22 Short Films About Springfield Almost Became A Simpsons Spinoff Show

22 Short Films About Springfield Almost Became A Simpsons Spinoff Show

The Simpsons producer Al Jean confirms that the fan-favorite episode “22 Short Films About Springfield” almost led to a proper spinoff of the show.

You Are Reading :[thien_display_title]

22 Short Films About Springfield Almost Became A Simpsons Spinoff Show

The Simpsons producer Al Jean has confirmed that the legendary episode “22 Short Films About Springfield” almost became a spinoff of the hit series. Season 7’s “22 Short Films About Springfield” originally aired in 1996 and is arguably one of the most beloved episodes of The Simpsons. However, the series has shown no signs of slowing down since the 90s, and is currently in the midst of The Simpsons season 33 on Fox.

“22 Short Films About Springfield” breaks from the usual Simpsons formula of focusing on the titular family to tell its stories. Instead, the episode opens with Bart and Milhouse pulling pranks on Springfield citizens and wondering to themselves if everyone in the town has a story to tell. From there, the episode becomes a series of vignettes following different supporting characters from the show. This includes a Pulp Fiction-inspired riff involving Chief Wiggum and Snake, a race against time for Apu to enjoy some time away from work, and the now-iconic “Steamed Hams” sequence between Principal Skinner and Superintendent Chalmers.

Now, speaking with Comicbook.com, executive producer Al Jean noted that conversations took place about a possible spinoff of The Simpsons, led by creator Matt Groening. Jean said that “22 Short Films” may have served as a proof of concept to get the idea off the ground. However, fellow producer James L. Brooks wanted to focus on The Simpsons’ core narrative, and the spinoff never came to fruition. Read Jean’s full comments below:

See also  American Idol 10 Funniest Randy Jackson Quotes On The Show

“Anything is possible. There was a discussion a long while ago about doing a spin-off series of Simpsons background characters, but [James L. Brooks] felt at the time that he wanted to concentrate on the main show, which has paid off in 33+ seasons, but I’ll just say there’s no animated property like The Simpsons that hasn’t gone on in various forms forever.”

According to former showrunner Bill Oakley, the spinoff concept would have not only focused on other residents of Springfield but also allowed the creative team behind The Simpsons to explore things that were “outside the normal Springfield universe.” The creators wanted to free themselves from the tight formula of the average Simpsons episode. However, it was ultimately decided to keep the focus on the Simpson family itself at the time. In the years since this concept was toyed with, The Simpsons has become considerably bolder and more outlandish, allowing the Simpson family to do far more than the trappings of their suburban environment would suggest.

With all of that said, a spinoff of The Simpsons could still happen at some point in the future. Elsewhere in his remarks about “22 Short Films About Springfield,” Jean noted that the move to the Disney banner has afforded the team behind The Simpsons some freedom. Given that, a freeform spinoff would not be off limits, particularly as the show continues to break format in recent years. Whether or not that happens remains to be seen, but loyal fans of The Simpsons can still re-live the iconic season 7 episode on Disney+.

See also  10 Superhero Movies That Did Not Reach Number 1 On Opening Weekend

Link Source : https://screenrant.com/simpsons-22-short-films-springfield-episode-spinoff-plans/

Reviews -