The showrunner of The Simpsons has explained why the series’ long-running couch gags have not been as present in recent seasons.
One of the trademarks of the beloved cartoon is that the opening sequence ends with the Simpson family arriving at their couch to watch TV, with a different scenario awaiting each time. Famous gags include the family arriving to find the couch missing, the living room set opening up into a grand circus-like performance, and a chilling sequence directed by artist Banksy.
Fans have noticed the tradition happening less regularly, and on podcast Four Finger Discount, which covers the cartoon, showrunner Matt Selman explained why. “I wish we could have the time for a funny couch gag every episode, but I’m not going to cut the storytelling short to do so.” he explained. “I want to tell the best story we can, and to do that, we’re going to need twenty minutes and forty seconds.”
When asked if streaming, which allows viewers to skip show intros, has played a part, Selman replied: “If I had infinite money, I would put a couch gag in every episode that would just pop up on streaming, and you’d be surprised by it, but we have to put our money into what’s in the main product first.”
Recently, another tradition of The Simpsons’ title sequence, Homer getting hit by Marge’s car, was expanded upon for the 800th episode. Elsewhere. Selman hinted that the beloved video game The Simpsons Hit And Run could be making a comeback. “We know people love it,” he said to People/ “We know they want it, so that’s good. If we know people want it, never say never.”
In other news, the director of award-winning drama Pillion, Harry Lighton, recently confessed that the character of Groundskeeper Willie was his gay awakening.
English (US) · 