Simpsons Season 38 Premieres with Emma Thompson and Halloween Specials

Key points

• Season 38 premieres on September 27 with 'The Children's Book Job,' featuring Emma Thompson as a reclusive author and Colin Jost as himself.
• The 'Treehouse of Horror XXXVII' special airs October 25, including segments with Tiffany Haddish and a Nightmare Before Christmas mashup.
• The new Simpsons movie is confirmed as written and scheduled for a September 3, 2027 release, with Selman promising an 'S-tier' quality.
• Upcoming episodes include 'Diary of a Chimpy Kid' and 'Testing 1-2-3,' the latter addressing neurodiversity with a focus on empathy.
• A Jack in the Box 'Munchie Meal of Horror' collaboration features collectible cups and obscure 1970s mascot Easter eggs.

Background

The Simpsons has maintained a consistent production schedule for nearly four decades, with previous archive coverage noting the show's ongoing cultural relevance and its ability to adapt to modern trends. The 38th season continues this pattern, integrating contemporary references and guest stars while maintaining its traditional broadcast and streaming release windows.

How outlets are covering it

Variety emphasizes the creative ambition behind the season, highlighting Matt Selman's focus on 'love letters' to children's books and the intricate Easter eggs in the Jack in the Box collaboration. MediaPost focuses on the quality of the premiere episode, praising Emma Thompson's voice performance and comparing the episode's structure to classic films like 'My Favorite Year.' Both sources agree on the high quality of the upcoming season but differ in their focus, with Variety detailing the broader season lineup and movie updates, while MediaPost concentrates on the premiere episode's execution and pop-culture references.

Why it matters

The Simpsons remains a cultural touchstone, with its 38th season demonstrating the show's ability to evolve while maintaining its core appeal. The confirmed movie and new episodes on neurodiversity signal a commitment to relevant, high-quality content, while the Jack in the Box collaboration underscores the show's continued influence on pop culture and marketing.

What to watch

Fans can expect the 'Treehouse of Horror XXXVII' special on October 25 and the new Simpsons movie in September 2027. The season will continue to air on Fox and stream on Hulu, with new episodes addressing contemporary issues and featuring guest stars.