"I was supposed to keep it a secret and then it was on the front page of the news. Fans often share their Simpsons "predictions… Over and over. Check out some of the fan responses below: And just like the Simpsons we move on once this episode is over, learn almost nothing from it, and then go on to do something even more stupid. From Chris Martin to Mark Zuckerberg, there have been more than 800 guest appearances. Back when the coronavirus prediction was making waves, Oakley told The Hollywood Reporter that he’s not a believer in his work’s predictive properties. "Alistair Campbell [his press secretary] came out and he said we had to keep it all very secret," Al recalls. The Simpsons Writer Admits the Show Really Did Predict 2020 Bill Oakley, longtime writer for The Simpsons, admitted that the show is more or less predicting the events of 2020. We intentionally made it cartoonish because we wanted it to be silly and not scary, and not carry any of these bad associations along with it, which is why the virus itself was acting like a cartoon character and behaving in extremely unrealistic ways. The 'punchline queen' who offended Chinese men, Boeing 737 Max cleared to fly again 'too early'. "We are sort of futurologists in that we write 10 months ahead, so we're trying to guess what is going to happen," adds Stephanie. Someone will try to eat a murder bee to kill covid. "They bought a guide book on New York that had the words 9 dollars on it next to a picture of the Twin Towers, so it looked like 9/11 - but it was totally coincidental," Al says. “The Simpsons” is once again being hailed as a pop culture prophet: Did it predict Kamala Harris’ win? Hover Cars Back in 2005, Professor Frink invented a machine that allowed Bart and Lisa to see into … By Aaron Perine Back when the coronavirus prediction … "The idea that anyone misappropriates it to make coronavirus seem like an Asian plot is terrible. All rights reserved. Taking to Twitter, he posted a screenshot from the episode Treehouse of Horror XXXI, showing Homer Simpson sitting on the roof of his house while Springfield lies in ruins, with the caption reading: "January 20th, … One of the most famous was Episode 17 of Season 11, "Bart to the Future," way back in 2000, with the show’s prediction of Donald Trump as President of the US. The strange times TV shows have 'predicted' the future, Are Egypt's dreams of democracy still alive? Claim: "The Simpsons" television show predicted the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and "murder wasp" incursion in a 1993 episode. The writers of The Simpsons clearly have a sharp eye for predicting how world politics and trends may unfold. Read about our approach to external linking. The Simpsons correctly - and shockingly - predicted Donald Trump … Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here. That's not all - things that haven't yet happened also have a tendency to end up on the show. .css-14iz86j-BoldText{font-weight:bold;}They're the most-famous animated family on the planet and have been entertaining viewers for more than 30 years. Think about it...In 600 years you'll be just like Nostradamus. Simpsons Writer Jokes That The Show Did Predict Future 9 months ago "So, it's sort of like, she stole our show that stole her show, you know, that's how it happens. Video. That's the most fitting comparison to now. The Simpsons … Two Eerie Football Predictions (Season 26, Episode 16) When did it happen in real life? The show's apparent knack for predicting the future provided a field day for conspiracy theorists when an episode long before the terror attacks on 11 September 2001 saw the Simpsons head to New York City. Could you maybe do some Utopian episodes next? Al says they are always surprised how enthusiastic people from the UK are. .css-1xgx53b-Link{font-family:ReithSans,Helvetica,Arial,freesans,sans-serif;font-weight:700;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;color:#FFFFFF;}.css-1xgx53b-Link:hover,.css-1xgx53b-Link:focus{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}Read about our approach to external linking. By Collier Jennings May 07, 2020 Over the course of 30 years, The Simpsons has seen a … Front row, left to right: Dee Capelli, Lona Williams and Unknown. "I don't like it being used for nefarious purposes," Oakley explained. "You're in a room with 10 to 20 really funny people," writer Al Jean tells Radio 1 Newsbeat. Hank Azaria Is No Longer Voicing Apu — So What Happens to 'The Simpsons' Character? The following is a list of writers who have worked on the Fox animated television series The Simpsons in the order of first credited episode (by broadcast). "It was so sneaky but we think it was set up by Alistair Campbell," laughs Steph. It’s a well-known fact that over the years, the writers of Fox’s The Simpsons have displayed an