The Simpsons is a wonderful show, a beloved show, but it’s also become an annoyingly accurate predictor of a lot of catastrophic events that have plagued us recently.

Since it’s debut all the way back in 1989, the sitcom’s ability to predict the future has become legendary. Donald Trump’s presidency; Disney buying Fox; the Capitol Hill riots; The Simpsons has predicted it all.

That’s why it wasn’t even surprising when Russia invaded Ukraine and someone realised an episode of the show had predicted the conflict years ago.

Thankfully it sounds like we’re about to find out just how the show’s writers have managed it all these years. Ahead of the premiere of the show’s 34th season, executive producer and showrunner Matt Selman told Deadline that viewers are going to finally learn how The Simpsons has accurately predicted so many future events.

“We have another crazy conceptual episode that explains how The Simpsons know the future,” he said. “It’s a conceptual episode with lots of crazy stuff in it, but it does an explanation of how The Simpsons can predict the future.

Selman kept tight-lipped about which episode it will come in, but it’s exciting nonetheless. “You can’t just rest on your laurels,” he continued about season 34. “You have to be pushing yourself and challenging yourself and making sure every episode is distinct and emotional and visual and compelling and scary and cinematic. So we do that on like 85 percent of them. That’s pretty good. I always thought a B+ was a good grade.”

Selman also discussed how the writers keep The Simpsons as fresh as possible 34 season in. “Luckily the world keeps delivering things that need reflecting on in the Springfield mirror,” he said. “So that’s a thank-you to the world, but also the world needs to do better.”

Love Film & TV?

Get the latest Film & TV news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more

For more on this topic, follow the Film & TV Observer.

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine