The Simpsons faces a major casting shift after 35 years
In short: A cornerstone of the Simpsons universe is changing. After decades of service, a primary voice actress is retiring, forcing the longest-running animated sitcom to navigate a delicate transition of identity, legacy, and new voices for its most beloved characters.
Season 36 marks a significant turning point for the series' vocal ensemble. Pamela Hayden, who has voiced Milhouse Van Houten and several other characters since 1989, announced her retirement from voice acting in November 2024. While her final Fox broadcast appearance was in the 'Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes' special, she continued to feature in the season's exclusive Disney+ episodes. The production has already begun the transition, with comedian Mo Collins taking over the role of bully Jimbo Jones in the episode 'P.S. I Hate You' and singer Kelly Macleod stepping into the role of Milhouse starting with the season finale, 'Estranger Things'.
The season also reflects a complex distribution model between traditional broadcast and streaming. While Fox aired the primary season between September 29, 2024, and May 18, 2025, Disney+ commissioned four exclusive episodes. This includes a two-part Christmas special, 'O C'mon All Ye Faithful', and a real-time animated version of the December 9, 2024, Monday Night Football presentation. This cross-platform strategy required unique cooperation between the producers and Fox, as the network maintains control over the show's social media accounts.
Culturally, the season leans into the show's history while seeking new depth. It featured a second 'Treehouse of Horror' episode, 'Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes', which parodied stories by Ray Bradbury—a writer who famously criticized the series for 'stealing' concepts from The Twilight Zone. While the season received an 8 out of 10 from critic John Schwarz, the reception highlights a tension between the show's legacy and its future, with some viewers calling for more social commentary and character depth as it enters its 36th year.
The production remains a powerhouse of industry recognition. The third season's output secured five total accolades, including two Emmys, two Writers Guild of America prizes, and an Annie Award. Notable highlights include 'Bart's Birthday' and 'Abe League of Their Moe', which garnered individual nominations for writing and character voice-over performance, respectively.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The Simpsons season 36
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