The Simpsons Episode 800 Reveals Aftermath of Iconic Couch Gag

The long-running animated series provides a humorous follow-up to the show's classic opening sequence.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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In the 800th episode of "The Simpsons," the show revealed the aftermath of the iconic couch gag that opens each episode. The gag shows the Simpson family rushing to the living room couch, but this time Homer is left injured after being run over by Marge and pushed through a thick oak garage door. The episode provides a fun, self-referential look at the show's long history and the consequences of the recurring couch gag.

Why it matters

The Simpsons has been on the air for over 37 years, making it the longest-running American sitcom. The show is known for its ability to poke fun at itself and its own continuity, and this 800th episode continues that tradition by addressing a long-standing element of the show's opening sequence. It shows the writers' willingness to experiment with the format and explore the show's history in creative ways, keeping the series fresh even after hundreds of episodes.

The details

In the 800th episode, the traditional couch gag plays out as usual, with Bart in detention, Lisa kicked out of music class, and Marge driving home. However, after the family gathers on the couch, Homer hobbles in covered in splinters and blood, complaining that Marge ran him over through a thick oak garage door. The rest of the family tries to ignore his pleas, highlighting the absurdity of the recurring gag and its lack of consequences.

  • The 800th episode of "The Simpsons" aired on February 18, 2026.

The players

Homer Simpson

The patriarch of the Simpson family, known for his incompetence and tendency to get into absurd situations.

Marge Simpson

The matriarch of the Simpson family, who often has to clean up after Homer's antics.

Dan Castellaneta

The voice actor who has portrayed Homer Simpson since the show's inception in 1989.

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What they’re saying

“There's a non-zero chance we'll one day get a throwaway gag showing the long-lasting effect of radiation on Homer (Dan Castellaneta). After all, we do see Homer get a radiation rod stuck on his shirt in every couch gag — there's no way that would be good for his health.”

— Rafael Motamayor, Author (slashfilm.com)

What’s next

The Simpsons is known for its ability to surprise viewers, so it's possible the show could revisit the aftermath of the couch gag in future episodes, exploring the long-term effects on Homer or other characters.

The takeaway

The 800th episode of The Simpsons demonstrates the show's enduring creativity and willingness to poke fun at its own long-running history. By addressing the consequences of the iconic couch gag, the episode provides a humorous and self-referential look at the show's legacy, keeping it fresh and engaging even after decades on the air.