Skip to main content

Homer Simpson will magically appear live in new Simpsons episode

The Simpsons may be the longest-running sitcom on American TV, but the animated series is far from traditional. Fox has announced that an upcoming episode of the show will include a live segment in the final three minutes in which family patriarch Homer Simpson will discuss current events and answer fan questions.

It’s a big undertaking, especially considering that The Simpsons is, well, animated. While it usually takes months for animation to be ready to air, the three-minute live segment will use motion-capture technology to create a scene that is specific to the episode’s premiere day theme, showrunner Al Jean explained to THR. This will be a new challenge for Dan Castellaneta, the voice actor behind Homer, but Jean assures fans that he is “a great improviser.” He’ll have to be, because Jean promised during an interview with The Wrap  that there will be ways to “prove” the segment is live.

Recommended Videos

The segment is definitely new territory, though. “As far as I know, this is the first time that’s been done by any animated show,” Jean told THR. However, the live section fits in perfectly, given that the episode’s theme deals with improvisational comedy.

While we haven’t seen any animated shows try such a unique format in the past, the motion capture technology has been used successfully by Fox Sports. The Simpsons team was able to learn from the network’s sports programming division and has already conducted multiple tests. Come May, everything sounds like it will be ready to go.

The fact that fans will be able to get involved is also exciting. Fox is inviting viewers to pose questions via Twitter using the hashtag #HomerLive. All tweets should be submitted between Sunday, May 1 and Wednesday, May 4.

The episode will air on May 15, with Homer’s special segment airing live on both coasts’ broadcasts.

Stephanie Topacio Long
Stephanie Topacio Long is a writer and editor whose writing interests range from business to books. She also contributes to…
Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks live stream: how to watch the NBA online
Jalen Brunson dribbles the ball for the New York Knicks.

The Chicago Bulls head to the "World's Most Famous Arena" to take on the New York Knicks on the final day of the regular season. The action begins at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT on Sunday, April 14. The game will be played inside Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The Bulls have locked up the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference, meaning they will host their Play-In Tournament game against the No. 10 Atlanta Hawks. For Chicago to advance to the postseason, they must beat the Hawks and defeat the loser of No. 7 versus No. 8 matchup. For the Knicks, the team has clinched a top-six playoff spot. The Knicks can reach No. 2 if the Milwaukee Bucks lose two games. However, the likely outcome is that the Knicks finish as the No. 3 seed.

Read more
7 old songs that became popular after appearing in new movies and TV shows
Barry Keoghan stands shirtless in Saltburn

If you're a fan of Stranger Things or Saltburn, you know how a great movie or series can reignite your love of certain songs – whether you're singing Murder on the Dancefloor while you dance around naked or are shouting the lyrics, "And if I only could, I'd make a deal with God," while you wear your old-school Walkman.

Sometimes, movies and shows release their own original songs that become mega hits, like Barbie with What Was I Made For by Billie Eilish and I'm Just Ken by Ryan Gosling, but it's way more fun to rediscover an older song that's found new life thanks its appearance in pop culture. From '70s disco hits to deep cuts from grunge icons, let's take a look at some older songs that found new levels of success thanks to their starring roles in popular movies and series.
Something in the Way by Nirvana (The Batman)
Nirvana - Something in the Way | The Batman Soundtrack

Read more
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks live stream: how to watch the NBA online
Jalen Brunson dribbles the ball for the New York Knicks.

The second half of the NBA season is underway. The rivalry between Boston and New York heats up on Saturday night when the Celtics take on the Knicks inside Madison Square Garden. The Celtics and Knicks are two of the four best teams in the Eastern Conference, meaning this game could be a potential playoff preview.

The Celtics are the best team in the East by a wide margin, seven games to be exact. With a record of 44-12, the Celtics can run the table, reach 60 wins, and secure the No. 1 seed in the postseason. The Knicks, who are fourth with a 34-22 record, are trying to string together a few wins while waiting for three of their best players – Mitchell Robinson, OG Anunoby, and Julius Randle – to return from injury sometime next month.
Watch the Celtics vs. Knicks live stream on ABC

Read more