The Simpsons Fake 'Series Finale' Shocks Fans: Key Lessons For ...

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 17: (L-R) Bart Simpson, Lisa Simpson, Homer Simpson, Marge Simpson and ... [+] Maggie Simpson visit The Empire State Building to celebrate the 30th anniversary of "The Simpsons" at The Empire State Building on December 17, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)

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When Sunday night rolled around, fans of the legendary animated primetime television series The Simpsons were left in disbelief after what they thought was the show's "final episode." Can you imagine? No more Julie Kavner? The voice of Marge Simpson? Social media exploded with confusion, only to reveal that it was actually the kickoff to Season 36.

Why should we care?

Safe to say, few shows have managed to stay as culturally relevant as The Simpsons. Created by Matt Groening, with contributions from James L. Brooks and Sam Simon, this satirical television series has spanned over thirty years with nearly 1000 individual episodes. Produced by 20th Television, The Simpsons has entertained audiences not just with its regular characters like Bart Simpson, Lisa Simpson, and Grampa Simpson, but also with tertiary characters who contribute to the richness of its world. The show provides sharp insights into society, politics, and human nature, all through the lens of a dysfunctional working-class American family.

Matt Groening at the Los Angeles Philharmonic Gala at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on October 5, ... [+] 2023 in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Lisa O'Connor/Variety via Getty Images)

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For brands looking to resonate with their audiences, I believe there are four key lessons to learn from the series—especially when it comes to audience engagement and brand relevance.

Harness Humor and Satire:

At its essence, The Simpsons teaches us the importance of humor and satire. The show, with guidance from key contributors like Matt Selman, James L. Brooks, and Sam Simon, brilliantly critiques societal issues and pop culture from the viewpoint of a working-class family. The show also includes one-time jokes and visual jokes that add layers to the humor, keeping audiences engaged. For brands, this reinforces the immense potential of humor in marketing. When delivered thoughtfully, humor can make messaging more relatable and shareable, compelling audiences to engage with the brand on a deeper level. Sure, some may argue that brands need to tread carefully—that humor must align with a brand's identity to prevent misinterpretation or backlash. But I believe that this fear is holding CMOs back from embracing humor.

According to a study from Oracle, a staggering 91% of global audiences prefer brands with a sense of humor, yet 95% of business leaders hesitate to incorporate it into consumer interactions. The report also highlights a sobering statistic: 45% of people around the world haven’t felt genuine happiness in over two years.

SALFORD, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: A mural depicting Donald Trump being laughed at by a character from ... [+] The Simpsons is seen at Islington Mill on November 08, 2020 in Salford, England. Former US Vice President Joe Biden was projected to be victor of this week's presidential election against incumbent Donald Trump. In a recent poll conducted by Opinium for the Observer, about 57% of British people preferred Biden versus 16% who chose Trump. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)

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The characters that populate The Simpsons—created by Matt Groening—are exaggerated yet profoundly relatable. Who doesn’t love Bart Simpson's mischievous nature or Lisa Simpson's thoughtful idealism? And that’s before we get to Grampa Simpson’s old-school charm and absurd storytelling that add to the family’s lovable dynamic. These regular characters personify various aspects of society, from the endearing underdog to the clueless patriarch—and most importantly, we can all relate to them. For brands, it’s vital to craft relatable personas or archetypes. When audiences see themselves reflected in a brand's narrative or characters, it breeds loyalty and engagement. As I said, in my book, The Kim Kardashian Principle, by emphasizing the human element—or the dysfunctional family—brands can create connections that go beyond mere transactions.

Deloitte reports that 57% of consumers are more loyal to brands that actively address social inequities in their practices. Furthermore, 70% of Gen Z consumers are more likely to trust brands that showcase diversity in their advertising efforts.

SPRINGFIELD, OREGON - JUNE 29: Nick Christie run in front of a mural of 'The Simpsons' as he ... [+] competes in the Men's 20k Racewalk Final on Day Nine of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Track & Field Trials on June 29, 2024 in Springfield, Oregon. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

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One of the most admirable traits of The Simpsons is its uncanny ability to evolve with the times. The show, spearheaded by Matt Groening’s creative vision, deftly addresses current events and cultural shifts, adapting to ensure its content remains pertinent. This was evident during episodes from season 22, and it continues now with its 36th season. Produced by 20th Television, the series remains one of the longest-running satirical television series in American history, and its approach resonates with viewers young and old. There is no doubt in my mind that The Simpsons has managed to remain relevant alongside other satirical television series like Family Guy, by reflecting cultural trends. This ability to evolve is one of the reasons The Simpsons, an American LGBTQ-related animated television series, has endured for so long.

