There has been ongoing discussion regarding claims that the animated show The Simpsons predicts future events. Writers associated with the show have expressed incredulity at the conspiracy theories surrounding this notion, noting that they did not have foresight regarding real-world events. They also criticized instances where individuals fabricate fake predictions by altering screenshots of the show, such as images depicting events like the 2024 Baltimore bridge collapse or the 2019 Notre-Dame fire, which were not part of any original broadcast.
The writers acknowledged the persistent belief that the show can foresee events and hoped that such theories are ultimately harmless. Despite recognizing the phenomenon’s prevalence on the internet, they expressed a desire for the misconceptions to diminish as they noted that these narratives often overshadow their actual creative work.
In discussing the broader implications of these beliefs, they highlighted a concerning trend of people struggling to differentiate between fact and fiction in the digital age. The writers pointed out that even they face challenges in discerning credible sources from misinformation. To address the rising confusion, one recommendation offered was to reduce screen time and devote more attention to reading books.
The discussions underscore the impact of popular culture on public perception and the need for media literacy in an era where misinformation can propagate rapidly.
Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/30/1126462/the-simpsons-conspiracy-theories-al-jean/