The Simpsons” Say Goodbye to Core Family Member in Season 36 Finale

Flash‑Forward Shock: Marge’s Death

In “Estranger Things” (air date: May 18, 2025), The Simpsons delivers a poignant flash‑forward 35 years into the future—revealing that Marge Simpson (voiced by Julie Kavner) has died. Viewers learn this during a brief funeral montage where Lisa refers to her “late mother,” and mourners stand around Marge’s gravestone, which reads: “Beloved wife, mother and pork‑chop seasoner”

Though the episode does not reveal how she died, Marge’s posthumous impact resonates deeply. Just before the end, her voice encourages Bart and Lisa to reconnect—solidifying her role as the family’s emotional linchpin

Episode Highlights and Guest Appearances

• Title & Format: “Estranger Things” (a nod to Stranger Things), blends nostalgic future-gazing with heart-wrenching drama .
• Cameos: Zooey Deschanel and Max Greenfield spoof their New Girl characters. Sarah McLachlan herself performs a touching parody of “When She Loved Me” from Toy Story 2 during the siblings’ emotional drift
• Production Note: Season 36 wraps on May 18, 2025, marking 790 episodes to date, with showrunner Matt Selman overseeing

Fan Reactions and Critical Buzz

The twist left fans both stunned and emotional:

• “You just ruined my day,” lamented one viewer on social media
• Another tweeted: “Growing up with The Simpsons and seeing Marge Simpson’s ending … feels like losing a family member”

Critics noted that while this follows The Simpsons tradition of flash‑forward episodes like “Lisa’s Wedding,” the raw emotion and thematic focus on sibling bond felt fresh

What It Means for the Future of the Show

• Renewals: The series has been renewed through Season 40—ensuring more family adventures ahead
• Timeline Fluidity: This death occurs in an unspecified future timeline—not necessarily binding future episodes
• Creative Direction: By using flash-forwards, the show explores emotional depth without altering its core present-day continuity.