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'The Simpsons' Just Killed Off Marge, but It’s Not What You Think

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Rachel Dillin | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 10:11 AM ET

The Simpsons just wrapped its 36th season with an emotional jolt that sent fans into a frenzy—Marge Simpson, the blue-haired matriarch of America’s longest-running animated family, was shown dead and in heaven.

But before anyone grabs a tissue or a protest sign, there’s more to the story. Titled “Estranger Things,” the episode flashes forward 35 years into the future, where Marge is not only dead, but apparently in heaven with Ringo Starr. Yes, really.

But before longtime viewers panic, here’s the good news: No, Marge isn’t going anywhere.

The finale explored a what-if future timeline, something The Simpsons has done many times before. These flash-forward episodes don’t alter the main canon, which means Marge will still be around when the series returns for season 37, and beyond, as the show is already renewed through season 40.

‘The Simpsons’ fans have feelings after Marge Simpson’s death was shown in the season 36 finale. https://t.co/GjYTr7HQHK pic.twitter.com/BEnMcxxnNt
— E! News (@enews) June 25, 2025

Still, the episode packed a punch. It opens in the present day with Marge urging Bart and Lisa not to drift apart.

“You share a journey with your siblings that no one else will ever understand,” she tells them, teary-eyed.

Cut to decades later, and her warning goes ignored—Lisa is an NBA commissioner, Bart’s running a shady retirement scam, and Homer ends up shipped off to a prison-state Florida for the elderly.

Marge’s death is revealed via tombstone, with a Sarah McLachlan ballad confirming she passed away before Homer. A heartfelt video message from Marge eventually inspires Bart and Lisa to reconnect and to rescue Homer from his Florida fate.

In the final scenes, Marge is shown watching her reunited family from heaven, delighted to see them close again. She then shares a kiss with Ringo Starr and jokes, “I’m just so glad we’re allowed to marry different people in heaven.”

It was surreal, emotional, and hilarious,but it wasn’t the end of Marge. Just another creative detour in a show that continues to surprise, even after 36 seasons.

The Simpsons is streaming now on Hulu and Disney+.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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