The Simpsons – Season 34 arrived on Fox on September 25, 2022, as part of the long-running series’ ongoing residency in the American sitcom landscape. This season followed the familiar Simpson family, including Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie, as they interacted with the residents of Springfield. The episodes maintained the show’s tradition of blending domestic situations with broader social commentary and media parodies.
The production team, including executive producer Matt Selman, took a more experimental approach to several episodes this year. This led to a mix of standard narrative formats and unique storytelling techniques that deviated from the show’s established style. The season eventualy moved to Disney Plus for streaming, where it joined the previous decades of The Simpsons history.
Why You Should Watch The Simpsons – Season 34
The Simpsons – Season 34 stood out because it broke several of the show’s long-standing rules regarding structure and visual presentation. The production staff used this collection of 22 episodes to test new concepts, such as full-episode parodies and meta-commentary that addressed the show’s own longevity. This season offered a balance between the comfort of established characters and the unpredictability of newer writing styles.
Experimental Narrative Structures
One of the most notable aspects of this season was the episode “Lisa the Boy Scout.” This episode did not follow a single story but instead used a framing device involving hackers who broke into the broadcast. These hackers showed a series of non-canonical clips and “deleted scenes” that allowed the writers to make jokes that would normally break the show’s logic.
Another structural experiment occurred in the 750th episode, “Homer’s Adventure Through the Windshield Glass.” The entire plot took place within the few seconds of a car accident. The story slowed down time to show Homer interacting with various characters and internal thoughts while physically flying through the air. This showcased the show’s ability to create a full narrative out of a single, brief moment.
Double Halloween Specials
Season 34 was the first time in the show’s history that it featured two separate Halloween-themed episodes. The first, titled “Not It,” was a full-length parody of Stephen King’s IT. It removed the anthology format common to the series and replaced it with a coherent story set in a version of Springfield renamed Kingfield. The characters, including a supernatural clown entity, remained consistent with the horror source material.
The second special was the traditional “Treehouse of Horror XXXIII.” This episode included a segment titled “Death Tome,” which parodied the anime series Death Note. The producers worked with an external studio to recreate a specific anime art style, which was a significant change from the standard look of the show. The special also included parodies of the film The Babadook and the series Westworld, featuring robotic versions of the Simpsons family.
Modern Cultural Satire
The writers focused heavily on 21st-century trends and digital culture during this season. The episode “One Angry Lisa” satirized the popularity of high-end home exercise bikes and digital personal trainers. Marge became increasingly attached to an online instructor, leading to a conflict with Homer over the amount of time and money spent on the device.
In the episode “Fan-ily Feud,” the show depicted the intensity of modern pop star fandoms. Homer found himself targeted by an aggressive fan base after making a negative comment about a pop singer. This episode showed how social media can mobilize groups of people and the impact of celebrity worship on daily life. The season also touched on conspiracy culture in “Habeas Tortoise,” where Homer joined a local group looking for a missing zoo tortoise.
Guest Cast and Production
The season included a variety of guest voice actors who took on roles ranging from themselves to original characters. Melissa McCarthy appeared in “The King of Nice” as a celebrity for whom Marge worked. Simu Liu provided the voice for a character who dated Lisa in a future timeline. Other guests throughout the season included Anna Faris, Fred Armisen, and Jeannie Slate.
The main voice cast, including Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, and Yeardley Smith, continued their decades-long roles. Their performances provided the consistency needed for the more experimental scripts to land with the audience. The production continued to utilize high-definition animation and detailed backgrounds that have defined the look of the show’s modern era on Disney Plus.
Is The Simpsons – Season 34 Safe to Watch? (Age Rating Guide)
Official age rating not available.
| Director | Not available |
|---|---|
| Main Cast | Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria |
| Release Year | 2022 |
| Genre | Animation, Comedy, Family |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Simpsons – Season 34 released?
The Simpsons – Season 34 was released on September 24, 2022.
What is The Simpsons – Season 34 about?
The Simpsons – Season 34 arrived on Fox on September 25, 2022, as part of the long-running series' ongoing residency in the American sitcom landscape. This season followed the familiar Simpson family, including Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie, as they interacted with the residents of Springfield.
Where can I watch The Simpsons – Season 34?
The Simpsons – Season 34 is available on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Disney+.
