Um, 'The Simpsons' Killed Off a Major Character and Fans Still Can't Stop Talking About it

Fortunately, it's not the last we'll see of her

the-simpsons-season-36-finale-mobile
Fox

Season 36 of The Simpsons ended with a plot twist nobody saw coming.

The season finale, which aired May 18, came with the shocking revelation that Marge Simpson (Julie Kavner) has been killed off. In the episode, entitled "Estranger Things," viewers get a glimpse 35 years into the future, which shows Bart and Lisa struggling to come to terms with Marge’s death. The poignant episode also foreshadows a sibling rift between the two, leaving them estranged. And while the two aren't speaking, they still achieve their successes, as Lisa ends up becoming the commissioner of the NBA, while Bart manages a retirement home where their father Homer Simpson is living in.

They fortunately reunite, and the episode ends with a scene of Marge in heaven with late Beatles member Ringo Starr. "I’m so happy my kids are close again," Marge says as she sits close to Starr. "Love, we’ll be late for the Heaven buffet. There’s a shrimp tower." Kissing the musician, she continues, "Okay, Ringo. I’m just so glad that we’re allowed to marry different people in Heaven."

The surprising twist has left longtime fans of the show reeling, with one fan writing on X, "The Simpsons killing Marge, even if it was for a flash forward scene, doesn’t sit right with me." Another fan commented, "RIP Marg. You were a great wife, mother, neighbor and human being. Humanity needs more of you."

While no exact reason is given for Marge’s death, it’s a reminder that all good things must come to an end. In the meantime, The Simpsons has been renewed for four more seasons, which means fans may be  given more answers about her passing.

Season 37 is expected to premiere later this fall.

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