The Simpsons Won’t Have a Traditional Series Finale, Says Showrunner

After more than three decades on air, The Simpsons is not planning a big, emotional goodbye episode.

Showrunner Matt Selman recently confirmed that the long-running animated series has no intention of ending with a traditional series finale — even as it airs its 37th season and prepares to debut its 800th episode on Fox.

A Finale That Already Happened — As a Joke

In an interview with The Wrap, Selman revealed that the show already made fun of the idea of a series finale.

The season 36 premiere, titled “Bart’s Birthday,” acted as a parody of a final episode. The installment was hosted by Conan O'Brien, who previously worked as a writer on the show before launching his late-night career.

The episode featured a fictional AI service called “HackGPT,” which generated an over-the-top and ridiculous ending for the series. Writers packed in every possible dramatic twist they could imagine, including:

• Mr. Burns dying

• Moe’s Tavern closing

• Krusty ending his show

• Milhouse moving to Atlanta

• Principal Skinner retiring

• Maggie finally speaking

According to Selman, that parody episode was his way of saying the show will likely never have a traditional wrap-up.

“The Show Isn’t Meant to End”

Speaking previously to The New York Post, Selman explained that a sentimental finale would feel wrong for the series.

He said the show isn’t designed to change permanently. The characters reset each week, and the timeline is flexible. In another interview with Entertainment Weekly, Selman added that he doesn’t worry about maintaining strict continuity or canon.

For him, story and character come first — not long-term timeline rules. He described the series as “a silly little show” where everything both happened and didn’t happen at the same time.

If the series ever does end, Selman says it would likely just be a regular episode — possibly with a few small Easter eggs — but without emotional speeches or dramatic farewells.

800th Episode Celebration

While the end isn’t in sight, a major milestone is coming up. The Simpsons is about to air its 800th episode.

The special episode, titled “Irrational Treasure,” centers on a trip to Philadelphia and will feature several high-profile guest stars, including:

• Quinta Brunson

• Kevin Bacon

• Questlove

• Noah Wyle

• Katherine LaNasa

• Taylor Dearden

R&B group Boyz II Men will provide special music for the episode.

No Goodbye in Sight

Since its debut in 1989, The Simpsons has become the longest-running primetime scripted series in television history. With no official end date announced, the iconic animated family from Springfield appears set to continue entertaining fans for years to come.

And if it ever does sign off? Don’t expect tears — just another typical day in Springfield.