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

Sister of man killed in the ‘most brutal way’ issues plea as murder investigation continuesPAQatar player handed five-match ban after horror tackle that left Canada star with broken legEmilee Chinn/Getty ImagesWhere man who was arrested for stealing $1.6 million in ATM glitch is now 15 years laterSBS InsightForeign Office updates travel advice for Spain, France and Portugal as extreme weather alerts issuedThomas Samson/AFP via Getty Images

Advert

  • Michael Jackson accuser described 'detailed markings' on popstar's genitalia
  • 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
  • Everything Macaulay Culkin has said about Michael Jackson relationship as film avoids abuse allegations

Choose your content:

7 hours ago
8 hours ago
10 hours ago
11 hours ago
  • Paramount Pictures
    7 hours ago

    Steve-O addresses why new Jackass film is 'mostly archival footage' after criticism

    Jackass: Best and Last will be the last film of the series, but there will be very few new stunts, particularly from Johnny Knoxville

    Entertainment
  • Andreas SOLARO / AFP via Getty Images
    8 hours ago

    Tom Holland calls Zendaya 'Maree' on Spider-Man red carpet as he asks heartwarming question

    Sorry Zendaya and Tom Holland fans, I don't think we'll be hearing 'Zendaya Holland' anytime soon

    Entertainment
  • Pathé Distribution
    10 hours ago

    British version of Jackass is way more brutal than American series

    The series saw a man cut the tip of his finger off in a gruesome stunt

    Entertainment
  • Jan Kruger/Getty Images
    11 hours ago

    Lily Phillips accuses Phil Foden's girlfriend Rebecca Cooke of 'degrading' her as she speaks out on incident

    She claims she didn't realise the Manchester City player was sat with his girlfriend at Tommy Fury's fight

    Entertainment