The Simpsons finally airs 'series finale' after 35 seasons

Leave it to The Simpsons to “end” on a high note.

After decades of entertaining audiences, the beloved show threw fans for a loop when it aired its “series finale”.

There’s been a staggering 35 seasons of The Simpsons, which is arguably why this sudden ending felt shocking to say the least.

Some of you aren’t old enough to remember the very first episode, but there are some who were there when this dysfunctional but loveable family burst onto our TV screens.

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Ever since then, they’ve become a household name.

Despite running for so many seasons, the show has shown no signs of slowing down... That is, until now.

This is the part where we tell you spoilers are abound from here on out. Do not continue reading unless you’re prepared to know what happens.

In a surprise twist, the opening episode of season 36 saw an animated rendition of the former Simpsons’ writer Conan O’Brien announce that he was there to celebrate the end of the show.

“It’s such an honour to be with you all for the series finale of The Simpsons,” declared O’Brien, “I knew I was the right man for the job because I’ve hosted the last episode of three of my own shows and counting…”

Considering this was meant to be the first episode of a new season, viewers were rattled by this announcement.

Naturally, they had their doubts that this was really happening, as the Fox show is renowned for tricking its fandom like this.

However, like with all brilliantly executed gags, it played the long game.

Their confusion and shock continued as the details of the “final episode” played out on-screen.

Fox, Matt Groening

According to O’Brien, AI was used to write the finale’s script, in which Bart finally turns 11; it's a momentous occasion that’s never happened during the entirety of the series.

From there, classic parodies of the scenes you’d expect to see in such a finale started to pop up in earnest as popular characters remarked on how they’d “miss this place”.

There was even a constant reminder throughout the episode that this was the final episode, much to the confusion and dismay of fans just tuning in.

It felt like this really was the end.

But AI Bart was having none of it.

Not content with turning 11 years old, he refused to blow out his birthday cake candles. This in turn led to Homer doing what he does best: strangling Bart in frustration.

This last act of vexation triggered a reboot of sorts, with normality suddenly restored as Bart was once again 10 years old.

And that’s how it ended... with a wild ride that led to a new yet familiar beginning rolled into one.

Undoubtedly, this is a “series finale” that’ll be talked about for years to come, and who can blame those fans?

They were there the day The Simpsons ended.