Summary
The Simpsonsseason 36 is expanding on a modern tweak in an exciting way, and it’s got me really excited for the upcoming season. Many of the creatives behind the long-running animated show were atSan Diego Comic-Conto discuss the upcoming thirty-sixth seasons of the series during a panel that was attended by Screen Rant. This included teases ofseason 36’s confirmed guest stars, as well as a number of updates and clips from upcoming episodes.
One of the most exciting updates had to do with a long-standing tradition ofThe Simpsons, which has been steadily expanded in recent seasons. Established in the show’s second season, the yearly tradition has become a fan-favorite element ofThe Simpsons. Since season 27, the concept has been quietly expanded, building to a huge development in season 35 that paid off for the show and fans alike. Now, that trend is being continued inThe Simpsonsseason 36, and I couldn’t be more excited.
The Simpsons Season 36 Aging Bart Would Make The Show’s Canon Even More Confusing
The Simpsons season 36 may be making the show’s biggest change to Bart Simpson yet, but it could end up hurting The Simpsons in a major way.
It’s Great That The Simpsons Is Continuing The “Treehouse Of Horror Presents” Set-Up
Season 35’s “Not It” Proved An Expanded “Treehouse In Horror” Is A Great Move ForThe Simpsons
The Simpsonsis extending the “Treehouse Of Horror Presents” concept into season 36, which has me excited about double the standard number of Treehouse shorts. “Treehouse of Horror” has been a staple ofThe Simpsonssince season 2, with the show’s non-canon horror anthology featuring some of the show’s most memorable parodies and most frightening stories. I love the Treehouse of Horror episodes, rewatching them all every year while preparing for the next installment. This meant I was plenty excited when the show produced other Halloween-adjacent episodes, like season 27’s “Halloween of Horror” or season 31’s “Thanksgiving of Horror” anthology.
Season 35 took it further with the inclusion of “Not It.” The first of the “Treehouse of Horror Presents” episodes,the riff on Stephen King’sItwas a pitch-perfect parodythat poked fun at the source material while still doing it justice — all while keeping the character subversions and explorations true to the themes ofThe Simpsons. The success of “Not It” proves the show can expand its horror outings, with the confirmed “Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes” giving fans a trio of new Ray Bradbury parodies that should hopefully follow in “Not It’s” footsteps.
The Simpsons Can Always Use More Treehouse Of Horror Episodes
“Treehouse Of Horror” Is Usually A Highlight Of Every New Season OfThe Simpsons
Over the last thirty-five years,“Treehouse of Horror” has cemented itself as a fundamental part ofThe Simpsons. Eschewing the already loose canon and regular rules of the main-line series, “Treehouse of Horror” episodes often slaughter much of the cast while throwing them headlong into horrifying situations. While there are some segments that I’m not a fan of, the best ones are often highlights of their respective seasons. I’d argue that the best “Treehouse of Horror” episodes, such as season 5’s “Treehouse of Horror IV” and season 6’s “Treehouse of Horror IV” are among the show’s best ever episodes.
This makes the prospects of extra “Treehouse of Horror” all the more exicting. It’s a chance forThe Simpsonsanimators to go wildand weird, embracing different visual styles for the sake of story. The shorts are less restrained in their violence and sexuality, allowingThe Simpsonsto become more subversive than usual. Season 34’s “Treehouse of Horror XXXIII” proved that the premise is still going strong, with a quartet of stories that ranged from the utterly horrifying parody ofThe Babadookto the more pointed cultural satire of “Simpsons World” that won the show another Emmy.
The Simpsons Season 36 Teases An Answer To Its Oldest Mystery (That Changes The Show Forever)
Although The Simpsons doesn’t radically alter the show’s formula every year, there is reason to think that season 36’s premiere could see the series enter a new era.
Season 36’s “Treehouse Of Horror” Stories Already Have Me Excited
Season 36 Will Have At Least Six Treehouse Of Horror Segments
The Simpsonspanel at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 teased “Treehouse of Horror” shorts set to be aired this year, and they’ve all got me excited.The Simpsons' overt political leanings in season 35means the political giant robot parody might have some real teeth. The Mr. Burns segment has been hinted to be a Victorian-era short, promising the always fun remix of the cast’s typical designs. “Denim” will bring back some of the minds behindRobot Chickenfor a clever parody ofVenom. However, I’m most excited for “Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes.”
Similar to “Not It’s” riff on Stephen King,“Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes” promises to bring Lisa into parodies of some of Ray Bradbury’s most iconic short stories. This should give the creatives behind the show plenty of room to really zero in on the specific elements of Bradbury that help him stand out. The different settings and stories will likely be a gold mine for the animators, and keeping the trilogy centered on Lisa should allow the episode to retain the character focus that “Not It” did so well. Given the success of “Not It” before it, I’m excited to seeThe Simpsonscommiting to a greater number of Treehouse of Horror episodes per season.
The Simpsons
Cast
The Simpsons is an animated series set in the fictional town of Springfield, following the daily lives of the Simpson family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. Premiering in 1989, the show is renowned for its satirical commentary on politics, media, and American culture, featuring numerous celebrity guest appearances.
San Diego Comic-Con
San Diego Comic-Con is a yearly pop culture event celebrating movies, TV Shows, video games, and more. Each year, thousands of people flock to San Diego to attend the event, which hosts various celebrities and guests. SDCC was first held in 1970 under the banner Golden State Comic Book Convention.
