The iconic animated series kicks off its 38th season on Sunday, September 27, with an episode titled "The Children’s Book Job." This premiere takes a comedic dive into the world of children's literature, featuring an all-star guest cast. Emma Thompson lends her voice to Constance Clavinger, a spirited British children's author whose visit to Springfield for a book fair turns into a "Get Him to the Greek"-style adventure for Homer. His mission? To ensure the inebriated author makes it to the event on time, which Marge has organized to save Springfield Elementary.
Adding to the star power, Colin Jost appears as himself, reading his own children's book to a largely unimpressed Springfield Elementary audience. Executive producer Matt Selman described the episode as a "love letter" to classic children's books, from Richard Scarry to Eric Carle. He noted that the story, conceived by writer Dan Vebber and co-executive producer Mike Price, embraces an '80s movie structure, focusing on two disparate characters thrown together, becoming friends, then enemies, and ultimately friends again. Selman praised Thompson's performance, calling her an "icon" who tackled the large guest role with "full gusto." The episode also sees Homer reflecting on his parenting, realizing that "children’s books are a better parent than I’ll ever be."
Beyond the premiere, Selman teased other upcoming episodes. "Diary of a Chimpy Kid" (October 4) explores Bart and Lisa's adoption of a baby chimp, leading to Homer's comedic fears about adult chimp behavior. "The Kosmic Kruiser" traps the siblings in an abandoned immersive theme park, while "Testing 1-2-3" promises a thoughtful yet humorous exploration of neurodiversity.
As Halloween approaches, "Treehouse of Horror XXXVII" (October 25) is set to deliver its annual dose of spooky satire. The special opens with a "Simpsons" and "Nightmare Before Christmas" mashup, created by Stoopid Buddy Stoodios. One segment, inspired by Holly Gramazio's novel "The Husbands," sees Homer mysteriously transforming into different husbands for Marge, including Lenny and even Kang and Kodos. Tiffany Haddish guest stars as Marge's sassy best friend in one of these alternate realities. Another segment combines "Freaky Friday" with "Pet Sematary," as Homer accidentally kills and buries Bart and the family dog, only for them to return with their bodies switched. The third tale features teenage Bart and Lisa discovering Homer has been trapped for years in murderous Driver's Ed films by evil witch versions of Patty and Selma.
In a timely tie-in, "The Simpsons" has collaborated with Jack in the Box for a "Munchie Meal of Horror." The promotion includes six collectible, glow-in-the-dark cups, which Selman noted sold out almost instantly. The meal box itself is a treasure trove of "Simpsons" Easter eggs, from a reference to Bart's twin brother Hugo eating a fish sandwich to comical gravestones featuring beloved dead characters like Frank Grimes. Selman revealed a particularly obscure Easter egg: bullies on the box are dressed as the rarely remembered 1970s Jack in the Box Bunch mascots, a detail he personally championed. "I procrastinated from working on the stuff that I should be working on by working really hard on this box," Selman quipped.
Finally, Selman provided an update on the highly anticipated new "Simpsons" movie. Currently slated for release on September 3, 2027, the film is already written and may even have a title, though Selman is keeping it under wraps for now. He expressed immense confidence in the project, proclaiming it will be "’S’ tier"—a reference to the highest ranking in online grading systems. "The movie’s going to be S tier. That’s my promise to you," Selman assured. The animated juggernaut continues to push boundaries, balancing its comedic roots with fresh storytelling and ambitious collaborations.
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