For over 30 years, The Simpsons has entertained audiences worldwide while seemingly predicting major global events with uncanny precision. From forecasting Donald Trump’s presidency to the COVID-19 pandemic, the show’s reputation for predicting the future has become almost as famous as its irreverent humor.
But Matt Groening, the mastermind behind the series, is quick to dispel any notions of magic or supernatural foresight. During a recent appearance at the D23 Expo—a Disney-centric event held every two years—Groening addressed the buzz surrounding the show’s seemingly prophetic tendencies.
It’s not magic, just comedy
Now in his 70s, Groening explained that the phenomenon is not as mystical as fans may think. “We’ve made so many jokes over the years, that it’s only natural some of them end up aligning with real events,” he shared. According to him, with the sheer amount of content created by The Simpsons team, it’s no surprise that some predictions have come true.
“We’re not trying to be prophets. We always aim to make the most absurd jokes possible, and apparently, the world is absurd enough to catch up to us,” he added. Groening made it clear that no one on the writing team ever intended to predict the future, and that their jokes are purely for entertainment.
To counter conspiracy theories linking him to secret societies or other mysterious forces, Groening laughed, “I’m not a satanist, I’m not a communist, I’m not a 33rd-degree mason, whatever that is. We just make fun, ridiculous jokes, and sometimes the world seems to join in on the punchline.”
‘The Simpsons’ Predictions
Some of the most famous “predictions” include:
- The 2000 episode where Donald Trump is portrayed as the future president of the U.S., years before his actual election.
- In 1993, an episode features a “Osaka Flu” that spreads across Springfield, echoing events of the COVID-19 pandemic decades later.
- The appearance of smartwatches in a 1995 episode, long before the technology became mainstream.
Despite Groening’s insistence that these are all coincidences, fans and media outlets continue to speculate about the show’s supposed foresight.
Comedy’s Role in Reality
During his speech at the D23 Expo, Groening also touched on the significance of comedy in turbulent times. He attributes The Simpsons’ longevity to its ability to offer both an escape and a mirror to the absurdity of real life. “Humor lets us process the weird and sometimes terrifying world we live in. It helps make reality more bearable,” he said. While the show doesn’t aim to predict the future, its portrayal of exaggerated scenarios often reflects societal trends.
According to Groening, this combination of humor and reflection is why The Simpsons remains relevant even after three decades on air. In a constantly changing world where the news can be grim, the show offers a refreshing way to engage with current events.
Matt Groening, creador de Los Simpson, dice que no intentan hacer predicciones, solo chistes con situaciones lo más absurdas posibles… pero que el mundo ahora es así. pic.twitter.com/6UJVGlpB5D
— Pablo Grueso (@PabloGrueso) August 16, 2024
What’s Next for ‘The Simpsons’
As for the show’s future, Groening reassured fans that The Simpsons will continue as long as there are absurd stories to tell and jokes to be made. “Every year, people ask if we’re going to keep going. As long as people want to laugh, we’ll keep making them laugh,” he concluded.
With the series’ longevity, it’s likely we’ll see more “predictions,” but Groening will stand by his belief that it’s all just part of the comedy.
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