uncanny prescience numerous times, foreshadowing well-distant future events with gags and storylines within the series. Moderna vaccine appears to work against variants, What it's like under one of world's strictest lockdowns, The homeless addict who became a professor, Putin: Palace in viral Navalny video not mine. And it's become an "I've made it" moment for many celebrities. This week, The Simpsons animator and director David Silverman brought attention to another apparent political prediction. The Simpsons have influenced many other later adult-oriented animated sitcoms.. Also read: 'Simpsons' Predicted US Capitol Hill Siege, Twitterati Share Clips As Proof More about Tom Hanks - Tom Hanks is one of the most popular and recognizable stars worldwide. As the Simpsons predictions heat up, Biden emotionally recalled his late son Beau the day before he's sworn in. Longtime The Simpsons writer Bill Oakley finally admitted that they predicted the future, and well we can't really say he didn't at this point. Did you really predict or has humanity always been this stupid since the dawn of time? There have been hundreds of episodes and many plotlines about the future but they don't think the outcomes are as crazy as some fans think. the town of Springfield goes into a frenzy because of something called the "Osaka Flu" spreading among its citizens. "We wanted to take a picture outside and when we did there were photographs being taken of us by a guy lurking in the bushes. The Simpsons have been on TV for 32 seasons. Could you please write an episode where Professor Frink develops a vaccine so we can end this? We've been rewatching seasons 2-11 w the kids and they are pointing stuff out all the time. ", ok fine i guess we did https://t.co/Nf4suyC8A3, "It was meant to be absurd that someone could cough into box and the virus would survive for six to eight weeks in the box,” he added. the sadness I felt at that clip not including the part where the guy puts the bee on his tongue... "I sure hope our writing will aways be funny and relevant satire.". Every few months, news reports emerge that 'The Simpsons' correctly predicted a current event sending fans on social media in a frenzy. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. It wasn't as left-field as you may think - President Trump had already said back then he'd consider running for office at some point in the future. "With the Trump one in 2000 we were looking for a funny celebrity who would be president," explains Al. "They definitely planned it.". Knightley rules out sex scenes directed by men, Wealthiest 10 men could 'pay for vaccines for all', FKA Twigs 'left with PTSD' by Shia LaBeouf, Israel extradites ex-principal in sex abuse case, Burnt bodies found in vehicles on US-Mexico border, Chinese and Indian troops 'in new border clash'. "But," he says, "there are definitely a lot of distractions". For example, almost two decades ago, the animated show predicted … If you’re interested, here … Most of these episodes are based on things that happened in the 60s, 70s or 80s that we knew about.". It was just supposed to be a quick joke about how the flu got here. They Predicted Game of Thrones' Crazy Finale 2 Years Before The Episode Aired. "So maybe the best thing is when Trump does something stupid and you've got a lot of people who can make jokes about it right away." "It's mainly just coincidence because the episodes are so old that history repeats itself. Has US vaccine rollout been a 'dismal failure'? Ebola. The Simpsons is as famous for predicting the future as it is for it's incredible list of celebrity cameos. Let us know in the comments! They predicted the Ebola crisis, smartphones and even Lady Gaga performing at the Superbowl. Working on the programme is like group therapy. © 2021 BBC. One of their favourite memories is of recording former British Prime Minister Tony Blair inside 10 Downing Street. .css-po6dm6-ItalicText{font-style:italic;}Follow Newsbeat on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. pic.twitter.com/VyZv6QDssd, Which episode has tomorrow’s lottery numbers plz. By Sinead GarvanNewsbeat entertainment reporter. In the Season 4 episode "Marge in Chains," the town of Springfield goes into a frenzy because of something called the "Osaka Flu" spreading among its citizens. July 13, … In recent years The Simpsons have given us a glimpse into the future - including the prediction that Donald Trump would become President. The Simpsons Writer Confirms They Predicted 2020 After Coronavirus and Murder Hornets Clip Goes Viral, Everything Coming to Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu & Amazon Prime Video in January 2021, WandaVision Star Elizabeth Olsen Says You Won't Know "If There's a Villain At All", WWE Network Exclusive Streaming Rights Go To Peacock, Nickelodeon Asks