5 Shocking Ways 'The Death Of The Simpsons' Has Been Predicted For 2025 And Beyond

The phrase "The Death of The Simpsons" is a cultural meme, a critical hot-take, and now, in late 2025, a viral conspiracy theory that refuses to die. For a show that has been on the air for over three decades, the question is not *if* it will end, but *how* and *when*. The longevity of the series, which is currently in its 36th season, has created a unique phenomenon where its perceived "death" is discussed more frequently than its continued success. From the infamous "golden era" debate to startling, current-day predictions, the show’s final curtain call is a topic of constant speculation.

The conversation around the show's demise is multi-layered, encompassing everything from the loss of beloved voice actors to the show's uncanny ability to "predict" real-world events. As of this current date, December 11, 2025, the show continues to air new episodes, yet the narrative of its impending end—or its quality's long-ago expiration—remains one of the most compelling and debated topics in television history. We dive into the five most prominent and shocking ways the "death" of *The Simpsons* is discussed in the modern era.

The Complete List of Major Character Deaths in Springfield

Before exploring the metaphorical "death" of the series, it is essential to acknowledge the significant, permanent losses that have occurred within the fictional town of Springfield. Despite its famously static timeline, *The Simpsons* has not shied away from killing off key characters, often to great emotional effect or to mark a shift in the show's structure. These actual in-show deaths represent a literal form of "death of The Simpsons" for those specific characters.

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The following is a list of some of the most prominent characters who have met their end:

• Maude Flanders: Died in Season 11, Episode 14 ("Alone Again, Natura-Diddily") after being knocked off a grandstand by a t-shirt cannon. Her death was one of the most shocking and impactful, serving as a major plot point for Ned Flanders' character for years.
• Frank Grimes: Died in Season 8, Episode 23 ("Homer's Enemy"). Grimes, a hard-working, bitter man who became Homer Simpson's nemesis, accidentally electrocuted himself while mocking Homer's incompetence. His death is often cited as a turning point in the show's humor, leaning into darker comedy.
• Bleeding Gums Murphy: Died in Season 6, Episode 22 ("'Round Springfield"). Lisa Simpson's jazz mentor and friend, Murphy's death was a poignant, emotional episode that is considered a high point of the show's "golden era."
• Edna Krabappel: The death of Bart Simpson's jaded teacher was handled with respect and sadness following the real-life passing of her voice actress, Marcia Wallace, in 2013. Her character was retired, with an emotional tribute in Season 25, Episode 3 ("Four Regrettings and a Funeral").
• Mona Simpson: Homer's mother, voiced by Glenn Close, died peacefully in Season 19, Episode 2 ("Mona Leaves-a"). Her character's death provided a rare moment of genuine, heartfelt drama for Homer.
• Fat Tony (Original): The initial version of the mob boss died of a heart attack in Season 22, Episode 9 ("Donnie Fatso"), only to be replaced by his thinner cousin, "Fit Tony," who quickly gained weight and became the new Fat Tony.

The Perceived 'Golden Era' Death: The Quality Decline Debate

The most common and long-standing interpretation of "The Death of The Simpsons" is the critical consensus that the show's quality sharply declined after a certain point. This is often referred to as the "Jerkass Homer" era or the point where the show became a parody of itself.

1. The End of the 'Golden Era' and Showrunner Shifts

The "Golden Era" of *The Simpsons* is generally agreed to span from Season 3 to Season 8 or 9. This period is celebrated for its perfect blend of character-driven humor, sharp social satire, and genuine emotional depth. The perceived "death" began when the show's original writing staff and showrunners, like David Mirkin, Bill Oakley, and Josh Weinstein, began to depart.

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• Shift in Characterization: Critics argue that Homer Simpson evolved from a well-meaning but flawed father into an overly cruel, idiotic, and often aggressive caricature—the so-called "Jerkass Homer."
• Plot Over Character: Later seasons are often criticized for prioritizing outlandish, celebrity-driven plots over the nuanced character development and relatable family dynamics that defined the early years.
• The 'Zombie' Argument: Many fans and critics suggest the show has been a "zombie" or "ghost" of its former self for decades, continuing to exist purely as a financial entity rather than a creative powerhouse.

