The creators of The Simpsons have insisted that the long-running prank scene in which Homer strangles Bart will continue.
Earlier this month, it was reported that the recurring gag – where Homer yells at Bart “why are you small?”, wraps his hands around Bart’s neck and squeezes in such a way that his son’s eyes bulge – had been scrapped after Homer joked “I don’t do that anymore ‘ in the 35th season episode McMansion & Wife.
After Matt Groening hilariously confirmed that the joke would continue, co-creator and producer James L. Brooks said People: ‘Don’t think for a second that we’re changing anything.
‘Nothing is tamed. Nothing, nothing, nothing. He will still be strangled – (if) you want to use that awful term for it. He will continue to be loved by his father in a specific way.”
Last week, creator Groening published an animated response that was first shared by Variety, confirming that the long-running scene will continue.
Gag: The creators of The Simpsons have insisted that the long-running gag scene in which Homer strangles Bart will continue
Will continue: After Matt Groening hilariously confirmed the joke would continue, co-creator and producer James L. Brooks told People, “Don’t think for a second that we’re changing anything” (Brooks pictured in April 2023)
A statement read: “Homer Simpson was unavailable for comment as he was in the middle of choking Bart.”
The last time Homer strangled Bart onscreen was during the show’s 31st season, which aired from 2019 to 2020.
The scene’s strangling commotion began in the new episode with Homer introducing himself to Thayer, who notes how firm the patriarch’s handshake is.
“That’s quite a feat,” Thayer exclaims.
‘Do you see Marge? Strangling the boy paid off,” Homer joked.
Then he added, “Just kidding. I don’t do that anymore. Times have changed.’
The joke was featured during a season 22 episode titled Love Is a Many Strangled Thing, in which therapist Dr. Zander Homer tries to see the error of his ways when he strangles his child.
In the episode, towering basketball player Kareem confronts Abdul-Jabbar, a friend of Dr. Zander, Homer and teaches him what it feels like “to be young, small and terrified” by mercilessly strangling him several times.
Although the method traumatized Homer, it did not stop the strangling prank on Bart from appearing in further episodes.
Lol: However, show creator Matt Groening gave an animated response first shared by Variety confirming that the long-running scene will continue
Speak Out: The scene’s strangling commotion began in the new episode with Homer saying, “See Marge?” Strangling the boy paid off,” Homer joked. Then he added, “Just kidding. I don’t do that anymore. Times have changed’
Unimpressed: Groening (pictured last month) created the iconic series in 1989
Fans of the iconic sitcom were quick to comment on X, with many praising the choice.
One person wrote, “I knew my husband Homer would learn. He’s a smart guy,” as another user replied, “It took him 36 years but he finally learned.”
A third echoed: ‘To be fair this fell under Disney as they wanted family friendly branding for The Simpsons.’
‘Good to know Homer realized how wrong that was. I just wonder what made him realize that,” someone else added.
“That’s progress,” wrote another.
