Did Marge Simpson Really Die? The Controversial ‘Simpsons’ Episode That Has Fans Talking
Plus, learn about some of the fan reactions to this unexpected reveal in the Season 36 finale
Since its first season aired in 1989, The Simpsons has had its fair share of notable moments. From iconic gags and heartwarming moments to pop culture satire, the show knows how to keep its audience talking. One of the most recent talking points has involved the death no one saw coming: Marge Simpson. Wondering what happened to the matriarch of the family? Keep reading to find out how The Simpsons addressed Marge’s death, plus what fans had to say about the news.
What happens in the episode where Marge Simpson dies?
In the Season 36 episode “Estranger Things,” fans got a glimpse of what the future holds for the Simpsons family. Unfortunately, the flash-forward had a rather grim surprise, according to the New York Post.
The premise of the episode focuses on siblings Bart and Lisa growing apart after no longer bonding over their favorite television program, The Itchy & Scratchy Show. Though it had been a favorite for them growing up, they learn in the present day that the show has begun to produce merchandise marketed towards babies. Disturbed by the news, they ditch the show and destroy their once-beloved merchandise.
Marge is upset to see that the kids are also no longer sitting together in front of the TV to watch, and have instead taken an interest in separate shows. She expresses to Bart and Lisa that she worries this is the start of their sibling bond weakening, but the kids assure her everything is fine.
Unfortunately, her concerns turn out to be quite valid. In a time jump, fans find out that the siblings grow distant, and no one is upset about it. While Marge would certainly be heartbroken by the strained relationship, it is revealed that she had already died before her husband, Homer.
In this 35-year-later future, Bart and Lisa find in their mom’s will that she hoped the two would reunite in the future. Her wish comes true when they manage to team up to save their dad from protective services, and watch the new Itchy & Scratchy reboot together.
In Heaven, Marge even looks down on her family and says, “I’m so happy my kids are close again.”
What did fans have to say about Marge dying on ‘The Simpsons’?
News of Marge’s death quickly spread around social media, and both casual viewers and long-time fans were quick to share their thoughts.
“They are killing off Marge Simpson! Every time Disney does anything they kill off the mom,” one user posted on X.
Another fan took the character’s passing to heart. “Growing up with the Simpsons and seeing Marge Simpson’s ending in the last episode of season 36 feels like losing a family member. Thank you for everything, Marge,” reads another tweet.
Some, however, were a bit confused by the reactions—especially given the timing of her death as revealed in the episode.
“Wait, so Marge Simpson is trending because people got angry that she died at some point in the far future in an episode that aired a whole month ago?” someone posted on X.
Though plenty of people were shocked by the revelation, luckily there’s been no indication that the matriarch will no longer be a part of the show moving forward. The long-running animated series has been renewed through Season 40, according to TVInsider.com.
Other ‘Simpsons’ characters that have died
While Marge’s grim future was simply foreshadowed, other characters have in fact been killed off during the run of the series.
Here are some of the most notable departures:
- Maude Flanders (Ned Flanders’ wife): Season 11
- Edna Krabappel (Bart’s teacher): Season 25 following the death of voice actress Marcia Wallace
- Larry Dalrymple (regular Moe’s Tavern patron): Season 35
- Mona Simpson (Homer’s mother): Season 19
Hopefully Marge won’t be joining that list anytime soon!
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