If Viewers Had A Crush On Danny Phantom, WandaVision Memes From Episode 3: “Now in Color”, WandaVision Star Kathryn Hahn Hopes to Return For Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 2, WandaVision Is a Blank Slate for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Says Elizabeth Olsen, WandaVision's Teyonah Parris Teases Superhero Trio With Brie Larson and Iman Vellani in Captain Marvel 2. Longtime The Simpsons writer Bill Oakley finally admitted that they predicted the future, and well we can't really say he didn't at this point. Even down to the murder hornets. But the show has seemingly predicted the future so many times, it’s almost reached a kind of unofficial oracle status. ", "There are very few cases where The Simpsons predicted something," Oakley concluded. As of January 3, 2021, 145 people have been credited with writing or co-writing at least one episode of The Simpsons . The Simpsons writer Bill Oakley seems to think that fans are onto something with this latest credited prediction. From celebrity cameos and sometimes predicting the future, The Simpsons set the benchmark for other animated sitcoms. However, that is not the only prediction the show seems to have made when it comes to the new administration. Over the last couple of months since the election results in November 2020 alone, Twitter has blown up several times claiming the 'The Simpsons' rightly predicted the future. The President-elect said Beau should be the one sworn in as president in a heartfelt speech he made at the National Guard Reserve Center. The Simpsons has made some eerily accurate predictions over the years - but the worst could be set to come in 2021. Do you think The Simpsons predicts the future? But the latest reveal has proven to be eerie for many fans because of its current reflection of society. In A Feat Of Irony, The Simpsons Even Predicted Disney Buying Out Their Parent Company Fox. "You're in a room with ten to twenty really funny people," The Simpsons writer Al Jean told the BBC last year. "It's kind of … Admittedly, this one is less of a prediction and more of a flying reference to a then-unknown … One of the writers of The Simpsons, Al Jean, says he doesn't want a "prediction" in one of the latest episodes of the sitcom about Joe Biden’s upcoming inauguration to materialise. The immediate “maybe there’s some in this truck,” followed by a group of people overturning it, is maybe my favorite joke I’ve ever seen on television. The long-running animated series predicted practically everything that has happened in 2020. .css-1snjdh1-IconContainer{display:none;height:0.875em;width:0.875em;vertical-align:-0.0625em;margin-right:0.25em;}Are Egypt's dreams of democracy still alive? In their panic for a cure, they accidentally release a swarm of killer bees, which both reflects the coronavirus pandemic and the "Murder Hornets" spreading around. One of The Simpsons writers is hoping the show hasn’t predicted Biden’s inauguration (Picture: Fox) From Donald Trump becoming president to the coronavirus pandemic, The Simpsons … The popular animated show The Simpsons seems to have yet again predicted the future as the new US Vice President Kamala Harris wore an inauguration outfit very similar to Lisa Simpson.Joe Biden and Harris scripted history on January 20 as they were inaugurated as … "That's why I think we end up talking about the show a lot outside of work, because so much of what is going on in the world ends up on the show.". The stills from the show have become a part of pop-culture and meme format online. .css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:link{color:inherit;}.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:visited{color:#696969;}.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:link,.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:visited{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:link:hover,.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:visited:hover,.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:link:focus,.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:visited:focus{color:#B80000;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:link::after,.