The Simpsons Showrunner Explains Why Character Deaths Don't Last

Matt Selman says "nothing sticks" in the long-running animated series ahead of its historic 800th episode.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Ahead of the show's 800th episode, The Simpsons showrunner Matt Selman tells PEOPLE that while characters may die or retire in select episodes, "nothing sticks" and the events have no lasting impact, as "that's always been part of our storytelling." Selman notes that the "new phenomenon" of character deaths and retirements going viral and making headlines is "very weird" since anything can be undone in The Simpsons universe.

Why it matters

The Simpsons is the longest-running scripted primetime series in television history, and the show's ability to undo character deaths and retirements speaks to its enduring appeal and the flexibility of its storytelling approach over more than three decades on the air.

The details

Selman explains that while some things have stuck, like Lisa's vegetarianism and the death of Maude Flanders, "very few things stick." He notes that even Marge Simpson's death in the future doesn't necessarily mean anything, saying "Marge being dead in the future, but we're all going to be dead in the future." The showrunner says the "new phenomenon" of character deaths and retirements going viral is "very weird" since the show has always operated with the understanding that "nothing sticks" and "it's kind of like Groundhog [Day]."

  • The Simpsons' 800th episode will air on February 15, 2026.

The players

Matt Selman

The showrunner of The Simpsons who is reiterating the show's approach to character deaths and retirements ahead of the series' historic 800th episode.

Marge Simpson

A main character on The Simpsons who has died in the future according to the show, but Selman notes that "Marge being dead in the future, but we're all going to be dead in the future."

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What they’re saying

“And that's always been part of our storytelling is that nothing sticks and that it's kind of like Groundhog [Day].”

— Matt Selman, Showrunner, The Simpsons (PEOPLE)

“I mean, Marge being dead in the future, but we're all going to be dead in the future.”

— Matt Selman, Showrunner, The Simpsons (PEOPLE)

What’s next

The Simpsons' historic 800th episode, titled "Irrational Treasure," will air on Fox on February 15, 2026.

The takeaway

The Simpsons' ability to undo character deaths and retirements without lasting impact speaks to the show's enduring appeal and flexible storytelling approach over its more than three decades on the air, as the series continues to defy expectations and conventions around character fates in animated television.