It's amazing that after 31 seasons, The Simpsons is still going strong with no signs of ending anytime soon. The series is now the longest-running scripted series in American history and one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. However, there are some who think the show has overstayed its welcome.
Even the die-hard Simpsons fans seem to agree that its best years are long behind it. Finding the right way to end the show after so many seasons seems very daunting, but there were some key episodes in the past that could have made for a fitting end to the series if they had really wanted to go out on a high note.
10 The Simpsons Spin-Off Showcase
Some of The Simpsons' most memorable episodes are when it takes a step back from the typical episodes and looks at the series from the outside. "The Simpsons Spin-Off Showcase" is a Season 8 episode in which Troy McClure hosts a showcase of potential spin-off shows featuring Simpsons' supporting characters.
The episode has fun with how big the Simpsons brand has become and the possibility of it branching off into obviously bad shows. It could have been a tongue-in-cheek way of ending the show without having to take it all too seriously.
9 Who Shot Mr. Burns? - Part II
"Who Shot Mr. Burns? – Part II" felt like a real event episode in the series. After the cliff-hanger Season 6 finale in which Mr. Burns was shot by an unknown assailant, Season 7 opens with this episode, which starts the investigation into the crime.
It is a big enough concept that it could feel appropriate for the final episode, and it is also made to feel like a more epic storyline than the show usually delivers while also poking fun at the gimmick. With the larger scope that looks at Springfield as a whole, it could have been a silly way to end things.
8 Home Sweet Homediddly-Dum-Doodily
While there are plenty of great supporting characters on The Simpsons, it feels like an episode that focuses directly on the Simpson family would be a fitting ending. " Home Sweet Homediddly-Dum-Doodily" centers around one of the most harrowing moments for the family while also including Ned Flanders for good reason.
After a series of misunderstandings, the Simpson children are taken from Homer and Marge and brought to a foster family — the Flanders. The episode explores the genuine love this family has for each other while embracing why they are so dysfunctional.
7 You Only Move Twice
"You Only Move Twice" is considered by many to be one of the show's best episodes, thanks largely to the hilarious new character, Hank Scorpio. Scorpio offers Homer a job at a mysterious new company he runs. As the rest of the family attempts to fit in with their new life, Homer finds himself thriving under his new boss — who happens to be a criminal mastermind.
Scorpio's vague world-threatening plans give the episode a larger, more ambitious feel. It is also fun to see the family outside of Springfield, which has been such a big part of the series. The scene of the family driving out of town as all of Springfield's characters bid them farewell feels like a finale.
6 22 Short Films About Springfield
While The Simpsons started as a sitcom about an unusual family, there's no denying that it has grown into something much larger. The town of Springfield is filled with many great characters who take turns sharing the spotlight in various episodes.
However, in "22 Short Films About Springfield", the episode lets many of these characters get their own short story. Given how many iconic characters the show now has, this might be the best way to allow fans to say goodbye to all of them.
5 Homer's Enemy
If The Simpsons was looking to go out on a high note, it seems like they couldn't do much better than "Homer's Enemy." The episode is currently the highest rated in the show's history, according to IMDb. Aside from that, it is an exciting new take on a typical episode.
It introduced Frank Grimes, a new employee at the Nuclear Power Plant who instantly hates Homer Simpson. The episode takes Grimes' point of view and shows how lucky and prosperous the Simpsons can be from an outsider's perspective.
4 Summer of 4 Ft. 2
"Summer of 4 Ft. 2" was the finale of the show's seventh season, but felt like a nice ending to give the series, at least for Lisa Simpson. The family decides to take a vacation to the Flanders' beach house and Lisa makes an effort to become friends with some local kids while Bart gets jealous.
It's a very simple episode but it feels like a solid low-key ending for the show. The summer vacation setting feels like a conclusion and it shows real emotional growth for Lisa and her relationship with Bart.
3 Lisa's First Word
There have been many episodes of the series that looked into the past of these characters' lives. One of the most memorable and touching was "Lisa's First Word". When Bart and Lisa are fighting again, their parents tell them a story of when they were younger and the connection they had.
The episode is a funny and sweet look at the early days of the Simpsons. But it is the ending of the episode that is such an emotional moment that could have easily been a satisfying ending to the entire series.
2 Holidays Of Future Passed
Just like there are episodes that look into the past, there are more than a few episodes that give a glimpse at the Simpsons' future. The show has shown no interest in aging its characters so it is fascinating to see what their lives would be like when they are finally able to grow old.
The episode is also a holiday episode, which is fitting since the series kicked off with a Christmas episode. It is a satisfying way of showing fans where the family will end up long from now.
1 Behind The Laughter
Like "The Simpson's Spin-Off Showcase" episode, "Behind the Laughter" is a meta take on the show. The entire episode is staged as a behind-the-scenes look at the titular family and how they rose to fame with this widely popular show about their lives.
It's hard to imagine a more perfect and creative way of ending the show and addressing its legacy while still being hilarious. The episode pokes fun at the show itself while still being about the family that started it all.
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