Can “The Simpsons” really predict the future?

THE SIMPSONS ™ & © 20TH TELEVISION

It’s not like we would’ve made that knowing what was going to come, which we didn’t. And people have advanced conspiracy theories that we’re all Ivy League writers who knew … it’s preposterous stuff that people say. There’s also a thing people do that we don’t really love, which is they fake predictions. So after something happens, they’ll concoct a Simpsons frame, and it’s not something that ever aired. [Editor’s note: People faked Simpsons screenshots seeming to predict the 2024 Baltimore bridge collapse and the 2019 Notre-Dame fire. Images from the real “Osaka flu” episode were also edited to include the word “coronavirus.”] 

How does that make you feel? Is it frustrating?

It shows you how you can really convince people of something that’s not the case. Our small denial doesn’t get as much attention. 

As far as internet conspiracies go, where would you rate the idea that The Simpsons can predict the future? 

I hope it’s harmless. I think it’s really lodged in the internet very well. I don’t think it’s disappearing anytime soon. I’m sure for the rest of my life I’ll be hearing about what a group of psychics and seers I was part of. If we really could predict that well, we’d all be retired from betting on football. Although, advice to readers: Don’t bet on football. 

THE SIMPSONS ™ & © 20TH TELEVISION

Still, it is a tiny part of a trend that is alarming, which is people being unable to distinguish fact from fiction. And I have that trouble too. You read something, and your natural inclination has always been, “Well, I read it—it’s true.” And you have to really be skeptical about that. 

Can I ask you to predict a solution to all of this?

I think my only solution is: Look at your phone less and read more books.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. 

Amelia Tait is a London-based freelance features journalist who writes about culture, trends, and unusual phenomena.