The Simpsons – Season 27 originally aired on Fox from September 27, 2015, to May 22, 2016. This season continued the long-running animated series about the Simpson family and the eccentric residents of Springfield. The season consisted of 22 episodes that touched on various themes including health issues, marital struggles, and social media trends.
The main voice cast returned for this installment, including Dan Castellaneta as Homer, Julie Kavner as Marge, Nancy Cartwright as Bart, Yeardley Smith as Lisa, and Hank Azaria. The season is notable for its specific parody episodes and guest appearances from actors like Kristen Bell, Lena Dunham, and George Takei. You can find this season on platforms like Disney Plus and Amazon Video.
Why You Should Watch The Simpsons – Season 27
This season provided several departures from the standard sitcom format. The writers used the 27th year to experiment with storytelling techniques and cultural parodies that were relevant during the mid-2010s. It maintained the dry humor and satirical edge that The Simpsons is known for while focusing on more modern problems.
Domestic Conflicts and Health Issues
The season premiere, titled “Every Man’s Dream,” dealt with Homer being diagnosed with narcolepsy. This medical condition led to a temporary separation between Homer and Marge. The episode explored the legal and emotional steps of a trial separation within a long-term marriage.
The plot focused on how the family reacted to Homer moving out and dating a pharmacist voiced by Lena Dunham. This arc showed the resilience of the central marriage even when faced with serious health obstacles and outside interference. The writers utilized this conflict to examine the fatigue that sets in after decades of domestic routine.
Other episodes in the season revisited the concept of the family unit under pressure. In “Orange is the New Yellow,” Marge was sent to prison after Bart was caught playing in a park unsupervised. This episode satirized modern parenting laws and the legal system’s treatment of caregivers. The story moved between Marge finding a sense of peace in the structured environment of prison and Homer struggling to maintain the household alone.
Ambitious Format Parodies
One of the most discussed episodes of the season was “Barthood.” This episode served as a direct parody of the 2014 film Boyhood. It followed Bart through different stages of his life, from childhood to his early twenties. The narrative showed his changing relationship with Grampa Simpson and his constant competition with Lisa.
The episode used different art styles and pacing to show the passage of time. It provided a grounded look at how Bart felt living in his sister’s shadow. The story also gave more depth to Homer as a father, showing both his failures and his occasional moments of connection with his son over several years.
Another notable episode was “Treehouse of Horror XXVI.” This Halloween special included a segment where Sideshow Bob finally achieved his goal of killing Bart. Because it was a non-canon episode, the writers were able to show the aftermath of Sideshow Bob losing his purpose in life after completing his revenge. The segment used physical comedy and dark humor to resolve a conflict that had existed since the early seasons of The Simpsons.
Character Development for Springfield Residents
Season 27 also focused on the supporting cast of Springfield. In “The Burns Cage,” Waylon Smithers finally came out as gay to Mr. Burns. The episode followed Homer as he tried to find a boyfriend for Smithers through a dating app. This plot point addressed a character motivation that had been hinted at for over twenty years.
The episode involved a high-society party where Homer invited several gay men to meet Smithers. This story highlighted the shift in how the show handled social identities compared to earlier decades. George Takei guest-starred as himself, adding a layer of meta-commentary to the search for a partner.
Lisa also faced new challenges in episodes like “Lisa with an ‘S’.” In this story, she was bet into a talent competition by Homer to pay off a gambling debt. She eventually moved to New York to work with a Broadway legend. The episode examined Lisa’s ambition and the reality of the performing arts industry. It showed her realization that fame often comes with personal sacrifices that she was not yet ready to make.
Technical and Production Facts
The production of Season 27 maintained a consistent visual style despite the evolving digital animation landscape. The show continued to use high-definition 2D animation, allowing for more detailed backgrounds in episodes that traveled outside of Springfield. You can see more animated series in our TV Shows section.
The season also included an episode where Homer appeared in a live segment. In “Simprovised,” Dan Castellaneta performed a live motion-capture segment during the final three minutes of the broadcast. This used technology that mapped the actor’s movements and voice to the character model in real-time. It was a technical experiment that allowed the show to interact with live phone-in questions from viewers.
- Homer deals with narcolepsy and a temporary separation from Marge.
- Bart grows up in the film parody “Barthood.”
- Sideshow Bob successfully kills Bart in a Halloween fantasy sequence.
- Waylon Smithers addresses his feelings for Mr. Burns.
- Lisa creates a social media app that predicts the future consequences of posts.
Is The Simpsons – Season 27 Safe to Watch? (Age Rating Guide)
Official age rating not available.
For verified credits, release details, or official resources, visit IMDb and Official Site.
| Director | Not available |
|---|---|
| Main Cast | Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria |
| Release Year | 2015 |
| Genre | Animation, Comedy, Family |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Simpsons – Season 27 released?
The Simpsons – Season 27 was released on September 27, 2015.
What is The Simpsons – Season 27 about?
The Simpsons – Season 27 is available on Flixr.
Where can I watch The Simpsons – Season 27?
The Simpsons – Season 27 is available on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Disney+.
