One Long-Running Simpsons Gag May Finally Be Retired After 21 Years, Reveals Producer
The Simpsons rarely kills important characters, but a recent episode has seen a decades-old character die. Nick Callahan, a realtor, was introduced in season 9, episode 9, "Realty Bites". The character has only appeared in two episodes, and the second came in season 36, episode 2, "The Yellow Lotus". He will not appear in another, as he was tragically killed in the episode. The reveal aired after The Simpsons faked its series finale, proving that the show is willing to feature some changes, but only on a small scale.
After Nick's death, Simpsons producer and writer Al Jean agreed to an exclusive interview with Screen Rant. Jean explained that he was forced to kill a character to better depict the show's White Lotus parody, and he elected to choose a relatively minor character. As Nick the Realtor has not appeared in so many seasons, he was the "convenient" option. Check out Jean's full quote below:
Screen Rant: Are there any Simpsons characters currently around that maybe were going to be killed off at some point?
Al Jean: We, this past week after the premiere, killed off Nick the Realtor from season 9 in "The Yellow Lotus," a White Lotus parody. It's kind of convenient because you have this thing like The White Lotus where you know someone's going to die, but it's not going to be Dr. Hibbert, and it's not going to be Sideshow Bob. So, it is a character -- that guy Nick -- but it's also somebody that's okay to lose because he hasn't been on the show for 27 years .
What Nick The Realtor's Death Means
Had Nick's demise been in the "Treehouse of Horror" 2024 episode, it might have been reversed. As it stands, however, it is unlikely that the character will ever appear again. When Nick was first introduced, he was nothing more than a villain for Marge, and he did not ever truly take up another role. His death was surprising, but it will not influence the characters in the future. His death in an easily skippable parody will mean little for the show's run and is largely just another loss for Springfield.
It is no surprise that the show elected to kill a less familiar face.
Given that he is a little-known character, Nick's death will have little impact on the show's future. Few viewers will turn off the show because of Nick the Realtor's death, and many may appreciate the White Lotus parody, as the anthology show has secured strong ratings and reviews. For Simpsons, just as Larry the Barfly's death did not impact audience retention, the show will continue to chug along without Nick's involvement. Nick's selection was likely a means of avoiding some of the minor criticism that came from Larry's death, given that the realtor has appeared in far fewer episodes.
Our Take On The Simpsons' Shocking Death Close
It is no surprise that the show elected to kill a less familiar face. While certain characters, including Mr. Burns, have been killed off, their deaths are always reversed. The show generally prefers to reset its narrative every episode, which is why The Simpsons' characters never age. Some easily ignored characters, including Larry the Barfly, can be killed, but important ones must remain. Nick's death is surprising, but Jean's argument holds. Minor characters can be killed, but major figures will always remain.
The Simpsons
"The Simpsons" is a legendary American animated franchise that debuted in 1987 as short segments on The Tracey Ullman Show before becoming a standalone series in 1989. The show follows the Simpson family -- Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie -- who live in the fictional town of Springfield. The franchise is renowned for its satirical and humorous take on various aspects of American culture, society, and the human condition. Over the years, "The Simpsons" has expanded into films, video games, comic books, and theme park attractions, becoming a cornerstone of popular culture.
Created by Matt Groening First Film The Simpsons Movie Latest Film The Simpsons Movie Upcoming Films the simpsons movie 2 First TV Show The Simpsons Latest TV Show The Simpsons First Episode Air Date December 17, 1989 Cast Dan Castellaneta , Julie Kavner , Nancy Cartwright , Yeardley Smith , Harry Shearer , Hank Azaria , Pamela Hayden , Tress MacNeille , Marcia Wallace , Russi Taylor Current Series The Simpsons TV Show(s) The Simpsons Character(s) Homer Simpson , Marge Simpson , Bart Simpson , Lisa Simpson , Maggie Simpson , Mr. Burns , Ned Flanders , sideshow bob , Krusty the Clown , Moe Szyslak Video Game(s) The Simpsons Game , The Simpsons: Hit & Run , The Simpsons: Road Rage , The Simpsons: Tapped Out , The Simpsons Arcade Game , The Simpsons Skateboarding Summary
"The Simpsons" is a legendary American animated franchise that debuted in 1987 as short segments on The Tracey Ullman Show before becoming a standalone series in 1989. The show follows the Simpson family -- Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie -- who live in the fictional town of Springfield. The franchise is renowned for its satirical and humorous take on various aspects of American culture, society, and the human condition. Over the years, "The Simpsons" has expanded into films, video games, comic books, and theme park attractions, becoming a cornerstone of popular culture.
Expand
