Ranking Every Episode of The Simpsons Season 36: The Ultimate Guide!

After completing a fresh season that celebrated its 35th anniversary, it’s now time to find out which of the new episodes from Season 36 were the cream of the crop. Known for its long-lasting popularity, The Simpsons, one of television’s longest-running shows, is set to continue even longer as Fox has opted to renew the animated series for another four seasons. In the meantime, it’s a great opportunity to revisit the recent episodes and appreciate the journey so far.

As an ardent fan, I must say that diving into the 36th season of The Simpsons was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride! This iconic animated series has been pushing boundaries as of late, and this season was no exception. We witnessed episodes delving deeper into the core characters’ unexplored facets while also bringing forth the extended ensemble in refreshingly innovative ways.

Some episodes took bold leaps, with varying degrees of success. However, whether they soared or stumbled, each episode was a treat to watch and analyze. So sit back, grab your favorite donut, and join me as we journey through my rankings of every episode from the thrilling Season 36!

#18 – Desperately Seeking Lisa (Episode 3)

One point to note about this rankings is that a lower position doesn’t imply the episode is bad; rather, it’s quite good with Lisa embarking on a fresh journey. However, it stands out negatively from the rest of the season because it seems overly reminiscent of past seasons’ episodes. This is surprising given that it follows two innovative episodes that marked the start of the season, making its return to standard format feel a bit too abrupt and causing it to land at the bottom of the list. It’s more of an ordinary episode compared to others.

#17 – The Yellow Lotus (Episode 2)

In recent times, The Simpsons isn’t alone in creating an animated spin on The White Lotus, and it’s not even the first one to write off a longstanding character during this process. This is why it ranks lower on the list as it doesn’t present a completely unique parody of the HBO series. While Chloe Fineman delivers an impression of Jennifer Coolidge, the story seems to squander the return of Sideshow Bob for a fresh narrative. In the end, it turns out that he wasn’t plotting anything significant, which is a less impactful version of the character that viewers are familiar with. Essentially, it just exists without making a notable impact.

#16 – The Last Man Expanding (Episode 13)

In a predictable turn of events, given The Simpsons’ tendency to address contemporary cultural issues, an Ozempic-themed episode was bound to happen. When Springfield residents become obsessed with a new weight loss drug called “Othinquic,” Homer is the lone holdout. As it turns out, he was correct in his hesitance, as the drug’s side effects are so severe that the townsfolk resort to stealing Homer’s body fat. The episode is entertaining, with Springfield at its best when it transforms into a mob during such situations. However, it eventually starts to feel repetitive.

#15 – The Man Who Flew Too Much (Episode 10)

In simpler terms, this episode from the current season was quite unconventional and didn’t turn out as intended. Initially, it seemed intriguing due to the comeback of Pin Pals and the reappearance of Fausto, only to find out he was fine at the end. The plot revolved around Homer and others getting stuck on a mountain, with a bleak ending until Homer was revived by Marge’s cooking smell. However, it took some unusual turns, such as bringing back Mona Simpson through a hallucination. While the story was decent, not all aspects of the episode synced up as effectively as other episodes this season.

#14 – Homer and Her Sisters (Episode 9)

In this specific season, there were unique character combinations that were either seldom seen or have potential for further development. This installment featured an amusing assembly of Homer, Patty, and Selma, a rare occasion where they shared common ground on issues. This unity resulted in adorable scenes showcasing their relationship dynamics, culminating in Marge accepting the status quo despite its flaws. It’s a heartwarming episode, but it pales in comparison to some of the more impactful episodes from this season.

#13 – Bottle Episode (Episode 11)

Discussing unusual character combinations, “The Simpsons” presents an uncommon alliance between Marge and Smithers in this episode. When Marge employs Mr. Burns’ costly wine for a stew, she collaborates with Professor Frink and Smithers to invent a new wine that replicates the taste. Later, Marge and Smithers begin selling the counterfeit wine with the intention of donating the earnings to the needy. This is an amusing approach to pair these characters without requiring much Homer participation, potentially paving the way for further collaborations between them. The material appears rich with potential.

