Top 10 The Simpsons Fan Theories
For this list, we're looking at mind-blowing theories that question everything we know about Matt Groening's most beloved series. While it would be cool if they've been proven to be true, their entertainment value will be given priority.
#10: Bart Created the Simpsons
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Conjured up by Redditor user JustEmbarrassing - this theory prophesies that Bart will grow up to be Matt Groening. Considering the show's creator based the Simpsons on his own family, going as far to use their names, it makes sense that Bart would be partially based on himself. The Redditor points out that the prankster has already proven to be a capable writer and comedian, ghost-winning an award for an Itchy and Scratchy episode and crafting an Academy-Award winning 'Angry Dad' short. Like Groening, Bart's family tends to serve as inspiration for his creative work.
#9: Homer Is Still Collecting Royalties from the Be Sharps
Maybe not the sexiest theory, but it still makes a whole lot of sense. Redditor Somewherecheap speculates that despite working as an underpaid Nuclear Safety Inspector, Homer still lives in relative luxury and can afford to travel the world with his family. As part of the Grammy-winning Barbershop Quartet, Homer has probably earned a decent chunk of change via royalties. However, when it comes to the rest of The Be Sharps, Barney would have drunk any money away, Apu's eight children forced him into a life of modesty, and Skinner seems to be better off than his school board income should allow.
#8: Marge Shot Mr. Burns
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Season six ends with Mr. Burns getting shot by a mysterious attacker, who in the season seven opener was revealed to be none other than Maggie Simpson. Since then, many have speculated on whether the baby was the true culprit, with one Redditor user pinning the crime on Marge. As a devoted mother who loves Springfield, Marge definitely had the motive to hate Mr. Burns. During the “Marge Gets a Job” episode, the villainous Burns falls in love with Marge, explaining why he would not single her out. And yes, we know Homer unceremoniously claimed to have been the culprit in season 18, but Marge-as-the-shooter is still an interesting theory to entertain.
#7: Time-Traveling Abe
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For this theory – drafted by redditor Dataforge – we need to take the Treehouse of Horror episodes as canon, but otherwise, stuff checks out. In the segment 'Time and Punishment,' Homer creates a quick time-machine and messes with the time continuum, resulting in a few crazy alterations. With things continuously getting worse, Homer remembers some advice from his father and settles for a timeline that is close enough to the original. This might suggest that Abe is an experienced time-traveler, partially explaining why his recollection of history is all over the place. Mind you, it's more plausible that Abe is actually just senile.
#6: Homer Knows He's a Cartoon
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A handful of theorists focus their energy on justifying the later seasons of the Simpsons; especially when it comes to Homer’s increasingly destructive personality. RaysofDavies' theory harbors back to the classic season four episode Homer the Heretic, which concludes with Homer dreaming of God and learning the meaning of life. The Redditor believes that God told Homer that he's a cartoon, explaining why the once lovable doofus turned into a mean-spirited jackass who acts only in his best interest. If nothing is real, then consequences are a thing of the past.
#5: Nelson Muntz’s Biological Father
There is more than one horse in this race. The identity of Nelson's biological father has always inspired many a discussion, with some speculating that Barney is his real daddy. Putting aside that Bart once found Mr. Muntz at a circus; a theory by BrownieJames suggests that Nelson's real father is Snake Jailbird, pointing towards their similar physical appearance. Focusing on their personalities, Snake and Nelson are both sensitive bullies with a complete disregard for authorities. For those who prefer their theories with a dose of sci-fi, FireRobin88 suggests that Nelson and Barney are actually the same person due to his bullying Professor Frink to interfere with the past with a time machine.
#4: The Simpsons Are Actually Geniuses
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After decades on the air, nobody involved with The Simpsons can be called stupid. Lisa is the only member of the family praised for her intelligence, a distinction that might not be accurate. With regards to the dumbest of the bunch, Kerbyklok's theory points towards season 12's revelation that Homer is only stupid due to a crayon lodged in his head. Meanwhile, Marge has excelled in nearly every profession she has tried; while Bart is creative and capable of picking up a foreign language at the drop of a hat. With the exception of Lisa, the rest of the family seem to choose ignorance over brains.
#3: There Are Multiple Molemen
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Springfield is generally not the safest place, but that goes double for Hans Moleman. Whenever the unlucky Ralph Melish shows up, fans know that Homer is about to unintentionally deliver a world of hurt. Most of Homer's antics should be fatal, but the Moleman always comes back for more. Is this just Tom & Jerry logic? Or is there something else going on? Arin3 theorizes that there are multiple molemen running around, and Homer is constantly killing a different one. This is borderline confirmed in the season 11 episode 'Hello Gutter, Hello Fadder.'
#2: Springfield Exists Out of Time & Space
The Springfield Effect is among the more popular and detailed Reddit theories out there. Springfield seems to be stuck in a time loop since none of the residents have aged, despite the years clearly passing by in the rest of the world. The size of the town fluctuates depending on the situation, with buildings moving around to better fit the narrative. The theory suggests that Springfield exists outside of time and space, with the characters being unable to notice any anomalies in their lives. Well, it makes as much sense as any other explanation. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Bart Is as Smart as Lisa Bart Was a Stonecutter Before Homer Maggie Is a Sociopathic Genius
#1: Homer Is in a Coma
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This one almost makes TOO much sense. The Redditor called Hardtopickaname believes that Homer never woke up from his coma during season four's clip show. Six months earlier, God revealed to Homer that his time was nearly up, coinciding neatly with the later coma. To be fair, the episode does end with Homer suddenly snapping back to reality, but this could be waved away as a dream. The theory explains why nobody ever ages and why subsequent episodes can be rather insane. Really, any theory that discredits ‘The Principal and the Pauper’ deserves the benefit of the doubt.
