I might as well get a tattoo on my forehead that says “Simpsons Fan For Life,” and then possibly a comfortable forehead cover to use, depending on the company I keep. As such, I’m extremely ecstatic that FXX is celebrating the iconic series by hosting a Simpsons marathon that will feature every single episode from all 25 seasons. This will hereby be known as the “Greatest Marathon the World has Ever Known.” (Or at least half of it will be known as that.)
FXX, who acquired the rights to the entire Simpsons library for a hefty price last November, is set to begin its normal syndicated run of the series starting on September 2. But first, it’ll blast audiences with an 11-day marathon the likes of which have never been seen before. (I guess if you cough up over $750 million for The Simpsons, you’re damned sure gonna air The Simpsons as much as possible.) The uninterrupted streak will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 21, and all 552 episodes will air, coming to a close with the Glenn Close-guesting episode “The Yellow Badge of Cowardge” at midnight on Monday, September 1. There’s no underachieving happening here.
To promote their digital rights to the series, Variety reports FXX will also be launching the ultimate digital experience “Simpsons World,” a website and section of the FXNow mobile and set-top device app where every single Simpsons episode will be available on demand. Each episode has a guide that opens alongside the viewing screen, giving audiences access to all of the references, jokes, guest stars and more. Kind of like reading along with the fabulous episode guides that have come out over the years.
Users can also create their own playlists, pass around clips and get a closer look at Springfield’s many characters and locations. The search engine will be highly specific, allowing easy access to any episode, joke or reference.
It’s already going to be a great autumn for television’s current longest-running primetime series, with planned crossover episodes with both Futurama and Family Guy. As well, we can expect a major death coming in the series opener “A Clown in the Dumps,” which will air on September 28. All we need now is for Duff to officially become a real year-round beer, and for Duff Man to become a real ad man. I will apply for that job.
In case you thought Simpsons fever would ever end, take a look at this chalkboard special at Burbank’s Not a Burger Stand. (Always with the chalkboards.)
And then there’s this guy, who is the proud Guinness World Record holder for having the most tattoos of the same cartoon character on his body. He has 41 Homer tattoos on a massive left arm sleeve.
The Simpsons is forever! Remember to set your DVRs for the marathon, and then to purchase several more DVRs to store everything.
