Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Simpsons season 36, episode 18, “Estranger Things”
Although Smiling Friends nod kept a bizarre trend alive, unfortunately, this gag fell victim to a recurring problem the show faces. Since The Simpsons is officially the longest-running scripted primetime American TV show in history, many of the show’s problems have been around for years now. Even though outlets like Vulture have noted that The Simpsons is currently enjoying something of a critical renaissance, the show’s issues are still problems that have plagued the series for some time.
For example, The Simpsons mocking itself is seen as a healthy dose of self-awareness by some viewers and critics, while others view it as a cheap way to acknowledge writing shortcuts while still shamelessly utilizing them.
The Simpsons Season 36 Finale Referenced A YouTube Animation Sensation (Again)
Season 35’s Finale Featured A Nod To MeatCanyon
In season 36, episode 18, “Estranger Things,” Bart and Lisa immediately stop watching Itchy and Scratchy after enjoying the show together for years when Marge informs them that there is now Itchy and Scratchy merchandise for babies. As Lisa begins watching a parody of New Girl featuring the voices of real-life sitcom stars Max Greenfield and Zooey Deschanel, Bart focuses on his new favorite show, Screaming Friends.
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Screaming Friends is clearly a parody of the real-life Adult Swim series Smiling Friends, a surreal cartoon comedy by former YouTube creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel. This means “Estranger Things” is the second season finale in a row where Bart shouts out a famous YouTube animator, since he mentioned his enjoyment of MeatCanyon’s work in season 35, episode 14, “Bart’s Brain.” Like season 36 episode 17’s Jill Sobule dedication, these gags were both fun ways for the satirical series to shout out lesser-known creators and share an appreciation of their work.
The Simpsons Season 36’s Smiling Friends Parody Was Perfect
The Adult Swim Show’s Unique Style Was Affectionately Mocked
However, what really made the Screaming Friends parody in “Estranger Things” work was the show’s glimpse of the series. As Bart watched what looked like pure noisy chaos to Marge, he told her it was the storytelling that truly drew him back to the series, even more than the humor. This was a comically believable and apt parody of the show’s reception, since the acclaimed Smiling Friends has divided viewers who find its more abrasive moments grating and those who appreciate the surprisingly deft, clever comedic storytelling underneath the chaos.
The Simpsons spoofed the reaction some viewers have to Smiling Friends as Marge recoiled in horror from the series.
Much like has mocked its reliance on the status quo, the show spoofed the reaction some viewers have to Smiling Friends as Marge recoiled in horror from the series. Sadly, this scene didn’t go without criticism thanks to a bigger issue The Simpsons has repeatedly run into in recent years. Simply put, the gag arguably arrived too late.
The Simpsons Season 36’s Smiling Friends Gag Fell Victim To An Old Problem
Some Fans Online Complained The Reference Was Dated
Smiling Friends originally premiered in January 2022, and its second season ended in June 2024. As such, one could argue that The Simpsons took a while to get around to mentioning Smiling Friends, and this earned the ire of some commentators online. Since The Simpsons takes around eight months to produce an average episode, the show isn’t optimized for timely satire. The series can take aim at perennial topics, but topical gags can tend to be outdated by the time they reach screens.
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The Smiling Friends parody wasn’t the worst instance of The Simpsons mentioning a trending topic too late, considering the show referenced the novelty song "Baby Shark" almost four years after its popularity peaked. However, its divisive reception did prove that, while The Simpsons might make a habit of referencing real-life YouTube creators like those behind Smiling Friends through Bart’s viewing habits, this requires a level of alacrity that the show struggles with thanks to its slow production process.
Source: Vulture
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The Simpsons
- Release Date
- December 17, 1989
- Network
- FOX
- Showrunner
- Al Jean
Cast
Andrew ShueUncredited-
Chris ElliottHomer Simpson / Abe Simpson / Barney Gumble / Krusty (voice)
WHERE TO WATCH
- Directors
- Steven Dean Moore, Mark Kirkland, Rob Oliver, Michael Polcino, Mike B. Anderson, Chris Clements, Wes Archer, Timothy Bailey, Lance Kramer, Nancy Kruse, Matthew Faughnan, Chuck Sheetz, Rich Moore, Jeffrey Lynch, Pete Michels, Susie Dietter, Raymond S. Persi, Carlos Baeza, Dominic Polcino, Lauren MacMullan, Michael Marcantel, Neil Affleck, Swinton O. Scott III, Jennifer Moeller
- Writers
- J. Stewart Burns, Michael Price, Brian Kelley, Bill Odenkirk, Dan Vebber, Kevin Curran, Stephanie Gillis, Conan O'Brien, Valentina Garza, Elisabeth Kiernan Averick, Christine Nangle, Broti Gupta, Loni Steele Sosthand, Megan Amram, Bob Kushell, David Isaacs, David Mandel
- Franchise(s)
- The Simpsons
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