For over three decades, The Simpsons has captivated audiences not only with its satirical humor but also with its shocking ability to predict real-life events. Whether it’s Donald Trump’s presidency, the emergence of smartwatches, or Disney’s acquisition of Fox, the show has repeatedly made headlines for storylines that later turned into reality.
Ahead of their new Christmas special O C’mon All Ye Faithful, showrunner Matt Selman reveals how The Simpsons accurately predicts the future.
How ‘The Simpsons’ predicts the future
Despite the popular speculation and rumors, the show’s creators insist there’s no magic or prophecy involved in predicting the future. Executive producer Matt Selman dismissed the “magic powers” theory often associated with how The Simpsons predicts the future. He joked that people expect them to have a laser and crystal that help them see the future. He also noted that many so-called predictions are either coincidences or exaggerated rumors that aren’t traceable to actual episodes. “It’s just that we talk about the world, which is full of dumb-dumbs. And dumb-dumbs do the same dumb stuff, again and again,” Selman quipped.
In a previous interview, longtime writer Al Jean also offered a straightforward explanation: “If you write 700 episodes, and you don’t predict anything, then you’re pretty bad.” He credits the team’s sharp observations of societal trends and many episodes for their accidental foresight. He emphasized that they write 10 months ahead and sometimes hit on ideas that become relevant later.
Fans are anticipating the new ‘Simpsons’ special
While the show’s predictions have added to its allure and popularity, The Simpsons continues to entertain with fresh, inventive episodes. Its upcoming Christmas special, “O C’mon All Ye Faithful,” celebrates both the holiday season and the 35th anniversary of the original Simpsons Christmas episode. In this double feature, Homer finds himself hypnotized into believing he’s Santa, and Springfield’s favorite side characters, like Ralph Wiggu, take center stage in a chaotic yet heartwarming storyline.
Whether fans see The Simpsons as accidental prophets or simply brilliant writers, one thing remains certain: their ability to entertain generations of viewers around the world. They will also always be known for their influence and longevity in the industry.