The Simpsons might be one of television's most historic series ever to air, as it continues to break every record and stir the audience. And let's not forget about how it has a consistent track record of predictions coming true. Nearly every significant event The Simpsons said would happen has happened.
In terms of the episodes, we've been more than fortunate to have a gold mine season after season. Yet, a few edged controversy, whether the content or the guest stars. This hiccup doesn't reflect they were 'bad' episodes at the time of their broadcast, but they developed a rep in criticism and fan discourse over the years.
We've chosen three The Simpsons episodes with controversial material that's US-based, but they also hit fans across the globe.
3 controversial The Simpsons episodes of all-time
"Stark Raving Dad"
Season 3
"Stark Raving Dad" has been permanently banned from Disney+, rebroadcasts, current DVD packages, and other streaming services. Why do you ask? Michael Jackson was the guest star after consulting with the producers that he was a fan of The Simpsons. He even wrote the song "Happy Birthday, Lisa," which Bart gifted his sister on her 8th birthday.
The reason behind the banning of "Stark Raving Dad" was because of the HBO 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland, which depicted Jackson's alleged child molestation and abuse. Showrunner Al Jean and James L. Brooks agreed that the episode should be "erased," but the decision didn't rest well with fans, as they consider "Stark Raving Dad" a triumphant piece of Simpsons history.
However, people can still buy the episode on YouTube in its entirety.
"The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson"
Season 9
To be fair, "The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson" aired three years before the September 11th, 2001 Attacks, and it was unthinkable that something as tragic as that would happen. Homer travels to New York in the episode to get his impounded car back. He's not favorable of NYC, as he had bad experiences, but he has no choice.
The issue isn't with the family heading to the Big Apple; it has to do with the Twin Towers. Homer's car is parked in front of the now-gone buildings, and he has to wait until someone can remove his car's boot. This predicament leads to an all-day wait, and you know there will be problems. He's hopping from one Tower to the next for a bathroom emergency and says some not-so-nice-things about it,
Eagle-eyed fans were quick to notice the ad on Bart's brochure that for $9.11, you can ride the bus from Springfield to Manhattan. 9/11 is when we were attacked, and it was just a strong coincidence on the writers' behalf.
For several year after 2001, "The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson" was lifted from airings, but has since been restored.
"The Boys of Bummer"
Season 18
Initially, I was going to add "The Boys of Bummer" to the baseball article, but after rewatching and rereading the episode, I realized that it falls heavily under the controversy umbrella. Bart's Little League team loses an important game because he fails a catch. The entire town is enraged and wreaks undeserved havoc on the 10-year-old, leading Bart to spiral into a hole of depression and suicidal intentions.
While mental health is emerging rapidly in today's youth, the episode should have been more sensitive to the topic. It's every parent's (and family's) worst nightmare to lose a child to its horrible effects. Instead, people should have been more comforting to Bart, offering encouraging words instead of the cruel backlash.
Children are vulnerable and Bart Simpson is no exception.
"The Boys of Bummer" isn't banned on any US platform, but should be watched with extreme caution, given its source material.