And let’s not forget the show’s tertiary characters, one-time jokes, and clever visual jokes. Matt Groening’s creative genius, combined with the contributions from L. Brooks and Sam Simon, gives The Simpsons the ability to appeal to both a broad audience and niche communities. Matt Zoller also recognizes these dynamics in his praise of the show’s layered narrative and cultural impact. Family Guy may have its moments, but I’d say it’s The Simpsons, with its deep well of individual episodes and carefully crafted episode credits, that has set the bar for American family comedies and satirical television series.ues, further cementing its cultural relevance. Matt Zoller, a prominent critic, even praised the show’s inclusiveness and its subtle commentary on identity. This dedication to staying relevant and helps build a strong community around the show.

I’ve said it before I’ll say it again, in a marketplace that’s constantly changing, being in tune with cultural trends and consumer sentiment is essential. This means not only reacting to current events but also anticipating shifts in consumer behavior and values to maintain alignment with audiences. Yet a surprising 30% of employees still express skepticism about change but are open to being shown its benefits by managers or peers. Additionally, 73% of employees undergoing change report experiencing moderate to high stress levels.

The Simpsons cartoon series is being removed in Suqian, Jiangsu province, China, on July 17, 2024. ... [+] (Photo by Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

NurPhoto via Getty Images Cultivate a Strong Community

The Simpsons has fostered a dedicated and enthusiastic fan base that engages with the show on various levels and across multiple platforms—from merchandise to fan theories. As an American LGBTQ-related animated television series, The Simpsons has tackled diverse and important societal issues, cementing its cultural relevance. Matt Zoller, a prominent critic, praised the show’s inclusiveness and its subtle commentary on identity. His review echoes the sentiments of many fans who have followed episodes from season to season, including the show's 22nd season and current 36th season.

Brands must tap into this community spirit by nurturing connections among their audiences. Engaging on social media, promoting user-generated content, and offering platforms for consumer interaction can cultivate brand loyalty and advocacy. Remember, a vibrant community not only bolsters brand perception but also fuels word-of-mouth marketing and long-term growth.

And while Family Guy may compete for animated comedy dominance, I believe The Simpsons remains a force. With individual episodes racking up critical acclaim and episode credits across the board, The Simpsons demonstrates that a consistent approach—focused on humor, social relevance, and community—can cement any brand’s legacy. Whether it's Bart Simpson causing chaos or the episodes from season after season addressing societal issues, The Simpsons shows that longevity in any industry comes from listening to your audience and evolving alongside them.

Currently, 70.41% of brands have established active communities, while another 26.3% are eager to create their own communities soon. Remarkably, only 3.29% of brands lack a community and have no plans to form one. This trend sends a clear message: brand communities are set to become a defining aspect of the future landscape.

LEEDS, ENGLAND - MAY 4: Cartoon scarves gearing Minions, Yoda and The Simpsons being sold at a ... [+] merchandise stall ahed of the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Southampton FC at Elland Road on May 4, 2024 in Leeds, England.(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

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There is no doubt in my mind that The Simpsons—the brainchild of Matt Groening, James L. Brooks, and Sam Simon—offers invaluable lessons in brand engagement. By embracing humor, crafting relatable characters like Bart Simpson, staying relevant, and building a strong community, brands can elevate their marketing strategies and forge deeper connections with their audiences.

All this to say, the wisdom from this iconic primetime television series—brought to life by talents like Julie Kavner, Yeardley Smith, and the creative guidance of Matt Groening’s team—serves as a powerful reminder of what is essential for fostering lasting brand loyalty. Produced by 20th Television, the show continues to inspire marketers and creators alike. The series has proven through its episodes of season after season—including the 22nd season and now the 36th season—that storytelling, especially from a human or in this case working-class family perspective, is timeless.

Named Esquire’s Influencer Of The Year, Jeetendr Sehdev is a media personality, international speaker and the author of the New York Times bestselling sensation, The Kim Kardashian Principle: Why Shameless Sells (and How to Do It Right.)