Harry Shearer, the acclaimed voice actor known for bringing life to numerous beloved characters on The Simpsons, has made a surprising admission: he has never watched the show. Despite being a pivotal part of the animated phenomenon for over 800 episodes, Shearer, who voices characters such as Mr. Burns, Kent Brockman, and Ned Flanders, remains a non-viewer of the series.
The actor, also famous for his work in Spinal Tap, has been integral to The Simpsons since its inception, with the first full season airing in 1989 after initial shorts on The Tracey Ullman Show. The programme is currently in its 36th season, with a 37th expected to begin in August. However, in a recent interview with The I, when asked about the lasting appeal of the 1990s episodes, often considered the show's golden era, Shearer candidly replied, "I don’t know. I haven’t seen it."
When informed that the episodes continue to air frequently and are still widely cherished by fans, he responded, "That’s what I hear! But it’s good to hear you say that." This revelation highlights a unique perspective from one of the most consistent contributors to one of television's longest-running and most globally recognised shows.
Despite his lack of viewership, Shearer expressed a continued enjoyment for his role, stating he still relishes playing the diverse array of Springfield residents. He explained that the opportunity to portray multiple characters was a key reason he chose this particular television project over others where actors are often limited to a single role. "I liked the idea of the variety of characters, and I still like that," he commented.
The enduring popularity of The Simpsons extends beyond television. Last year, it was announced that a second film based on the series is set to arrive in 2027, two decades after the original movie. Teaser artwork on official social media channels confirmed the news with the slogan, "Homer’s coming back for seconds." The franchise has also successfully ventured into the gaming world, with a Fortnite collaboration attracting over 80 million players and accumulating 780 million hours of playtime, demonstrating its continued cultural relevance.