The Wild Simpsons Theory That Explains Everything About Homer
"The Simpsons" is one of the most iconic shows of all time. With a shocking 33 seasons under its belt, "The Simpsons" is the longest-running sitcom — and also the longest-running scripted series in the U.S. For over three decades, fans have loved following Homer, Marge, Lisa, Bart, Maggie, and the rest of Springfield on their many wacky adventures. The hit animated comedy (now owned by the target of many of their parodies, Disney) has changed a lot over the years, but its pop culture commentary and clever humor continue to make the show a cultural phenomenon.
Any long-running show will have legions of adoring fans, and "The Simpsons" is no exception. Of course, that also means there are many fan theories about the show's characters and storylines. Some fans have taken to Reddit to share a very unique theory on the patriarch of the family, Mr. Homer J. Simpson himself, and it's certainly a fascinating idea.
One Redditor posits that Homer knows he is a cartoon
Over on the r/FanTheories subreddit, u/raysofdavies posed the very meta theory that Homer knows he is a cartoon. They elaborated, citing a Season 4 episode of "The Simpsons," where, after deciding he doesn't need to go to church to remain faithful to God, Homer has a dream where he's talking to God in the Simpsons' house. At the end of the episode, Home meets with God again and asks him about the meaning of life. In cheeky "Simpsons" fashion though, we cut to closing credits before we hear God's answer.
U/rayofdavies wrote that during that moment, God is telling Homer that he is a cartoon, and Homer then "learns that there are almost never lasting consequences for his actions" because he isn't real. This Redditor further elaborated that this theory "explains why Homer has become a bit crueler in the later years of the show. He's lost some empathy and know's he's basically untouchable now."
Another Redditor, u/generalzee, expanded on this, noting, "I like this theory because it means that Homer doesn't really KNOW for SURE that he's a Cartoon, he just thinks he may have had a dream where God tells him this." Homer isn't known for his keen reasoning and intellect, so putting so much weight into a dream would be in character for him.
While it may be a bit far-fetched, anything can be real in an animated world, and this theory definitely changes how we view the beloved series and its main adult protagonist.