The Viral 2025 Prophecy: The Death Prediction Conspiracy

In a truly current and shocking twist, the phrase "death of The Simpsons" has recently become associated with viral conspiracy theories claiming the show predicted a major, real-world death in 2025. This phenomenon highlights the show's continued relevance not just as a comedy, but as a mythical source of prophecy.

2. The Unfounded 'US President's Death' Prediction

In late 2024 and early 2025, a viral video and various social media posts circulated, claiming that an episode of *The Simpsons* predicted the death of a US President in August 2025.

• The Viral Hoax: The claims specifically targeted former President Donald Trump, fueled by his recent health news.
• Lack of Evidence: Despite the rapid spread of the theory, fact-checkers and AI tools like X's Grok have dismissed the claims, confirming that no official episode record exists for such a specific prediction.
• The 'Simpsons' Effect: This recurring pattern—where any major global event is retroactively searched for in the show—demonstrates the cultural weight of *The Simpsons* as a satirical oracle, even when the "prediction" is entirely fabricated.

The Voice Actor Loss: The Emotional Death of a Character

A more somber and undeniable form of "death" for the series comes with the passing of its legendary voice cast. Because the show's characters are so intrinsically tied to their performers, the death of an actor necessitates the retirement or recasting of a beloved resident of Springfield.

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3. The Retirement of Edna Krabappel and The Future Threat

The most notable example is the retirement of Edna Krabappel following the death of Marcia Wallace. This was an emotional loss for the cast, the crew, and the fans, marking a true, non-fictional end for a character. The show's creators chose not to recast the role, demonstrating the irreplaceable nature of the original talent.

The looming threat of future voice actor losses represents an inevitable "death" for other core characters. The main cast—Dan Castellaneta (Homer, Krusty, Grandpa), Julie Kavner (Marge, Patty, Selma), Nancy Cartwright (Bart, Nelson), Yeardley Smith (Lisa), and Hank Azaria (Moe, Apu, Chief Wiggum)—are all integral to the show's identity. The loss of any one of them would fundamentally change the series, forcing a difficult decision on the producers: retire the character or attempt a controversial recasting.

The Eventual Finale: The Confirmed Death of the Series

Despite its seemingly endless run, the show's crew has occasionally addressed the inevitable question of the series finale, confirming that a definitive "death" is planned, even if the date is unknown.

4. The Showrunner's Plan for the Final Episode

Executive producer Matt Selman, who has been with the show for decades, has provided some insight into the crew's plan for the ultimate finale. He has confirmed that a final episode is being discussed and planned for, assuring fans that the show will have a proper ending, not just an abrupt cancellation.

The general consensus among the crew, including creator Matt Groening, is that the show will continue as long as the quality remains high and the ratings justify the production. The decision to end the show will likely be a collective one, aiming for a creative high point rather than a forced exit.

5. The Financial and Contractual 'Death'

Ultimately, the "death of The Simpsons" will be a business decision. The series is one of the most valuable intellectual properties in television, generating immense revenue through syndication, merchandise, and its streaming home on Disney+. The show is currently contracted through Season 36 (2024-2025), with renewal talks ongoing for future seasons.

The true end will occur when the cost of production, the salaries of the core voice cast, and the diminishing returns on viewership no longer make financial sense for the parent company. While critics may argue the creative death happened years ago, the final, definitive death of *The Simpsons* will be signed off on a corporate balance sheet, not a writer's room whiteboard.

Despite the endless debates about its quality, the disturbing 2025 predictions, and the inevitable finale, the cultural impact of *The Simpsons* is immortal. The show has shaped comedy, television, and popular culture in a way few other series ever have. Even when the final episode airs, the legacy of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie will ensure that the spirit of Springfield remains very much alive.