'The Simpsons' Nearly Cut This Fan-Favourite Episode — And It’s One of the Most Emotional Ever
The episode tackled serious themes.
You know The Simpsons for its chaos, jokes and yellow chaos — but sometimes, the series hits you right in the feels. One particular episode nearly didn’t make it to air for being too dark. Now? It’s a fan favourite with an IMDb rating of 8.6.
The Plot That Almost Didn’t Air
Back in December 1992, Homer Simpson faced something more serious than a doughnut shortage: a heart attack. Triggered by Mr Burns’ yelling, Homer is told he urgently needs a triple bypass surgery — but when the family sees the staggering cost of a proper hospital, they turn to the one and only Dr Nick. (Hi everybody!)
Cue a mix of absurd humour and genuine heartbreak, including Homer saying goodbye to the kids and an emotional conversation with Marge about how much his life is worth.
Why It Was Nearly Scrapped
James L. Brooks, one of the show’s creators, once admitted he feared the storyline might be too bleak for a comedy series. And honestly? Saying farewell to Homer, even temporarily, did strike a nerve. The episode tackled everything from the broken healthcare system to existential dread — with cartoon flair, of course.
But thank goodness it stayed. Homer’s Triple Bypass became the 11th episode of Season 4, and a perfect example of how The Simpsons balances slapstick with sincerity.