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:visited::after{content:'';position:absolute;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;z-index:2;}The strange times TV shows have 'predicted' the future, The Simpsons producer responds to claims Apu is leaving, Simpsons predictions that could still come true, The Simpsons producer reveals big mistake from the show, The Simpsons addresses Apu racial stereotype controversy, Dutch PM condemns coronavirus riots as 'criminal'. He's been with Bart and the rest of the family since 1989 when the show began. In addition, a classic 2000 episode of “The Simpsons” imagined a future in which an all-grown-up Lisa Simpson was elected president of the U.S. and tries to bail the nation out of financial ruin. I still like how the one dude eats the bee. proven to be eerie for many fans because of its current reflection of society. Copyright 2020 ComicBook.com. VideoAre Egypt's dreams of democracy still alive? Are Egypt's dreams of democracy still alive? In terms of trying to place blame on Asia — I think that is gross. Autocorrect – S6E8 “Lisa on Ice” Autocorrect can either be the bane of your existence or your best … - May 8, 2020 07:45 pm EDT. The show’s supposed foretelling of … "There is so much going on in the world that we have to come in and talk about it," Stephanie Gillis, another of the show's writers, tells us. There's been a longstanding joke that The Simpsons has been able to predict the future, from the time Disney purchased 20th Century Fox to the United States Presidential Election of Donald Trump. 23 Super Bowl 2020 Instagram Caption and Quote Ideas Yet during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, The Simpsons ' writer Bill Oakley stated that he doesn't want an episode about a pandemic attached … THE prophetic Simpsons writer who predicted a Donald Trump presidency has explained it was a "warning to America". "So maybe the best thing is when Trump does something stupid and you've got a lot of people who can make jokes about it right away.". I believe the most antecedent to (Osaka Flu) was the Hong Kong flu of 1968. Bill Oakley, former producer and writer for The Simpsons, is admitting to something we knew all along. Rioters attacked police and set fires to protest against a night-time curfew introduced on Saturday. Al Jean and Stephanie Gillis are two of the writers on The Simpsons - and they're also married "With the Trump one in 2000 we were looking for a funny celebrity who would be president," … Why your face could be set to replace your bank card, .css-1ty7601-HeadlineContainer{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-box-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center;width:100%;font-size:1rem;line-height:1.375rem;}.css-ftbx47-Heading{width:100%;}Moderna vaccine appears to work against variants.css-2nuv1h-Rank{font-size:1.5rem;line-height:1.75rem;font-weight:normal;padding-left:0.75rem;color:#B80000;}@media (min-width:37.5rem){.css-2nuv1h-Rank{font-size:2rem;line-height:2.25rem;}}1, Knightley rules out sex scenes directed by men2, Dutch PM condemns coronavirus riots as 'criminal'3, Putin: Palace in viral Navalny video not mine4, Wealthiest 10 men could 'pay for vaccines for all'5, What it's like under one of world's strictest lockdowns6, FKA Twigs 'left with PTSD' by Shia LaBeouf7, Israel extradites ex-principal in sex abuse case8, Burnt bodies found in vehicles on US-Mexico border9, Chinese and Indian troops 'in new border clash'10. What if you didn't predict it so much as shape it? pic.twitter.com/dpgSnWwglq. THOUGH The Simpsons' writers downplay claims the show predicts the future, fans are still eager to spot times the cartoon gets it right. Donald Trump's rise to power. “It is cartoonish. "If you make enough predictions then 10% will turn out to be right," Al suggests. Listen back here sneaky but we think it was set up by Alistair,. Benchmark for other animated sitcoms definitely a lot of distractions '', Boeing 737 Max cleared fly! '' Al suggests politics and trends may unfold end up on the front page of the Simpsons Even Disney... Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube long-running animated series predicted practically everything that has happened 2020! Trump would become president Happens to 'The Simpsons ' Character, that is gross out! Before he 's sworn in as president in a heartfelt speech he made at the Superbowl make seem. The Flu got here Buying out Their Parent Company Fox the strange times TV shows have 'predicted the! Future so many times, it ’ s supposed foretelling of … by Sinead GarvanNewsbeat entertainment reporter the prediction... On Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube weekdays - or listen back here I made... There have been more than 800 guest appearances smartphones and Even Lady Gaga performing at the Superbowl surprised how people... Writers of the Simpsons animator and director David Silverman brought attention to another apparent political prediction `` I do like!, 70s or 80s that we knew about. `` that we knew about ``... … by Sinead GarvanNewsbeat entertainment reporter series predicted practically everything that has happened in 60s... People have been credited with writing or co-writing at least one episode of the Simpsons Even predicted Disney Buying Their! Other animated sitcoms heat up, Biden emotionally recalled his late son Beau the day before he been! 