Final Season and Series Finale Details
The final season of The Simpsons is Season 36, which premiered on Fox in September 2024 and concluded with its last episode airing on May 18, 2025. The series finale aired as the season finale, marking the end of the longest-running scripted primetime series in American television history. The final episode was produced by Gracie Films in association with 20th Television Animation and aired in the United States on the Fox broadcast network. The episode was written by long-time series writer Matt Selman and directed by Matthew Nastuk, with executive producers James L. Brooks, Matt Groening, and Al Jean overseeing the final season. The finale drew approximately 3.1 million viewers in its initial broadcast, according to Nielsen data, and received widespread media coverage as a cultural milestone. The final season consisted of 22 episodes, consistent with the standard season length for the series in recent years.
The final episode concluded the ongoing storylines of the Simpson family, including Homer's continued work at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant, Marge's role as the family matriarch, and the evolving lives of Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. The episode featured guest appearances by several recurring characters and included callbacks to iconic moments from the series' 35-year run. The series finale was followed by a special retrospective hosted by the cast, which aired immediately after the final episode on Fox. The final season was also made available on the Disney+ streaming platform the day after broadcast, allowing international viewers to watch the finale without delay. Disney+ remains the primary streaming home for The Simpsons in most regions, with the complete library of past seasons available alongside the final season.
Where to Watch the Final Episode
The final episode of The Simpsons is available to stream on Disney+ in the United States and in most international markets where the service operates. Subscribers can access the episode on demand following its linear broadcast on Fox. Hulu, which is owned by Disney, also carries The Simpsons for streaming in the U.S., but Disney+ is the primary platform for the complete series library and new episodes. The final episode is available in HD and 4K resolution on Disney+ for supported devices, including smart TVs, mobile devices, and web browsers. The episode can also be purchased or rented digitally through platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play, though these are not included in standard streaming subscriptions.
For viewers who prefer traditional broadcast television, the final episode aired on Fox and is available to watch through cable or satellite providers that carry the network. The episode was also rebroadcast on several Fox-affiliated stations in the days following the premiere. The Simpsons is produced by 20th Television Animation, a division of Disney Television Studios, which handles distribution for the series across all platforms. The production company continues to manage syndication deals, digital sales, and international licensing for the series. The final season's production was completed at Fox Studio Lot in Century City, California, where the series has been produced for its entire run.
Impact and Legacy of the Final Season
The final season of The Simpsons marks the end of a cultural institution that has shaped animated television for more than three decades. The series has won 35 Primetime Emmy Awards, making it the most awarded animated series in television history. The Simpsons has also generated billions of dollars in merchandise revenue, syndication rights, and licensing income for its production companies and parent corporation, The Walt Disney Company. The show's influence extends to comedy writing, character-driven storytelling, and the integration of serialized themes within a sitcom format. The final season has been covered extensively by major outlets including Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Deadline, all of which have reported on the ratings, critical reception, and historical significance of the series conclusion.
The final episode has been analyzed by