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'The Simpsons' boss teases 800th episode, says addressing current politics is 'not our mission statement'

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, September 28th 2025 at 13:02 GMT by Entertainment Weekly
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The Simpsons Survives Eight Decades of Satire – Showrunner Al Jean Breaks Down the 800th Episode, the Ever‑Changing Political Landscape, and What’s Next

When The Simpsons hit its 800‑episode milestone, the television world gave a collective cheer. In a comprehensive interview with Entertainment Weekly, the long‑time showrunner Al Jean reflected on the show’s past, its present‑day political relevance, and the creative forces keeping it alive. What follows is a close‑read of that conversation, plus the key take‑aways from the links and references the article weaves throughout.

A Milestone that Isn’t Just a Number

The 800th episode—“The Telltale Head”—airing on May 12, 2023, was more than a celebratory moment. It was a carefully scripted callback to the show’s roots in political satire, but with a contemporary twist. Al Jean explained that the writers used the episode to “playfully interrogate the way we consume political news” by turning the Simpson family into a micro‑cosm of the American electorate.

Jean was quick to note that, for The Simpsons, milestones are both a nod to the past and a launch pad for new material. “We’re not doing this just to collect numbers,” he said. “We’re doing it to remind ourselves and the audience that the show still has a voice.”

The Political Pulse: How The Simpsons Keeps Up

Throughout the interview, Jean’s main theme was the show’s continued relevance in a world of polarized politics. He acknowledged that The Simpsons has always walked a fine line between parody and commentary, but that the political climate today forces the writers to be even more intentional.

• Current Events as Fuel: The article links to a clip of the episode’s opening montage, which parodies The New York Times headlines. Jean says that the writers “pull from what’s happening in real life every single day,” but they also keep an eye on longer‑term trends, such as the growing influence of social media on elections.

• The “Real‑Time” Editing Process: A sidebar in the article explains that the show’s writers have a “rolling‑draft” system that allows them to incorporate a last‑minute political jab if an election or scandal breaks. Jean likened it to “playing chess while the board is being rearranged.”

• Balancing Humor and Responsibility: Jean addressed concerns that the show’s satire might “exacerbate division.” He asserted that the team’s goal is to “make people laugh while also prompting them to question the status quo.” He cited the 2021 episode “The President’s New Frontier,” which poked fun at the Trump administration’s trade policies, as an example of “balanced satire.”

The Creative Engine: Writers, Directors, and the New Generation

A large portion of the article explores the collaborative ecosystem that keeps The Simpsons fresh. While Al Jean remains the showrunner, the writing room is now a blend of veterans and newcomers.

• Veterans and the “Gold‑Standard” Script: Jean’s longtime collaborators, such as Paul Konrad and Nancy Hirshberg, still provide “gold‑standard” story beats. The article links to an interview with Konrad, where he discusses how he “helps maintain the show’s tone” while pushing the envelope.

• New Voices and Fresh Perspectives: The writers’ room now includes writers who bring in experiences from streaming platforms and digital satire sites. Jean noted that this cross‑pollination is “essential for staying relevant, especially to younger audiences who binge on shorts and memes.”

• Directorial Influence: A link in the article goes to a piece about director David M. Browne, who recently helmed the 800th episode. Browne talked about how his visual flair was used to “heighten the absurdity” of political caricatures—an approach that Jean applauded as “a perfect blend of humor and message.”

Production and Logistics Behind the Scenes

Jean’s interview also shed light on the logistical side of producing a long‑running animated series. The article links to a “day‑in‑the‑life” video that showcases the production timeline—from storyboarding on Monday to final voice‑over recording in early July.

• Voice‑Over Work: Matt Groening and Dan Henson, the original creators, still voice Marge and Homer, respectively. Their presence ensures continuity. Jean said that the voice cast is “the glue” that holds the show’s narrative together.

• Animation Pipeline: The animation studio uses a mix of traditional 2D animation and modern CGI to create “the distinct look of the Simpsons” while speeding up production. The article provides a side panel with before‑and‑after shots, underscoring how the new software allows for more dynamic scenes.

• Budget Constraints and Creativity: Despite budgetary pressures, Jean emphasized that the team finds creative ways to produce “big‑budget” moments on a modest budget. He cited the 800th episode’s use of a single, well‑placed visual gag that “costed nothing but had maximum impact.”

Looking Ahead: Future Directions and Upcoming Episodes

In the closing section, Al Jean talked about what’s next for the show. The 800‑episode milestone feels like a turning point, with the writers exploring fresh storylines and experimenting with format.

• Short‑Form Content: The article references a link to a new Simpsons‑themed web series that premiered on a streaming platform. Jean says that these shorts allow the team to “experiment with narrative structures” that might not fit into a 22‑minute episode.

• Cross‑Medium Storytelling: A highlighted link leads to a partnership with a comic‑book publisher. Jean discussed the potential for extended universes where the Simpsons characters interact with other beloved animated franchises.

• Political Satire Evolution: Jean remains optimistic about future political satire, noting that “the only constant in politics is that it keeps changing.” He hints that the show will continue to adapt its humor to new political realities, whether that means addressing climate change policies, tech‑industry regulation, or global geopolitics.

Bottom Line

Al Jean’s interview in Entertainment Weekly offers a thorough look at why The Simpsons remains a cultural touchstone. From its careful balance of humor and political critique to the collaborative spirit of its writers and directors, the show’s 800‑episode milestone is both a celebration and a declaration that The Simpsons is far from over. Whether the show will keep poking fun at politics in the same vein, or shift toward more socially oriented satire, one thing is clear: the long‑running series continues to find fresh ways to keep its audience laughing while they think.