‘The Simpsons’ Killed Marge Simpson in Finale Episode and Fans Are Stunned

Fans are still reeling after the latest episode of The Simpsons revealed the fate of a core character.

The image shows the Simpson family from the animated TV show "The Simpsons" standing in a forest at night. Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie all have worried and surprised expressions as they look off to the side. Trees and a dark sky are in the background. — Credit: Fox

The Simpsons has delighted, entertained, and embiggened its audience’s brains for over 35 years, becoming one of the most culturally significant entertainment products in history. What started as a spinoff based on animated shorts seen on The Tracy Ullman Show eventually transformed into one of the world’s most iconic and infamous TV shows.

The Simpsons is almost more of an institution at this point than just an adult animated series. Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie are likely recognizable to those who have never even watched a single episode of The Simpsons, as is the fictional town of Springfield and its ever-growing collection of wacky citizens.

The Simpsons also spawned its own theme park lands and one feature-length movie (with a sequel maybe on the way?). Needless to say, The Simpsons is a lot bigger than what it originally started as, which is why so many hold the core characters so closely.

This makes the show’s recent season finale, which saw the matriarch of the Simpson family pass away, that much more heartbreaking.

The Simpsons Shows Marge’s Death in Season Finale

A colorful illustration features characters from "The Simpsons" gathered in a living room. Homer Simpson, central and holding a remote, is surrounded by Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie, and other familiar faces like Ned Flanders, Mr. Burns, and Moe Szyslak. — Credit: Fox

The Simpsons’ season 36 finale episode peered into the family’s future, revealing Marge Simpson had died. The Simpsons is no stranger to flash-forward episodes, but rarely has such a crucial character been killed off. The episode paints a rather bleak future for the Simpson family as a whole, showing that Bart and Lisa had drifted apart.

“Marge passed before Homer, if you can believe it,” Canadian musician Sarah McLachlan cheekily sings in a montage seen in the episode. Marge’s tombstone was fitting, reading “Beloved wife, mother and pork-chop seasoner.”

It’s not revealed how Marge died, though she remains a central part of the episode. The family discovers a video Marge recorded before she died in which she urges Bart and Lisa to make amends and stick together.

While the episode aired earlier this summer, fans and critics alike are still discussing what it means for the show’s future.

Obviously, Marge is still alive and well in the present, though it’s unclear if this future will even be considered canon. Many episodes of The Simpsons have taken place in the past and future, though none are ever really meant to be taken at face value. For example, the story of how Marge and Homer first met has changed a number of times as the series has continued over the years.

Here lies one of The Simpsons’ biggest hurdles: aging. While the show is approaching its 36th birthday, the characters have remained the same age they have since the beginning. When the show first premiered, video calling and YouTube were all a far-off fantasy. Now, Bart and Lisa have their own smartphones.

The Simpsons recently secured a four-season renewal deal at Fox, meaning Homer, Marge, and the rest of the family will stay put for the foreseeable future.

Do you watch The Simpsons? What are your thoughts on the show’s season finale?