#12 – Treehouse of Horror XXXV (Episode 5)

The 35th episode of Treehouse of Horror wasn’t one of the top-notch ones. Although each short was decent (with the Mr. Burns Thanksgiving special being quite remarkable), it didn’t reach the quality of other Treehouse of Horror episodes from this season. It offered some impressive animation, such as a mix of Homer with stop-motion jeans reminiscent of Robot Chicken, a touch of Pacific Rim between Bart and Lisa, and an opening by Jorge R. Gutierrez. However, the upcoming Treehouse of Horror episodes in this season are more impactful.

#11 – Shoddy Heat (Episode 4)

In this season, one of the episodes marked a significant shift in the established backstory of The Simpsons, surprising fans. This revelation unveiled that Grandpa Simpson had briefly worked as a detective after Mona left him and Homer, offering an entirely fresh perspective on their relationship. Although it may contradict certain events depicted in previous seasons, this twist has a compelling outcome, enriching Abe’s past by suggesting he had a close connection with Agnes Skinner and was more capable than previously thought. It’s a fascinating episode with plenty of intrigue!

#10 – Abe League of Their Moe (Episode 15)

This season, Grandpa had some standout episodes, and this particular one, delving into his past, was the best of the pair. We were given a glimpse into Abe’s childhood where he spent considerable time with his own grandfather. What’s more, Abe yearns to watch a baseball game with his grandson just as much as his grandfather did with him. This shared interest leads to a pleasant bond between Abe and Moe, two rather solitary adults who turn out to be great companions. It’s surprising that this friendship development took so long, but the concept is so good that it makes sense. However, the episode veers off towards focusing on an international player that Moe and Abe meet in Springfield. Unfortunately, the ending isn’t as satisfying as the beginning, but overall, it’s an enjoyable watch.

#9 – Stew Lies (Episode 16)

The “Stew Lies” episode presents a unique challenge in ranking as it boasts one of the strongest cold opens in recent times, yet the rest of the episode doesn’t quite match up to those opening scenes. It’s important to note that the episode is by no means subpar; on the contrary, it offers an intriguing dynamic between Bart and Lisa, followed by a deviation into the origin story of Fat Tony, which is explored in depth for the first time in the series. We witness the mafioso as a child and watch him join forces with Homer when a character resembling Guy Fieri steals a supposedly stolen recipe. The episode concludes on a touching note, making it a commendable effort overall. However, its intense opening fades into a more subdued ending, preventing it from climbing higher in this particular ranking.

#8 – Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes (Episode 7)

In the sequel of this season’s Treehouse of Horror episodes, the second one surpasses the first significantly. Following the established tradition of Treehouse of Horror Presents, where an original horror tale is presented outside of the usual format, this episode features three stories inspired by Ray Bradbury’s works. In one story, Bart encounters a woman’s scream coming from beneath the ground; in another, Superintendent Chalmers transforms into a robotic duplicate; and the third story depicts Homer covertly watching lowbrow TV shows in a world dominated by high-brow entertainment. Compared to the other shorts from Treehouse of Horror XXV, these stories are more skillfully constructed and utilize the characters more effectively.

#7 – Full Heart, Empty Pool (Episode 17)

However, the most entertaining episode featuring Grandpa this season drew Homer and him closer. While they don’t always see eye-to-eye, their shared moments often lead to humorous antics, showcasing the bond between them. This particular episode centers around the duo inventing a new game suitable for seniors (since it requires minimal movement). The popularity of this pastime escalates so much that Homer eventually decides to capitalize on it by turning it into an official sport. It may not be the most dramatic or transformative episode compared to others, but it certainly adds some enjoyable flair to the series.

