When Should 'The Simpsons' Have Stopped?

The enduring popularity of 'The Simpsons' has led to countless debates among fans about the right time for the show to conclude. Opinions are divided, with some arguing for the series to have ended during its 10th season, while others suggest it should have remained on air until its 20th or even 31st season. Some viewers feel it was better during the 90s and went downhill in the 2000s, indicating that it should have ended long before 2007. This article delves into the various aspects that led to these differing perspectives and examines the arguments for and against ending the show at various points.

The Decline in Quality: Season 10 and Beyond

Season 10 is often cited as the critical point when the series' quality began to noticeably decline. Many fans believe that the show lost its essence in terms of humor and storytelling after this season. The humor became less clever and the narratives more disjointed, leading to a general consensus among fans that the series was no longer the same.

The Post-2007 Argument

The release of the 'The Simpsons' movie in 2007 (or 2008, depending on the country) is considered a pivotal moment by some fans. Although the movie generally received positive reviews, it marked a turning point in the direction of the series. After the movie, the show struggled to maintain its earlier quality. Season 18 and 19 are often discussed as the moment when the series could no longer sustain its relevance. The argument is that the show should have ended here, allowing the characters to enjoy a more definitive conclusion. Some propose spinning off a show or continuing to release 'Christmas' and 'Halloween' specials, rather than producing full seasons.

Season 20 and Beyond: The Show's Decline

Season 20 is seen by many as the start of the show's decline. The best episodes are considered 'things of the past' and while a few standout episodes still managed to come through, the overall quality began to suffer. By Season 31, the series had clearly lost its momentum, with 'S32' feeling like a significant drop in quality. Only a handful of classic episodes remained in the 2000s, and even these pale in comparison to what was produced in the 90s.

Season 10: The Precise Termination Point

Numerous fans agree that Season 10 marks the precise point where the show 'started to lose its way.' It was around this time that drastic changes in the show's creative team, including the showrunner and writers, affected the show's direction and quality. These shifts in creative leadership are believed to have significantly impacted the series' ability to consistently deliver funny and well-written episodes thereafter.

Personal Perspectives on Ending the Show

The author of this article leans towards ending the show around Season 10. This decision is partly influenced by the creative changes in the 2000s and a general sense that the show was better during the 90s. It is argued that while the 2007 movie was entertaining, the quality of the following seasons did not justify its continuation. The movie itself is noted as a 'parenthesis' in the series' history, serving as a separate entity rather than a continuation of the main narrative.

Enjoyment of Pre-Season 10 Episodes

Despite the belief in ending the show early, the author still praises the early seasons of 'The Simpsons,' particularly the 90s. These seasons are remembered for classic episodes and the core humor that defined the show. The 90s are viewed as the series' 'golden years,' making the early part of the 2000s seem more of an extended fade-out. While reruns of recent seasons are not enjoyable due to the decline in quality, the author is still enthusiastic about rewatching the pre-Season 10 episodes.