The Pitt's Taylor Dearden Joins Simpsons' 800th Episode

The actress calls it a "trippy" experience to be part of the iconic animated series' milestone.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Simpsons is celebrating its 800th episode, and the long-running animated comedy is honoring several Philadelphia-born entertainment icons, including The Pitt star Taylor Dearden. Dearden, who plays neurodivergent practitioner Mel King on the medical drama, was excited to join the list of high-profile Simpsons guest stars, calling it a "trippy" experience. Despite her young age, Dearden's comments about the show's longevity made the interviewer feel old, as the series debuted in 1989, two years before Dearden was born.

Why it matters

The Simpsons reaching its 800th episode is a major milestone for the long-running animated series, which has remained culturally relevant and present for decades. Dearden's guest appearance on the episode is a sign of her growing success, as being asked to appear on The Simpsons is seen as a mark of having "made it" in the entertainment industry.

The details

Dearden, who has earned widespread praise for her performance on The Pitt, was one of several cast members from the Philadelphia-set medical drama to appear in The Simpsons' 800th episode, along with Noah Wyle and Katherine LaNasa. The episode also featured guest appearances from other Philadelphia icons like Kevin Bacon and The Roots.

  • The Simpsons' 799th and 800th episodes aired on Fox on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
  • The Pitt Season 2 is currently airing new episodes on Thursdays via HBO Max.

The players

Taylor Dearden

An actress who plays the role of neurodivergent practitioner Mel King on the medical drama series The Pitt.

The Simpsons

A long-running animated comedy series that is celebrating its 800th episode.

The Pitt

A Philadelphia-set medical drama series that has several of its cast members appearing in The Simpsons' 800th episode.

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What they’re saying

“I'm in The Simpsons, I know! That was trippy. I had to read that email like eight times. I'm like, 'Oh my God. Oh my God. I can't believe it.'”

— Taylor Dearden, Actress (CinemaBlend)

“It's from before I was born. '89, I think, was the first season.”

— Taylor Dearden, Actress (CinemaBlend)

What’s next

The Simpsons' 800th episode aired on February 15, 2026, and The Pitt Season 2 is currently airing new episodes on Thursdays via HBO Max.

The takeaway

Taylor Dearden's guest appearance on The Simpsons' 800th episode is a significant milestone in her career, as being asked to appear on the iconic animated series is seen as a mark of success in the entertainment industry. The episode also highlights the longevity and cultural relevance of The Simpsons, which has remained a beloved and influential show for over three decades.