After more than three decades of animated chaos, The Simpsons has made a dramatic narrative leap — officially confirming the death of family matriarch Marge Simpson.
In the season 36 finale titled 'Estranger Things', viewers were stunned as the show offered its first canonical glimpse into Marge’s death in a flash-forward, sending shockwaves through long-time fans.
A Flash Forward That Changed Everything
The episode begins with a humorous flashback: Marge leaves Homer in charge of Bart and Lisa, telling him not to let them watch TV or eat Twinkies — a plea he immediately ignores.
What follows is the children discovering The Itchy & Scratchy Show, becoming obsessed with it (as we know), but then eventually drifting apart as their interests change over the years.
However, the real gut-punch lands 35 years in the future.
Lisa, now a successful WNBA commissioner, and Bart, who runs a barely legal retirement home, are adults living very different lives. But it's a somber revelation early in this timeline that steals the spotlight: Lisa refers to their “late mother,” confirming that Marge has died before reaching her early seventies.
Marge's Emotional Farewell
Throughout the episode, Marge remains conspicuously absent while familiar faces like Homer, Principal Skinner, and Milhouse still populate Springfield.
The emotional climax comes when Lisa discovers a heartfelt letter from Marge, written “to be opened after I pass (on).”
The letter features a video message in which Marge gently pleads with her children to remain close, even in her absence — a moving callback to her earlier concerns about them drifting apart.
The final scenes depict Lisa and Bart reuniting to rescue Homer from a shady Florida retirement scheme, bonding once again over a reboot of Itchy & Scratchy. Meanwhile, Marge watches from a cloud above, eventually ascending into heaven with Ringo Starr by her side. It's a poignant moment that tugs at both heartstrings and nostalgia.
A Bold Move in Simpsons History
While The Simpsons has previously dabbled in near-death gags and dramatic twists, confirmed permanent deaths — especially of core characters — have been rare.
Long-time fans may recall the deaths of Maude Flanders, Bleeding Gums Murphy, Edna Krabappel, and Mona Simpson. Even Fat Tony’s demise was reversed with a joke involving an identical cousin.
However, recent seasons have taken a darker turn. Season 35’s “Cremains of the Day” saw the unexpected death of Larry the Barfly, a quiet mainstay of Moe’s Tavern since 1989. This trend toward permanent farewells is adding emotional depth and renewed unpredictability to the show.
Critical Reaction and Fan Response
The reveal of Marge's death sparked instant backlash and surprise online.
“WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY KILLED MARGE SIMPSON,” wrote one stunned fan on X (formerly Twitter). Another simply exclaimed: “Yo they killed Marge off the Simpsons!?!?!?! WHAT?!?!”
Another X user exclaimed: "Wait I haven’t seen the simpsons is 3466786 years, Marge is dead??!?!"
As one of the show’s five original central characters, Marge’s departure — even in a future-set scenario — struck an emotional chord.
Critics have observed that this willingness to take creative risks may be helping The Simpsons regain its cultural relevance.
As one ScreenRant writer noted: “One could attribute the improved critical reception of The Simpsons to this new attitude toward experimentation.” After 800 episodes, it seems even Springfield isn't immune to change.
A Legacy That Endures
Marge’s death may not be immediate — the flash-forward offers no clear timeline or cause — but its establishment as canon changes how fans may view future episodes.
It also deepens the lore of the show, adding emotional complexity to a universe built on slapstick satire and yellow-skinned caricatures. Yes, these beloved characters will - one day - leave us.
The Simpsons, which began as a short on The Tracey Ullman Show in 1987 before launching full-time in 1989, has long held a mirror to American life.
It has shaped popular culture, introduced iconic characters, and been both controversial and beloved. And now, as it marches into its 37th season, it's unafraid to explore the grief of letting go — even of its most cherished characters.