ladbible homepage
ladbible homepage
  • Home
  • News
    • UK
    • US
    • World
    • Ireland
    • Australia
    • Science
    • Crime
    • Weather
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrity
    • TV
    • Film
    • Music
    • Gaming
    • Netflix
    • Disney
  • Sport
  • Technology
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
  • Money
  • Originals
    • FFS PRODUCTIONS
    • Say Maaate to a Mate
    • Daily Ladness
    • UOKM8?
    • FreeToBe
    • Citizen Reef
  • Videos
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • Tyla
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Home>Entertainment>TV
Updated 11:26 31 Aug 2023 GMT+1Published 11:11 31 Aug 2023 GMT+1

Simpsons fans will never get to watch Michael Jackson episode on Disney+

The Simpsons episode is beloved by fans

Katherine Sidnell

Katherine Sidnell

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover
Home>Entertainment>TV
Updated 11:26 31 Aug 2023 GMT+1Published 11:11 31 Aug 2023 GMT+1

Simpsons fans will never get to watch Michael Jackson episode on Disney+

The Simpsons episode is beloved by fans

Katherine Sidnell

Katherine Sidnell

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

Having first arrived on our screens in 1989, The Simpsons has had some huge cameos over the years.

From A-Lister actors to scientist Stephen Hawking, the animated sitcom has seemingly had every celebrity make a guest appearance.

However, Michael Jackson fans will not be able to watch his side-splitting scenes even though all 34 seasons have been uploaded to Disney+.

Advert

Jackson made his appearance in the third series.
Getty/Fox/Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Entitled Stark Raving Dad, the third season episode sees Homer institutionalised after wearing a pink shirt to work and being labelled ‘free-thinking anarchist’ by Mr Burns.

Having been forced to do a psych exam, the beer-drinking dad decides to let Bart fill in the all-important paperwork which leads to him being hospitalised.

Whilst at the mental health institute, Homer shares his room with gentle giant Leon Kompowsky (played by Michael Jackson).

Whilst the depictions of mental health are pretty problematic, it’s heart-warming stuff as the pair bond.

Though the episode was beloved by fans, it was later pulled from broadcast by 20th Century Fox after the Leaving Neverland documentary aired.

The 2019 film alleges that the ‘Thriller’ hitmaker committed acts of child abuse throughout his career.

Decades later, when Disney acquired the series the episode was never reinstated – with the House of Mouse uploading over 500 other episodes to the streaming service.

It’s not surprising that this decision was made, with exec producer James L Brook even discussing the issue with the Wall Street Journal.

The episode was pulled from broadcaster over the allegations.
Disney

“The guys I work with – where we spend our lives arguing over jokes – we're of one mind on this,” he explained, referring his discussion with producers Matt Groening and Al Jean about the episode.

“This was a treasured episode. There are a lot of great memories we have wrapped up in that one, and this certainly doesn’t allow them to remain.”

He added: “I’m against book-burning of any kind. But this is our book, and we’re allowed to take out a chapter.”

However, many other problematic episodes remain on the Disney+ service, including many that include now retired character Apu.

Featured Image Credit: Fox/Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Topics: Michael Jackson, Celebrity, TV and Film, The Simpsons, Disney, Disney Plus

Katherine Sidnell
Katherine Sidnell

Katherine is an entertainment journalist with a love of all things nerdy. Starting out writing Doctor Who fan fiction as a kid, she has gone on to interview the likes of Matt Damon, James May and Dua Lipa to name a few. Published in The Sun, The Daily Mail and Evening Standard - she now joins Ladbible as resident nerd in chief.

X

@ksidnell

Recommended reads

Why Thomas Tuchel didn’t sing national anthem during England’s first World Cup game ITVMan shares impact not drinking alcohol for 30 days had on bodyYouTube/Peter_Roberts01England star Kobbie Mainoo has famous sibling not many people know aboutCarmen Mandato - FIFA/FIFA via Getty ImagesLisa Hogan breaks silence after partner Jeremy Clarkson reveals cancer diagnosis(Prime Video)

Advert

Choose your content:

2 hours ago
4 hours ago
6 hours ago
  • Carmen Mandato - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
    2 hours ago

    England star Kobbie Mainoo has famous sibling not many people know about

    The Man United ace, 21, isn't the only well-known member of his family

    Entertainment
  • (Prime Video)
    2 hours ago

    Lisa Hogan breaks silence after partner Jeremy Clarkson reveals cancer diagnosis

    Clarkson revealed that he had an aggressive form of prostate cancer in the final episode of Clarkson's Farm

    Entertainment

    breaking

  • Prime Video
    4 hours ago

    What happened to Diddly Squat TB outbreak after Clarkson's Farm season five finished filming

    Season five of Clarkson's Farm leaves things on a bit of a cliffhanger after Pepper the cow is culled

    Entertainment
  • SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images
    6 hours ago

    Jelly Roll's incredible 20 stone weight loss transformation in pictures after starting on 'fat melting' pill

    Jelly Roll weighed over 39 stone at his heaviest

    Entertainment
  • Michael Jackson accuser described 'detailed markings' on popstar's genitalia
  • Neverland chef accused Michael Jackson of 'putting his hand in Macaulay Culkin's pants'
  • Every Simpsons character who has died after Marge is 'killed off' in new episode
  • Author who appeared in one Simpsons episode revealed her royalty cheques eight years later