The Simpsons caused a stir among viewers after the show (temporarily) killed off Marge Simpson during its season 36 finale. Which aired back in May. So why are people getting upset over an episode that’s over a month old?
What Actually Happened?
The season 36 finale “Estranger Things” revolves around the breakdown of Bart and Lisa Simpson’s relationship. In a flash-forward set 35 years in the future, Marge has passed away and Homer is living in a retirement home. After watching a video of Marge urging Bart and Lisa to stick together, the siblings repair their relationship just in time to save their father.
Homer is taken out of the retirement home by Senior Protective Services, who want to send him to Florida. After rescuing Homer, the family sits down to watch an old episode of “The Itchy and Scratchy Show” while Marge’s spirit watches down from heaven. Oh, and she’s also married to Ringo Starr since, apparently, you’re allowed to marry different people in heaven even if your spouse is still alive.
Is Marge’s Future Death Canon?
No, probably not.
It’s worth noting that The Simpsons doesn’t have a set canon. Previous episodes that look into the family’s future have been retconned over the three and half decades the show has been on air. So it’s possible that the timeline where Marge died and hooked up with Ringo Starr won’t come to pass.
Why the Delayed Reaction?
Fans were furious with the episode, as they genuinely believed that Marge was killed off for good.But why are viewers just finding out about Marge’s death when “Estranger Things” aired back on May 18, 2025?
- Delayed Watching: Many viewers discovered the episode later on Hulu or Disney+.
- Viral Clips: Out-of-context clips of Marge’s death circulated on social media, leading to confusion about whether she was actually written off.
- Emotional Weight: The scene played it straight. Her death wasn’t treated as a joke. The episode was a glimpse into how the Simpsons would look without their blue-haired monarch, making it feel unusually serious for a show known for its irreverence.
- Marge Is the Heart of the Show: Unlike other characters who’ve been killed off over the years, Marge is the emotional anchor. Her absence shifts the tone of the entire series.
The Bottom Line
No, The Simpsons didn’t kill off Marge. The flash-forward was a “What if?” scenario more than anything else. The animated series has already been renewed up until its 40th season and Marge will be back when season 37 airs in Fall 2025.
What made the episode such a trigger for some people is that it dared to ask what happens when one of the show’s main characters disappears. It’s a reminder that despite none of the characters having aged in over thirty years, they won’t be around forever.
