after outgrowing their shared love of The Itchy & Scratchy Show. A tearful Marge warns them they’ll need each other when she’s gone.

The Simpsons Made an Interesting Choice

The narrative leaps ahead decades, revealing grown-up Lisa as the NBA Commissioner and Bart running a questionable retirement home in Florida. A montage accompanied by a Sarah McLachlan–style ballad describes Marge’s death, showing her tombstone labeled “Beloved wife, mother, pork‑chop seasoner”—a tongue-in-cheek tribute.

Heartache and Heaven for the Simpsons Fans

At the funeral, Lisa finds a pre-recorded video message from Marge urging siblings not to let each other drift away. This message reunites them, prompting a rescue mission for Homer and a moment of reconnection over childhood nostalgia. The episode ends on a bittersweet note: Marge, content, watches over them from Heaven alongside Ringo Starr.

Though emotionally charged, it’s important to note: this isn’t necessarily Marge’s definitive end. The show has used similar future-flash formats before, and it’s been renewed through Season 40, meaning Marge will almost certainly remain central to upcoming episodes.

Fans React: Divide Between Tears and Eye‑Rolls

Social media erupted. One fan on X wrote: “They f‑‑‑ing killed off Marge Simpson. That’s insanity.” Another demanded, “WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY KILLED MARGE SIMPSON?!?!?!”.

Yet some applauded the emotional storytelling. Critics acknowledge that even long-running series need fresh twists, and a symbolic death gave added weight to Marge’s oft-underappreciated role as Springfield’s emotional anchor .

Flash‑Forward: A Storytelling Tool, Not a Farewell

This isn’t the first time The Simpsons has used speculative future timelines. A 2016 episode envisioned Marge alive and well, years later, on Mars. The murky timelines and memory-jogging flashbacks mean fans should take today’s revelations with a pinch of salt.

Showrunner Matt Selman has indicated that Marge’s “death” was narrative-driven, not a permanent writing-out. And with Seasons 37–40 greenlit, Marge’s familiar voice (Julie Kavner) and presence are likely safe for many springtimes to come.

Why It Matters

Even after 36 seasons, The Simpsons remains influential. This episode demonstrates its ability to mix sentimental family drama with self-aware wit. By exploring mortality through the lens of a fictional matriarch, the show reaffirms Marge’s value, not just as a punchline, but as Springfield’s moral centre.

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