When Does The Simpsons Movie Take Place - And Is It Canon? - CBR

After almost a decade in production, The Simpsons Movie finally reached the big screen in 2007, receiving praise from most fans. However, with the movie's release, questions have been raised about where it falls chronologically along The Simpsons' timeline, and whether it's canon within the series. While these may seem like easy enough questions to explain, clear answers are quite difficult to find.

What Is The Simpsons Movie About - And When Does It Take Place?

The Simpsons Movie has a strong environmental message, even acknowledging in the opening that some people will find it preachy. After warnings about Springfield's pollution, Homer dumps a silo into the lake, which tips the city into becoming too environmentally dangerous. With Springfield becoming a burden on America, the president allows a giant dome to be placed over the city, isolating it from the world.

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After the people of Springfield find out Homer caused the pollution, they attack the Simpsons who find a way to escape the dome. Now living a new life in Alaska, the Simpsons have settled down and are happy, until they find out that Springfield is going to be destroyed by a bomb. In an attempt to set things right they head back into the dome, and Homer and Bart manage to use the bomb to destroy the dome and save the day.

For those watching The Simpsons chronologically, The Simpsons Movie takes place right after Season 18, Episode 22, "You Kent Always Say What You Want." Not only is this the end of the season, but it also happens to be the four-hundredth episode of the show. After watching the movie, the timeline then continues with Season 19.

Is The Simpsons Movie Canon?

This is where things can become unclear, as canon in The Simpsons has always been a mixed bag. Sometimes a character will die, like Ned Flanders' wife, and the effects will carry over. Conversely, some events, such as Principal Skinner turning out to be a fraud who stole the name, will be marked as non-canon and never mentioned again.

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One strong piece of evidence that The Simpsons Movie is canon is in the Season 19 premiere, the first episode released after the movie. It features a new opening with the town of Springfield being destroyed after the dome, although the effects aren't seen in the actual episode. Also, Homer's pig Plopper from the movie makes an appearance in later seasons, again suggesting the movie is canon. At the same time, some of the movie's events don't quite line up with the show.

Firstly the destruction is barely seen or referenced in any episodes outside of the opening, including the Simpsons' house, which was completely demolished. Additionally, the side-character Dr. Nick was crushed and killed by some glass in the movie, yet frequently appears in later episodes, including the latest, Season 31.

For fans of The Simpsons, the movie is definitely worth viewing. However, it wouldn't be a big deal if it was skipped, as the events are only briefly referenced in the show.

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