Variety – “The Simpsons” kicked off its Season 36 premiere on Sunday with what the show dubbed its “series finale.”
Hosted by an animated version of former “Simpsons” writer Conan O’Brien, the episode opened with “The Simpsons” characters and other notables entering a Dolby Theatre-esque venue (technically, the “Dolby-Mucinex Theatre”) to celebrate the show’s ending.
“It’s such an honor to be with you all for the series finale of ‘The Simpsons,’” O’Brien said in his opening monologue.
“I knew I was the right man for the job because I’ve hosted the last episode of three of my own shows and counting… Well, it’s true. Fox has decided to end the Simpsons.
This show was such a special part of my early career, so being here means the world to me. Also. I left a sweater in the writer’s room in 1993 this is the only way they’ll let me get it back.
“This theater is full of the many celebrities who’ve appeared on ‘The Simpsons’ over the years and who have come to say farewell,” O’Brien continued. “And of course, we’re also joined by the stars of Fox’s many live action hits.”
“Now, not many people know this, but Fox has been trying to end it for years,” O’Brien added.
“When the very first episode aired in 1989 the viewers agreed on one thing: It wasn’t as funny as it used to be, and their expressions of hatred could serve as a history of modern communication technology.
Fox executives, unaccustomed to criticism of any kind, immediately caved to public pressure and decided to end ‘The Simpsons’ in 1990.”
