The Simpsons Takes a Shot at Disney+ and Streaming’s Biggest Problem

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Streaming services are facing a significant challenge lately, and The Simpsons recently highlighted a major problem with Disney+ in its Season 37 premiere. The way we consume media is constantly evolving, and the film industry has been particularly affected. New movies are now available on streaming platforms much quicker than before, leading many people to choose watching at home instead of going to the cinema – something movie studios aren’t happy about.

The Simpsons has jumped on the trend of delayed movie watching, offering its own humorous spin in the premiere of Season 37. The episode cleverly exaggerates how many people now choose to wait a few days – about three – to stream a new film at home, instead of seeing it in theaters during its initial release. This perfectly reflects how common this behavior has become, even though watching at home isn’t quite the same as the theater experience.

The Simpsons Tackles Streaming’s Biggest Problem

Following the example of streaming services like Disney+ during the COVID-19 pandemic, new movies are now commonly released for home viewing soon after-or even during-their theatrical runs. Initially, Disney+ charged extra for early access to new releases, but now films typically become available on the platform after a 45-60 day period. Viewers have grown used to waiting a short time after a movie leaves theaters to watch it at home for less money, and The Simpsons humorously highlights this trend. As Bart puts it, “Just think of all the chumps out there waiting three days until this movie’s free on streaming.”

The family quickly stops going to the theater so they can watch “Hungry Hungry Hippos: Multiverse of Munching” just three days later. Homer quips that it’s still a good experience, saying, “Now to watch this movie the way God intended, on a small screen and riddled with ads.” But that’s simply how movies are released in theaters and through streaming services now. Entertainment Weekly spoke with co-showrunner Matt Selman about this joke in the premiere, and he explained that the sentiment isn’t necessarily against streaming – it’s just an observation of the current reality.

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You know, I don’t see it as being *against* streaming at all. It’s more just an observation of where things are now, honestly,” Selman said. “We definitely poke fun at the situation – right away, the episode points out how quickly new movies hit TV these days. And that’s really taken something away from what was so special growing up for me – the idea of *going* to the movies and truly sharing that experience with everyone around you. It’s about being fully present, not glancing at your phone, and letting this massive story completely captivate you, instead of half-watching it while something else catches your eye – which is kind of how a lot of us watch TV now.”

Selman explained that this practice is diminishing the quality of going to the movies, and he highlighted this point, saying, “It’s disappointing that streaming services are so focused on quick profits that they’re harming the movie theater experience. But we don’t blame streaming; it’s just what’s happening, and it’s noteworthy.” With The Simpsons now well-established in the streaming landscape, it offers a fascinating perspective on how the rest of the entertainment industry is evolving.

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HT – Entertainment Weekly

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2025-09-29 20:40