“The Simpsons” Boss Explains Why the Show Has ‘Very Few’ Couch Gags in Recent Episodes

**The Importance of Storytelling: Why The Simpsons Has Fewer Couch Gags**

In a recent conversation on the Four Finger Discount podcast, Matt Selman, the showrunner of the iconic animated series *The Simpsons*, discussed the decline of couch gags in newer episodes. Selman revealed that while he appreciates the humour and creativity of these beloved segments, he prioritises story development over prolonged intros, stating that the episode itself is “1,000 times more important” than the introductory gags.

Couch gags have long been a hallmark of *The Simpsons*, offering viewers a whimsical glimpse of what the family might be up to when they finally settle on the sofa after the opening credits. However, these quirky scenes have become increasingly sparse in recent seasons. Selman stressed that the show’s narrative takes precedence, explaining that he isn’t willing to compromise storytelling for an extended intro. “I want to tell the best story we can. Sometimes the show is short and we have a couch gag, but usually it’s just about making sure we have enough time to develop the plot properly,” he remarked.

The introduction of couch gags can be traced back to the very early days of *The Simpsons*, with their debut occurring in the episode “Bart the Genius” in 1989. This original gag featured Bart leaping through the air, only to land dramatically in front of the family’s television. Over the years, these segments have evolved into a unique signature of the show, with each episode showcasing the family in increasingly outrageous scenarios.

Selman noted that although the couch gags are rarer in aired episodes, there is an opportunity to incorporate them into the streaming versions. For instance, in the landmark 800th episode, an extended couch gag was included for the streaming audience, which did not appear in the broadcast version. This exemplifies the potential for varied content across different platforms, though Selman acknowledged the limitations that budget constraints impose on the series.

During his discussion, Selman expressed his desire to include more couch gags in future episodes, lamenting the fact that the current structure often prevents it. “If we had an infinite budget, I would put a couch gag on every episode for streaming. The beauty of streaming is that there’s no time limit, allowing us to reward viewers with both a gag and a longer opening sequence,” he explained. However, he cautioned that the practical realities of production budgets mean that this remains a dream rather than a reality.

Selman also touched on the creative process behind selecting couch gags. “We approach it the same way we do with all content,” he shared. The team pitches various ideas based on what feels fresh and innovative, as the series has already used hundreds of gags over the years. “I would say we’ve used more than 400 or 500 gags, considering that many modern shows don’t utilize them at all anymore,” he pointed out.

Traditionally, if an episode was short, the writers would often exploit that by crafting a lengthy couch gag. However, Selman remarked that under his guidance, episodes rarely fall short, thus diminishing opportunities to include these gag segments. “It’s just the way things have developed during my tenure,” he reflected.

Ultimately, Selman concluded with a light-hearted observation about the nature of the show’s production. “It would be wonderful to include a big, juicy couch gag in every episode, but at the end of the day, it’s a matter of budget and time,” he stated, reiterating the need for balance between comedy and storytelling.

For fans of *The Simpsons*, the shift away from frequent couch gags might be a bittersweet change. While these segments have become something of a cherished tradition, the emphasis on more engaging narratives points to the ongoing evolution of a show that has been entertaining audiences for over three decades. As new episodes continue to stream on platforms like Disney+ and Hulu, viewers can expect to see a commitment to quality storytelling that prioritises substance over spectacle.