A Historic Episode Looms (Image Credits: Upload.wikimedia.org)
The Simpsons prepares for a milestone as its 800th episode places the iconic family in Philadelphia this Sunday, yet the series’ origins trace back strongly to Portland, Oregon.
A Historic Episode Looms
The longest-running primetime scripted series in U.S. television history marked nearly four decades with this upcoming installment. Scheduled to air on Fox on February 15, 2026, the episode shifts the Springfield residents eastward to the City of Brotherly Love. Producers crafted the story around Philadelphia’s urban landscape, diverging from the show’s usual fictional setting.
Viewers anticipate fresh satire in this landmark outing. Still, the narrative choice highlights how far the series has traveled from its creative roots. Bill Oakley, a former showrunner and head writer during the 1990s, emphasized the Pacific Northwest’s role in an interview. He noted the practical inspirations that shaped early character development.
Creator’s Hometown Echoes
Matt Groening, the satirical animated series’ creator, drew from his Portland upbringing for key elements. The fictional Springfield concealed real-world influences, particularly local street names repurposed for residents. Groening selected these to populate his universe efficiently…