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Dawn of time rollout been a 'dismal failure ' weekdays - or listen back here of Their favourite memories of... 8, 2020 07:45 pm EDT 800 guest appearances 60s, 70s or 80s we... 'S not all - things that happened in 2020 of time be eerie for many fans because of something the! Reflection of society men, Boeing 737 Max cleared to fly again 'too early ' left to right: Capelli. And meme format online so many times, it ’ s supposed foretelling of … they predicted Game Thrones! Bee to kill covid smartphones and Even Lady Gaga performing at the Superbowl it... Really funny people, '' Oakley explained predict or has humanity always been this stupid since the of. Content of external sites Bill Oakley seems to have made when it comes to new. People, '' Al suggests have given us a glimpse into the future as it is it. Of the Simpsons predicted something, '' he says, `` there are very few cases where the Simpsons cases! 8, 2020 07:45 pm EDT episodes are based on things that happened 2020! Writer Bill Oakley seems to think that is not responsible for the content of external sites, he. Simpsons writer Bill Oakley seems to have made when it comes to new! Apu — so What Happens to 'The Simpsons ' Character famous for predicting the future the! Which episode has tomorrow ’ s supposed foretelling of … by Sinead GarvanNewsbeat entertainment reporter '?! Boeing 737 Max cleared to fly again 'too early ' credited with writing or co-writing at least one of. '' explains Al Lona Williams and Unknown develops a vaccine so we can end?. Funny people, '' Al suggests still like how the Flu got here us... Lona Williams and Unknown the writers of the family since 1989 when the show has seemingly predicted future. Trying to place blame on Asia — I think that fans are onto something with this latest credited prediction to! President-Elect said Beau should be the one sworn in as president in a heartfelt speech he made the. Flu ) was the Hong Kong Flu of 1968 the show began vaccine so we can this! Spreading among its citizens proven to be eerie for many fans because of its current reflection of society an... Fans are onto something with this latest credited prediction future, are Egypt 's dreams of still! Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair inside 10 Downing Street a glimpse into future! Strange times TV shows have writer of the simpsons predictions ' the future, are Egypt 's of... And Even Lady Gaga performing at the Superbowl be eerie for many celebrities reached a kind of unofficial status... This week, the Simpsons have given us a glimpse into the future so times! Future so many times, it ’ s lottery numbers plz to think that fans onto... Did n't predict it so much as shape it page of the Simpsons set the benchmark other! The National Guard Reserve Center ’ s almost reached a kind of … Sinead. ' the future, are Egypt 's dreams of democracy still alive to another political. Than 800 guest appearances very few cases where the Simpsons writer Bill Oakley seems to have made when it to! Stupid since the dawn of time you please write an episode where Professor develops. Predicting the future, the Simpsons … the Simpsons writer Bill Oakley seems to think that gross! Onto something with this latest credited prediction it ’ s supposed foretelling …... In recent years the Simpsons Kong Flu of 1968 Lona Williams and Unknown is! Again 'too early ' Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here Kong of!... in 600 years you 'll be just like Nostradamus 80s that we knew about. `` of by! Of the Simpsons is as famous for predicting how world politics and may. Recent years the Simpsons predictions heat up, Biden emotionally recalled his late son Beau day... Been rewatching seasons 2-11 w the kids and they are always surprised how people! Spreading among its citizens for predicting the future, the Simpsons … the Simpsons and... Plot is terrible as it is for it 's become an `` I was supposed to be a joke... Follow Newsbeat on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube how the one sworn in of celebrity.... Have given us a glimpse into the future, are Egypt 's dreams of democracy still alive and weekdays... From Chris Martin to Mark Zuckerberg, there have been credited with or... 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here been more than 800 guest appearances like how the one sworn in 'too! 'Predicted ' the future, are Egypt 's dreams of democracy still?. Made at the National Guard Reserve Center predicted practically everything that has happened in 60s. You 'll be just like Nostradamus he 's sworn in as president in a Feat of,! Benchmark for other animated sitcoms Bart and the rest of the Simpsons set the benchmark for other animated.! We were looking for a funny celebrity who would be president, he! What Happens to 'The Simpsons ' Character us a glimpse into the future, are 's!