The Simpsons is one of the longest-running adult animation shows that has entertained viewers since 1989. Over the years, it has evolved beyond the usual comedic storyline. The show has featured famous personalities like Donald Trump, Michael Jackson, Leonard Nimoy, and Neil Patrick Harris. However, the reason they're most known for is the predictions they make.
Through the decade, certain scenarios from The Simpsons like floods have come true, giving rise to theories about their episodes being a hub to predict the future. Theorists online argue that the show has accurately predicted events down to the date and time!
Let's take a look at the top 10 predictions from The Simpsons!
Disclaimer: This article is solely based on the author's opinions.
Top 10 The Simpsons predictions that have come true
1) The COVID-19 pandemic
Starting the list strong is the eerily accurate pandemic prediction made in 1993. During the episode titled 'Marge in Chains,' Homer and his family appear to be in their usual spot on the sofa when the news turns on. Shortly after, the anchor announces a deadly disease.
While many believed it was pure fiction, conspiracy theorists recalled the very same episode years later when the world was struck with the virus from COVID-19. The show even predicted the symptoms — cold, cough, body ache, and more! While it didn't specify the duration, it did foreshadow the quarantine phase for the infected.
2) Donald Trump's presidency in 2016
Another accurate prediction from The Simpsons was former President Donald Trump's election in 2016. The show has so far been right about several aspects of Trump's life including the recent shootout at his rally. However, fans still recall the episode featuring the former president.
The Simpsons aired the episode sometime in 2000, but it came true in 2016. The show featured Trump waving at his supporters and Homer Simpson behind him in most scenes. Furthermore, it also captures the moment he won the election back in the year.
3) OceanGate's submarine explosion in 2024
The OceanGate's Titan submarine explosion was perhaps one of the more recent premonitions that sadly came true. The Simpsons' episode was aired in 2006 and saw Homer and his estranged dad taking a trip inside the deep blue sea to uncover a wrecked ship.
The sub had the same agenda: to observe the ruins of the Titanic. Homer's sub was seen imploding resulting in him losing consciousness and landing in a hospital. Sadly the crew aboard the real-life submarine weren't so lucky. Due to the pressure and dropping oxygen levels, the vessel suddenly imploded leaving no survivors.
4) Lady Gaga's Superbowl performance in 2017
Lady Gaga is known for her flamboyant and unique ensembles such as the famous Meat outfit and the bubble outfit. It didn't take long for The Simpsons to feature the Grammy Winner. In a 2012 episode titled 'Lisa Goes Gaga,' the show featured Gaga in what became known as her most iconic Super Bowl performances — in 2017!!!
The episode saw Gaga by the piano and was later lifted into the air for an aerial stunt. During the Super Bowl in 2017, Gaga did the exact stunt from the episode!
Could this be a coincidence or did Gaga copy the performance? We'll never know!
5) NSA spying on American citizens?
The Simpsons predicted yet another concerning ordeal, this time involving NSA. What would a space station want to do with spying on millions of Americans through their conversations? The scene unfolded back in 2007 in the The Simpsons movie, with an array of scientists bathed in ghoulish blue light, eagerly listening in.
While that part might be assumed, the fact is that years later in 2013, former NSA employee Edward Snowden leaked the data as a part of the country's anti-terror initiatives. This quickly escalated leaving many concerned for their privacy.
6) The Higgs-boson particle
Now this one possibly left all the science maniacs and enthusiasts impressed. The show predicted science's most unique particle: The Higgs boson particle. The Simpsons made the prediction back in 1988, 14 years before its discovery!
In the episode titled "The Wizard of Evergreen Terrace," Homer is solving a complex equation on a blackboard. Initially, it accounted for an old math problem. Years later, in 2012, the same equation became largely important in the science realm. Had Homer continued the problem, he would have discovered the mass of the particle too!
7) Disney and Fox's $77 billion partnership
This was a business decision nobody saw coming... except The Simpsons maybe. Back in 1988 an episode titled "When You Wish Upon a Star," saw a billboard flaunting Fox Century's logo and below it was written: "A Division of Walt Disney Co."
Who would've thought this was going to transition into reality? Fast forward to 2019, the multi-billion-dollar merger between the companies was announced. The deal was finalized after Disney and Fox came to a mutual understanding about streaming rights in 2021.
8) Hybrid tomatoes
The Simpsons have also made predictions about food in the past; the notable were the hybrid tomatoes. In a 1999 episode titled "E-I-E-I-D'oh!" Homer decides to become a farmer for a day. The only issue was he was clueless about how to grow. And so, after using some nuclear ingredients, he grew bizarre 'Tomaccos.'
His idea was to combine the most basic yet profitable items of sustenance as a means to get twice the money. Fast forward to 2013, after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, the vegetables and tomatoes specifically had a very uncanny resemblance to the 1999 episode.
9) Kamala Harris running for president
The Simpsons might just be the series if you want spoilers for the upcoming 2024 presidential elections. The show also called the most recent plot twist in the political world: Vice President Kamala Harris running for president!
After President Joe Biden dropped out of the race earlier this year, he nominated Harris for the candidacy. The Simpsons fans however weren't as surprised as the rest of the world.
In a 1999 episode titled "Bart to the Future," although it was Lisa acting as President, she was seen donning Harris's aesthetic of a formal purple suit and skirt ensemble.
10) Smartwatches, facetime, and Apple Vision
This list would be incomplete with the honorary predictions of various gizmos by The Simpsons. While we never got a functioning flying car, the show did predict some smartwatches, video chatting, robots, Apple Vision, VR Headsets, and others.
Although there are many other shows that depict the future, almost none were as accurate as The Simpsons in terms of realism. There are many more pieces of technology predicted by The Simpsons. Time will tell if we get them in our lives too.
There remain theories and predictions from The Simpsons like a zombie apocalypse, the end of the world, aliens, and more! The fandom has but one question: Which prediction will come true next?
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