The Simpsons has run into a problem that needs updating in 2025

Metro

25-04-2025

After 36 seasons, The Simpsons has hit a big stumbling block they may have to address.
The citizens of Springfield have faced a lot over the years, from alien invasions and the Mr Burns murder mystery to a monorail scam and everything in between, as well as countless real life predictions.
However, a new study has shown that a similarly implausible part of the show is actually the premise of a family of five living so comfortably.
The animated classic still focuses on Homer, Marge and their kids Bart, Lisa and Maggie, all raised on Homer's income.
They've got two cars and a big house, and they're often heading off on fancy family vacations and trips to theme parks.
Of course, the iconic show isn't meant to be taken too seriously, but the United States Studies Centre has pointed out how US census data for 2025 pokes some holes in the premise in today's world.
Dr. Rodney Taveira, academy director and senior lecturer in American studies at the University of Sydney's United States Studies Centre, has pointed to how the Simpsons clan are 'no longer as representative of a typical American family as they once were'.
As reported by Australia's ABC News, when the show premiered in 1989, an ordinary American family household was made up of 3.16 people, which would generally be two parents and up to two young kids.
That's changed over the last few decades, with those numbers declining and families choosing to stay small.
The Simpsons' focus on a typical US family may have come from creator Matt Groening's own experiences.
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Dr. Taveira told ABC: 'He grew up in the kind of golden era of television watching shows like Leave It To Beaver, so these kind of classic American sitcoms that had this very traditional family structure, which was largely a white family, two or three kids who go to schools and they live in the suburbs.'
The academic also pointed out how Bart grew up at a time when 'most children would've lived with two married parents in their first marriage'.
He added: 'When Homer and Marge would've got married, the average age would've been something like 20 to 22 years old and now it's going up to almost 30 years old.'
Meanwhile, the Simpsons family's way of living – a father providing for the family in a two-storey home, going on holidays and frequently getting new cars – isn't as attainable for people now.
But Dr. Taveira pointed out: 'The show's kind of aware of the improbable position that Homer is in … The show confronted this with the character of [Frank] Grimes.' More Trending
Despite being 'fantastical', he suggested there is a 'small town Americana element' which has helped its enduring popularity.
He quipped: 'Even a dumbass like Homer Simpson could have a job that he is eminently unqualified for, but still bring home enough money to take care of his family.'
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The Simpsons is available to stream on Disney+.
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