Marge Simpson is Dead?

Marge Simpson may have met her maker—again—but longtime fans of The Simpsons know better than to trust a Springfield funeral. The Season 36 finale teases Marge’s death, but history suggests it’s just another entry in the show’s long tradition of mortality fakeouts.

Here’s the TL;DR…

• The Simpsons’ Season 36 finale depicts Marge’s “death” in a future timeline, sparking online speculation.

• The show has a history of fakeout deaths (like Ned Flanders and Homer) and real ones (like Maude and Edna).

• This latest twist reinforces The Simpsons’ tradition of resetting its world—and its staying power after 37 seasons.

Marge’s Death: A Season 36 Shocker

Pour one out for Marge Simpson—or don’t, because she’s probably fine. The Season 36 finale of The Simpsons, titled “Estranger Things,” aired on May 18, 2025, and shocked fans with a flash-forward revealing Marge’s death. The episode included a funeral and a heaven reunion scene with Ringo Starr, giving viewers just enough to trigger panic before pulling back, typical of the show’s flair for dramatics.

Despite the dramatic tone, longtime fans know better. The Simpsons is famous for teasing tragedy and then returning to the status quo. Marge’s “death” is likely another bait-and-switch, echoing the show’s fondness for fleeting mortality.

Fakeout Deaths: Marge’s Not the First

The Simpsons has faked us out before. Season 11’s “Missionary: Impossible” showed Ned Flanders seemingly perish in a volcano—only to show up later, just fine. In Season 25’s “The Kid is All Right,” Homer stages his own funeral to escape creditors. Each time, the stakes vanish as quickly as they appear. Marge’s trip to heaven, complete with celebrity cameos, fits squarely into this fakeout formula.

Real Deaths: When The Simpsons Means It

Sometimes, though, the deaths stick. Maude Flanders’ demise in Season 11’s “Alone Again, Natura-Diddily” was permanent. Likewise, Edna Krabappel’s departure in Season 25 followed the real-life passing of voice actress Marcia Wallace. These events changed the show’s fabric and were treated with lasting impact—unlike Marge’s blink-and-you-miss-it funeral.

The Simpsons’ Mortality Tradition: Kill ‘Em and Bring ‘Em Back

Fake deaths are a staple of the show’s structure. Homer has “died” multiple times, including in Treehouse of Horror episodes and surreal one-offs like Season 20’s “Four Great Women and a Manicure.” Even Mr. Burns has met dramatic ends, only to be revived later. The reset button is always nearby, which is why Marge’s current predicament feels familiar—and temporary.

Why It Matters: A Show That Can’t Die

Whether Marge stays in the afterlife or returns next season with no explanation, her “death” has reignited conversations around The Simpsons’’ cultural staying power. Now in its 37th season, the show continues to evolve—and recycle—keeping viewers talking. This latest fakeout isn’t just about Marge; it’s about a show that remains immortal, even as its characters occasionally aren’t.

Sources:

• CBC News, “Why Marge Simpson’s death suddenly has viewers talking about The Simpsons again,” June 26, 2025

• The Guardian, “Did The Simpsons really just kill off a major character?,” June 26, 2025

• Wikipedia, “In-show deaths,” June 25, 2025

• The Hollywood Reporter, “Marcia Wallace Dead: ‘The Simpsons’ Edna Krabappel Voice Actress Was 70,” October 26, 2013

• IMDb, “The Simpsons – Seasons,” June 2025

News compiled and edited by Derek Gibbs and Steven Bubbles on June 28, 2025. Follow us on ClownfishTV.com for more gaming, pop culture and tech news, and consider subscribing for only $5 per month to get access to exclusive podcasts and other content.