The Simpsons Revisits One of Its Most Controversial Gags in Season 36

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As The Simpsons gears up for its 36th season, long-time fans will likely agree that one thing never changes in Springfield: its timeless gags, characters, and tone. While many beloved shows adapt to the changing times, The Simpsons has maintained much of its original formula. Sure, a few characters have been written out (Maude Flanders and Edna Krabappel, for instance), and controversial choices—like the removal of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon after backlash over his portrayal—have stirred discussion. However, for the most part, the Simpson family and their neighbors remain largely untouched.

This steadfast adherence to tradition means that, despite the social and cultural shifts of the past three decades, Springfield hasn’t evolved much. And that, for some, is where the trouble begins. One might assume that, over time, certain gags or depictions that were once seen as acceptable might start to feel problematic. Indeed, the recent conversation surrounding Homer Simpson’s infamous habit of strangling his son Bart is a prime example.

A Return to an Old (and Controversial) Gag

Image Source: SlashFilm

During a recent interview with TMZ, showrunner Matt Selman addressed a question many fans have been asking: “Is Homer’s habit of choking Bart gone for good?”

The answer? Not even close.

In fact, in the premiere episode of Season 36, Homer is back to his old antics, choking Bart in a scene that’s both familiar and, for some, still controversial. Despite the show’s long history of pushing boundaries, the inclusion of this gag in 2024 sparked renewed debate, especially in an era where conversations around parenting styles and media representation have shifted.

A Reflection of “The Simpsons” Legacy

The longevity of The Simpsons means that it has seen—and often satirized—many cultural shifts. However, it also means that the show has sometimes clung to tropes that no longer resonate with today’s audiences. When The Simpsons first aired during the George H.W. Bush era, its irreverent take on parenthood, authority, and societal norms was groundbreaking. Homer’s antics, including his exaggerated outbursts toward Bart, were seen as a reflection of the show’s rebellious spirit.

Yet, what was once viewed as rebellious or comedic may now seem tone-deaf. In today’s world, where conversations about violence, even in comedic forms, have taken on new meaning, the depiction of Homer strangling Bart feels more unsettling for some viewers.

And yet, for all the outcry, The Simpsons continues to do what it has always done—deliver humor that’s, at times, abrasive and unapologetic. While the gag may feel out of place in 2024, it remains emblematic of the show’s larger philosophy: a refusal to change for the sake of change.

Can the Show Evolve?

As the series moves forward, the question remains: Should The Simpsons evolve with the times, or is its continued resistance to change part of its charm? It’s a delicate balance, and one that the show’s writers have navigated—sometimes successfully, sometimes not—over the years.

What’s clear, though, is that even after 35 seasons, Springfield’s residents, from Homer to Bart, aren’t going anywhere. And while that may disappoint some viewers hoping for growth or adaptation, for others, it’s a comforting reminder that, in a world that’s constantly evolving, some things remain constant—like Homer’s love for donuts and his occasional bouts of frustration with his son.

As Earth, Wind & Fire famously sang, “That’s the way of the world.”