Summary
I’m glad to seeThe Simpsonsseason 36’s plans lean into something that makes the series unique from its competitors. It is tough forThe Simpsonsto stand out, as ironic as this may sound. The animated family sitcom is one of the most influential shows on television but, because of this, the many shows that have borrowed fromThe Simpsonsnow overshadow the original series.The Simpsonsseason 36can change this, but it can be hard for the show to compete withFamily Guy,American Dad,Rick and Morty,Bob’s Burgers, and so many more.
Viewers who want an edgier version ofThe Simpsonscan enjoyFamily Guy, while those who want a more grounded version of the series can watchBob’s Burgers. Fortunately,The Simpsonsis doing everything the show can to remain relevant.The Simpsonsseason 36 brings back a trickthat made season 34’s Treehouse of Halloween offerings memorable, while the show will also release full-length extra episodes exclusively on Disney+ for the first time. These changes keepThe Simpsonsfeeling fresh, as does one other clever choice. The show’s approach to holiday specials outdoes most of its competitors.
10 Great Movies I Cannot Watch Without Thinking About The Simpsons
The Simpsons has spoofed many movies over the years, but sometimes the show’s references and parodies end up supplanting the original movies.
The Simpsons Season 36 Has Four Holiday Specials (And A Halloween Short)
The Long-Running Animated Series Is Leaning Into This Sitcom Tradition
I’m delighted to seeThe Simpsonsseason 36 feature numerous holiday specials, including an online-exclusive Halloween short. After seasons 33, 34, and 35 included no Christmas episodes and season 34’s double Halloween outings were critically acclaimed, the creators of the series clearly learned a lesson.The Simpsonsseason 36 includes a two-part Christmas special, two separate Treehouse of Horror Halloween specials, and a Disney+ Halloween short, meaning a significant chunk of the show’s content will be seasonal. This is an ingenious choice considering the show’s brand. At the end of the day,The Simpsonsis a show about family.
Focusing on holiday events adds up for a show centered around a family.
This deluge of holiday content makes sense to me.The Simpsonsseason 36’s retconsmight annoy purists, but no one could argue that the show’s focus on holidays doesn’t make sense. Holidays are traditionally associated with family gatherings. WhetherThe Simpsonsleans into this for sentimentality or subverts it with a cynical spoof of sitcom specials, focusing on holiday events adds up for a show centered around a family. Recent seasons have seenFamily Guy,American Dad, and particularlyBob’s Burgersfollow this route, with the latter never missing the annual opportunity for a Halloween and Christmas episode.
Holiday Episodes Have Always Been A Simpsons Tradition
The Show’s Pilot Episode Was A Christmas Story
As far back as the first episode ofThe Simpsons, the show has focused on families coming together over holidays.The Simpsonsseason 36’s Christmas episodemight be the first one in a few years, but the show’s very first outing centered on Homer’s hapless attempts to make Christmas perfect for his family. Furthermore,The Simpsonshas an edge on its competitors when it comes to covering traditional holidays. Since they only air a few weeks of the year, many other adult animated comedy shows can’t include Christmas or Halloween specials in their usual seasons.
I’m gladThe Simpsonsis relying on holiday episodes.
Instead, they have to settle for releasing Christmas episodes in August, in the case ofFuturama, or releasing one every few years and ignoring Halloween entirely inRick and Morty’s case. In some instances, shows simply forget about holidays wholesale, asSouth Parkhas done since 2019. WhileFuturama’s Christmas episode choice was daring, it is not as ideal as releasing holiday episodes near the event itself. I’m gladThe Simpsonsis relying on holiday episodes as this tradition highlights the unique upside of being a network series in the age of streaming.
Other Animated Comedies Miss Out On The Simpsons Season 36’s Approach
The Simpsons’ Competitors Struggle With Holidays
The Simpsonscan’t respond to news stories immediately likeSouth Park, but it can lean into its status as a sitcom by focusing on family holidays.FuturamaandRick and Mortyhave only produced one Christmas episode each in the last few years, whileSouth Parkgave up on them back in season 23. This tradition makesThe Simpsonsstand out in a crowded marketplace, proving that the show still has an edge on its competitors.
The Simpsonsseason 36 is right to double down on this tradition since other network comedies are beginning to get wise.Family Guyreturned to producing Christmas episodes a few years back and season 23 will feature a Halloween special guest starring Glen Powell.American Dad’s Christmas episodes are broadly seen as the show’s best offerings, while the aforementionedBob’s BurgersbeatThe Simpsonsto this approach years ago. Thus,The Simpsonsseason 36’s focus on the holidays is a canny strategy that I’m glad the show is leaning into.
