‘The Simpsons’ Season 26: ‘Futurama’ and ‘Family Guy’ Crossovers, Premiere Death and More!
Heading into its record-setting 26th season, 'The Simpsons' show no signs of stopping as 2014 brings with it a bevy of new milestones. For one, that major character death has officially been confirmed for our fall premiere, while 'The Simpsons' bosses have gone on record about the 'Futurama' and 'Family Guy' crossovers, and FX's massive 'Simpsons World' app prepares for launch!
First and foremost it seems that major character death we've been hearing about for months now will finally arrive in season 26 premiere "Clown in the Dumps," which at least on the surface would seem to imply Krusty the Clown might be the one having a last laugh. After all, we know that the character in question netted its voice actor an Emmy, something Dan Castellaneta would certainly fit the bill for. Food for thought, at least, though producers were quick to point out that the character might still return in dreams or flashback.
For the record, Hank Azaria has confirmed it won’t be any of his characters that suffer the reaper, including the likes of as Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, Moe Szyslak, Chief Clancy Wiggum, Officer Lou, Jeff “Comic Book Guy” Albertson, Carl Carlson, Cletus the slack-jawed yokel, Sea Captain Horatio McCallister, Bumblebee Man, Super Nintendo Superintendent Chalmers, Duffman, Professor Frink, Snake, Dr. Nick Riviera, Kirk Van Houten, and Disco Stu. Considering the Emmy win, that still leaves Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, and Yeardley Smith along with guest stars Anne Hathaway, Kelsey Grammer, and Jackie Mason.
And while we've heard a few details of the 'Family Guy' episode that brings Peter and the Griffins to Springfield, 'Simpsons' producers also revealed from the TCA press tour panel that November 28 would see 'Futurama' guest stars Billy West, John DiMaggio, Katey Sagal, Phil LaMarr, Lauren Tom, Maurice LaMarche, and Tress MacNeille reprising their 31st century roles for "Simpsorama." In the crossover event, Bender travels back in time to kill Bart, 'Terminator'-style, thanks to something Bart does in the present that has terrible consequences for the future.
As if the future weren't yellow enough for 'The Simpsons' FX also unveiled details of its multiple marathons and 'Simpsons World' app debuting in October, the description of which reads thusly:
“Simpsons World” will offer a unique and personalized Simpsons experience for both casual and super fans by allowing users to interact with premium content in unprecedented ways. For the first time ever, all authenticated viewers will have instant and on-demand access to every single Simpsons episode ever, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via SimpsonsWorld.com, and FXNOW apps for iPhone, iPad, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Android phones and tablets, Smart TVs, and additional set-tops devices.
Additional exclusive offerings include new ways to explore Springfield’s characters and locations, the ability for users to curate their own personalized playlists and share their favorite show clips and quotes.
We'll learn more of what 'The Simpsons' has in store for 2014 and beyond by the coming Comic-Con 2014 panel, but what say you? What are your theories on the big death, and what might bring the casts of 'Family Guy' and 'Futurama' to Springfield? Will the 'Simpsons World' dominate all life as we know it? Tell us what you want to see from the future of the franchise in the comments!