News broke recently that Harry Shearer, The Simpsons co-creator and premier voice talent, would leave the show after 26 seasons. The show’s executive producers, Matt Groening, James L. Brooks and Al Jean, confirmed that he’s departing the show after a contract dispute.
Thankfully, the producers will not kill off any of the characters, but in fact they’ll hire new voiceover talent… Tough shoes to fill.
For The Simpsons, nothing is off limits. The show’s stark irreverence to politicians and current events adds to its hilarity. In addition to being popular with kids and everyday American families, it has even caught the attention of elected officials over the decades.
According to ABC News, for example, President George H.W. Bush told voters in 2002 he wanted "to make American families a lot more like the Waltons and a lot less like the Simpsons."
Very few TV shows have caught the attention of world leaders, and The Simpsons’ ability to stay relevant and comical has allowed it to preserve high ratings throughout generations.
Check it out – we guarantee you’ll laugh more than a handful of times. Here are just two more examples of when The Simpsons has gotten political:
Springfield’s Republican Party Headquarters at Mr. Burn’s mansion? Hilarious. Watch when he asks a dog to choose between “Broccoli Obama” and “Meat Romney” – masked candidates holding plates of food.
In this episode, titled “Bart to the Future,” Bart Simpson is a guitar-playing bohemian pot smoker while his sister, Lisa, is President of the United States.
Update: He came back.
Thankfully, the producers will not kill off any of the characters, but in fact they’ll hire new voiceover talent… Tough shoes to fill.
For The Simpsons, nothing is off limits. The show’s stark irreverence to politicians and current events adds to its hilarity. In addition to being popular with kids and everyday American families, it has even caught the attention of elected officials over the decades.
According to ABC News, for example, President George H.W. Bush told voters in 2002 he wanted "to make American families a lot more like the Waltons and a lot less like the Simpsons."
Very few TV shows have caught the attention of world leaders, and The Simpsons’ ability to stay relevant and comical has allowed it to preserve high ratings throughout generations.
That Time Homer Simpson Voted for President in 2012
The show is notorious for making a mockery of politicians – on both sides of the aisle. In the episode above, the writers show Homer in the voting booth casting his vote between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. He pulls the lever for Romney… and see what happens next.Check it out – we guarantee you’ll laugh more than a handful of times. Here are just two more examples of when The Simpsons has gotten political:
That Time Mr. Burns Endorsed Mitt Romney in 2012
Springfield’s Republican Party Headquarters at Mr. Burn’s mansion? Hilarious. Watch when he asks a dog to choose between “Broccoli Obama” and “Meat Romney” – masked candidates holding plates of food.
Who Could Forget President Lisa Simpson
In this episode, titled “Bart to the Future,” Bart Simpson is a guitar-playing bohemian pot smoker while his sister, Lisa, is President of the United States.
Harry Shearer’s Best Roles on The Simpsons
Harry Shearer lent his voice to dozens of characters on the animated series over the years, and his talent will always be remembered in 20th century pop culture. Below are some of our favorites:Mr. Burns
Waylon Smithers
Principal Skinner
Ned Flanders
Kent Brockman
Dr. Hibbert
Kang
Officer Eddy
Update: He came back.