Season 28 explored contemporary cultural trends while revisiting classic character dynamics:
The Evolution of Modern Springfield: An Analysis of The Simpsons Season 28
: The season featured the series' first-ever double-length episode, " The Great Phatsby ," a hip-hop-themed parody of The Great Gatsby featuring guest stars like Snoop Dogg, Common, and RZA. Thematic Developments and Story Arcs The Simpsons - Season 28
: The season reached a major franchise landmark with its 600th episode, " Treehouse of Horror XXVII ".
According to reviews on Rotten Tomatoes , Season 28 was praised for maintaining the show's "enduring creativity and consistency" while introducing fresh moments for supporting characters. Critics from the A.V. Club and Den of Geek noted a balance between honoring the show's past and attempting inventive new storytelling formats, such as the documentary-style episode "". Key Production Data Premiere Date September 25, 2016 ("Monty Burns' Fleeing Circus") Finale Date May 21, 2017 ("Dogtown") Episode Count 22 Episodes Notable Guest Stars Critics from the A
: The episode " The Town " took the family to Boston, where they briefly considered moving, ultimately concluding that their identity is tied to Springfield. Meanwhile, " Fatzcarraldo " delved into Homer’s childhood memories of greasy fast food. Critical Reception
: Episodes like " Friends and Family " parodied the rise of virtual reality technology, featuring a device eerily similar to modern headsets like the Apple Vision Pro. Meanwhile, " Fatzcarraldo " delved into Homer’s childhood
: In " Pork and Burns ," the family attempts a minimalist lifestyle inspired by Japanese self-help trends (Marge’s obsession with decluttering), leading to the return of Plopper (Spider-Pig) as Homer’s therapy animal.