#6 – Convenience Airways (Episode 8)

In this season, there are several episodes that don’t significantly alter the characters or disrupt the established order, but “Convenience Airways” stands out as a stellar demonstration of what can be achieved through a standalone storyline. When the family is forced to travel with the show’s namesake airline (due to Homer being banned from all other carriers), they soon discover that they are on a plane filled with the most irritating types of passengers. A myriad of annoying habits are on display, and before long, they learn that the plane is actually an experimental flying jail. The audience gets a thrilling revelation, making it one of the most entertaining stories of the season.

#5 – The Flandshees of Innersimpson (Episode 12)

In the 36th season of The Simpsons, the writers delved deeply into the emotional lives of their characters, seeking fresh perspectives on long-standing relationships, such as that between Homer and Ned. An illustrative example of this exploration occurred in one episode where their age-old rivalry/friendship was revisited. Despite the frequent strain on Ned’s patience to its limits, these episodes are captivating because they ultimately showcase that Ned and Homer, in their quirky way, depend on each other for happiness. Their relationship is a complex dance where neither character truly benefits, but without the other, they both seem to falter significantly. This unique portrayal of the duo remains engaging even after so many years.

#4 – Women in Shorts (Episode 6)

Among all the episodes this season, this one might not be as emotionally charged as others, but it stands out as one of the most innovative and daring. It’s reminiscent of the format used in Season 7’s “22 Short Films About Springfield,” and for many characters, it offers a genuine first exploration of the women of Springfield. Each character gets a brief, humorous or eccentric vignette, making it quite an unusual viewing experience, especially for fans who rarely see these characters in the spotlight.

#3 – P.S. I Hate You (Episode 14)

Discussing lesser-known characters who shine, this season features a remarkable standalone episode for Marge that pits her against Shauna Chalmers. This episode not only showcases Marge’s depth and complexity, but it also challenges the surface-level perception of her character from recent years. Essentially, it revises Marge’s persona in an intriguing manner without disrupting the series negatively, as it continues to portray Marge’s characteristic emotional suppression in a novel fashion. The episode is so entertaining that its climax, where Marge tells Helen Lovejoy to take a hike (essentially “kiss my ass”), feels genuinely earned emotionally. It delivers all the key elements you’d expect from an impactful Marge episode.

#2 – Bart’s Birthday (Episode 1)

In a shocking twist, The Simpsons caused quite a stir with the premiere of Season 36, billing it as the supposed final episode. Unsuspecting viewers were left surprised when they tuned in. To make the occasion special, big-name guest stars from its past such as Conan O’Brien and Tom Hanks were brought on board. The show took a jab at artificial intelligence, with Bart finding himself trapped in what could pass for the last episode of the series. Surprise appearances included John Cena, Danny Devito reprising his role as Homer’s brother Herb for an unexpected reunion, and Bart celebrating his 11th birthday. The episode saw The Simpsons boldly questioning the idea that its end was always on the horizon.

At the very same moment, it became evident that the pace of the show wouldn’t be easing up anytime soon. It couldn’t have been a more exciting beginning to the season for loyal viewers like us.

#1 – Estranger Things (Episode 18)

In the opening of Season 36, The Simpsons delivered a side-splitting depiction of how the series might conclude, and concluded the season with an episode that functioned beautifully as a genuine farewell. “Stranger Things” is one of the finest episodes in recent memory for the show. It not only provides a fresh perspective on Bart and Lisa’s fondness for The Itchy & Scratchy Show, but it also deepens Marge’s emotions as she witnesses her children growing closer. When they eventually grow apart, the narrative fast-forwards 35 years into the future to present an imaginative glimpse of their future lives.

In a more solid and future-focused direction than previously depicted, Bart and Lisa reconnect over their shared challenging childhood experiences. Aware that they’ll rely heavily on each other in the coming years, they commit to standing by one another and revive the strong bond they forged as children. The season finale is so poignant it seems almost fitting as a series finale, but with 40 seasons under its belt, it looks like The Simpsons will keep running for a while longer.

2025-05-28 18:55