Fans of The Simpsons were recently sent into a frenzy after the season 36 finale appeared to confirm the unthinkable Marge Simpson was dead. In a touching, yet shocking flash-forward set 35 years in the future, Homer is seen mourning at Marge’s grave while a somber song plays in the background. The tombstone reads, “Beloved wife, mother, pork-chop seasoner,” and viewers were left stunned. Marge Simpson death explained.
But don’t worry, longtime fans Marge Simpson isn’t actually dead. Not in the way it counts, at least.
The Viral Confusion Over Marge’s “Death”
The episode titled Estranger Things dives into a speculative future for the Simpson family. While Lisa becomes the NBA commissioner and Bart runs a questionable retirement home, Homer is one of the residents there. The future narrative includes emotional scenes, like Marge appearing in a heartfelt recording urging her children to reconcile. Eventually, we see Marge in heaven, married to none other than Beatles legend Ringo Starr.
Naturally, the imagery especially Homer kneeling at her grave sparked headlines across the internet. But executive producer Matt Selman was quick to step in and offer clarity.
“There Is No Canon”: Matt Selman Speaks Out
In a recent interview with Variety, Matt Selman reassured fans that Marge’s fate isn’t final or even real. He explained that The Simpsons frequently plays with alternate timelines and fantasy sequences that aren’t meant to be taken as canon.
“There is no canon. The Simpsons doesn’t even have canon!” Selman said. “Obviously, since The Simpsons future episodes are all speculative fantasies, they’re all different every time.”
So, while Marge may have been seen in the afterlife this time around, there’s no guarantee that future versions of the show will acknowledge it or even mention it again. In fact, Marge could be very much alive in the next “future” episode, doing something completely different.
The Media’s Role in Stirring the Pot
Selman didn’t mince words when it came to the media coverage of the episode. He accused online publications of knowingly misleading fans to generate traffic.
“Every single media outlet that ran this story knew that in no way was Marge dead. They all knew it, but they ran the headline anyway,” he said.
It’s a frustrating yet unsurprising revelation in today’s click-driven media landscape. Still, Selman acknowledged that the viral reaction shows just how beloved Marge remains after more than three decades on television.
“I guess this speaks to the fact that people care about Marge,” Selman added. “At the end of the day, it’s probably good for business even when these ridiculous, misleading stories go viral!”
What Happens in Estranger Things?
Aside from the headline grabbing Marge moment, Estranger Things is packed with fun (and weirdly emotional) glimpses into the future:
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Lisa is the commissioner of the NBA.
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Bart runs a shady retirement facility.
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Homer is a resident in said facility.
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Marge, now in heaven, is remarried to Ringo Starr and enjoying the “Heaven Buffet.”
It’s a surreal but touching look at what might happen to the iconic family in years to come, filled with nods to longtime fans and pop culture references.
The Bottom Line: Marge Simpson Isn’t Gone for Good
Marge Simpson death explained. If you’re a die-hard Simpsons fan worried about Marge’s future take a deep breath. This isn’t the end of her. The series has a long-standing tradition of speculative flash-forwards that never tie into the show’s real timeline.
Whether she’s in heaven with Ringo Starr or serving pork chops in Springfield, Marge Simpson remains a vital part of the Simpson family alive and well (unless a future fantasy says otherwise).
So, don’t believe everything you read. Marge isn’t going anywhere.