Odds on When the Simpsons Will End After Shock Character Death

_{Marge nearly bowed out but who’s really at risk of being killed off next in The Simpsons? (Image: RGR Collection / Alamy)}

It takes a lot to shock fans of The Simpsons after 36 seasons of the comedy, but some were left gobsmacked in the latest series finale. 

That's because the last episode of season 36 featured the death of raspy-voiced, blue beehive-shaped matriarch Marge Simpson.

While the episode aired on May 18th, news only appeared to filter through to the wider public in June, and there was mass outrage from many who hadn't actually watched the episode, meaning they were lacking some much-needed context.

After the global distress had died down, pun intended, it later transpired that, in true Simpsons style, Marge's passing was a flash-forward in the episode, meaning she won't actually be dead in series 37. 

Still, that didn’t stop fans from speculating on who might be next. With odds flying around faster than a Duff beer at Moe’s, it’s clear the appetite for novelty bets at online casinos is alive and well.

_{From couch gags to shock twists - The Simpsons is still going strong! (Image: Everett Collection Inc / Alamy)}

Due to the worldwide horror of the finale episode, which was entitled Estranger Things and travelled 35 years ahead, executive producer Matt Selman was forced to reassure fans that Marge isn't actually dead.

He told Variety, "Obviously, since The Simpsons' future episodes are all speculative fantasies, they’re all different every time.

"Marge will probably never be dead ever again. The only place Marge is dead is in one future episode that aired six weeks ago."

The episode sees Bart and Lisa Simpson estranged following Marge's death, but they later come together after watching a video Marge made pre-passing, encouraging her family to stick together.

While Marge isn't actually dead in the present episodes, the flash-forward plot has sparked speculation about which recurring character could be killed off next.

And some believe Marge's so-called passing may even foreshadow the show's own ending.

The Simpsons' Future 

For now, The Simpsons is alive and kicking.

Fox recently confirmed it has ordered four more seasons of the show, taking it up to at least series 40. But could this be it for the long-running programme?

One concern for fans is that series are being cut shorter.

There tend to be around 22 Simpsons episodes a season, but Selman has confirmed there will be 17 a year for the next four series.

He said, "We used to do 22 a year. For the next four [seasons], we’re doing 17 a year. Fifteen that will premiere in America on Fox, and then two exclusives on Disney+."

So, could this be the beginning of the end?

Selman insisted the show is "still a full-time job," but season 40 is a nice, round number and could be a timely place for The Simpsons to bow out.

However, it's 3/1 that The Simpsons ends between series 40 and 44, and a massive 10/1 for the show to be axed before it plays out its next four-series deal with Fox.

But if the creators and Fox are keen to keep going, then perhaps the lure of a 50th season or even a 1,000th episode could prove too much.

After season 40 has aired, The Simpsons will likely need between seven and 10 series to reach the 1,000-episode milestone, depending on how many episodes there are per series going forward.

It's 6/4 for the show to come to an end between seasons 45 and 49.

_{Homer’s always dodging disaster, but will his luck eventually run out? (Image: RGR Collection / Alamy)}

But even if the 1,000th episode was reached during one of these seasons, the creators would surely want to make it to a 50^th series before pulling the plug on the programme.

Selman admitted the Marge death headlines showed The Simpsons is still a part of the pop culture zeitgeist, and it could be for years to come.

Selman said, "I guess this speaks to the fact that people care about Marge. At the end of the day, it’s probably good for business even when these ridiculous, misleading stories go viral!"

It's 11/8 favourite for The Simpsons to reach the magic 50-series mark, and more.

Homer or Marge? 

When the show does end, it will no doubt go out with a bang and what better way than by axing one of the recurring characters?

Several The Simpsons characters have met their maker before, including Ned Flanders' wife Maude Flanders, Homer's mother Mona Simpson, mafia leader Fat Tony, and jazz musician Bleeding Gums Murphy. 

One pair pof sisters we're not particularly worried about are Selma and Patty, they'd probably rather spend their days at a bingo hall anyway than do something reckless. 

Bart's teacher, Edna Krabappel, was also retired from the series, but only because voice actor Marcia Wallace, who played her, passed away in 2013.

Die-hard The Simpsons fans know all too well that the show's bosses don't have a huge desire for continuity because Homer has even died in a flash-forward, too.

In series 35, episode It's a Blunderful Life, the family celebrates their first Thanksgiving following Homer's passing and Marge is there, suggesting he passed on peacefully.

With Homer and Marge already killed off in flash-forward, it wouldn't be a surprise if either was actually bumped off one day should the creators decide to end the show.

Homer is the narrow 13/8 favourite to be the next recurring character to be killed off,  not including a flash-forward, while Marge is a close second at 15/8.

Ned's Death Knell 

Death has also followed Ned around in the show. He miraculously survived Homer taking him to Las Vegas in "Viva Ned Flanders" in season 10.

His wife Maude was tragically killed by a T-shirt cannon, and he later married Edna, but she also departed the series.

_{Marge’s emotional flash-forward death brought Lisa and Bart together, but does it hint at a permanent farewell? (Image: PictureLux / The Hollywood Archive / Alamy)}

Ned is just 2/1 third favourite to pass on next, but another character who could be in danger is Barney Gumble.

Known for his drinking habit and loud belching in Mo's bar, Barney did quit booze for a period of time, including for part of the latest series when he became a helicopter pilot, but he relapsed once again later in the season.

Mo's battle with alcohol makes him a prime target to meet his maker at 5/2.

If The Simpsons is to continue for years but axe one of the lesser recurring characters after seeing what a huge buzz the "death" of Marge created in the media, then the likes of Millhouse Van Houten (3/1), Mr. Burns (4/1), or Smithers (7/1) may have to make way.

What's more, if Hank Azaria is ever tempted to take on more movie roles, then Moe Szyslak (11/2) could be in danger, too.

What's more, Maggie Simpson, who had a job as a farm equipment auctioneer in the series 36 flash-forward finale, could be dicing with death dealing with all that dangerous farm equipment if that turns out to be her job later in the show.  

She is 6/1 to be killed off next, while her elder and sensible sister Lisa is a 10/1 outsider.