The Simpsons Season 37 is preparing to bring its unique brand of pop culture satire, and the target of their ire this time is Reacher. Showrunner Matt Selman has hinted that the new season will have a "funny" spin on the successful Prime Video show, promising fans another dose of the show's signature parody magic.
During a recent interview with ScreenRant, Selman shared that Homer Simpson becomes fixated on a Reacher-style "Dad TV" program, and things are just ripe for the picking for a laugh-out-loud B-story full of action, ridiculousness, and that special brand of friendly teasing that only The Simpsons get away with.
"We have our season premiere, which is about Lisa getting sucked into the world of thrifting. ... I love this episode. It's super funny. And the B-story is Homer gets addicted to a Reacher-type Dad TV show with lots of punching. That’s a Homer B story," The Simpsons' showrunner said.
This is pure Simpsons: the show has always built on ridiculing what's trendy in pop culture, from prestige dramas to viral reality television. By opting for Reacher—a series featured for its no-nonsense hero, bone-jarring fistfights, and conspiracy-laden plot twists—the writers have created the ideal canvas for their satirical strokes.
To longtime fans and newcomers alike, the prospect of a Reacher parody in Season 37 is at once a testament to the show's ongoing relevance and a reminder that Springfield remains TV's wisecracking mirror to our media-addled planet.
Why Reacher is the ideal target
The primary keyword, Season 37, is a milestone in The Simpsons' history, and targeting Reacher for parody demonstrates the writers' talent at being in the loop. Reacher, from Lee Child's novels and featuring Alan Ritchson, has been a streaming sensation, talked about for its no-frills old-school action and grizzled hero. All this makes it a great candidate for The Simpsons' satirical eye.
Homer's fixation on a Reacher-like show will be the comedic driver of the B-story, making fun of the "Dad TV" trend—programs that blend nostalgia, action, and some rough-around-the-edges simplicity. There will be plenty of sight gags, gratuitous fight choreography, and maybe even some winking references to the tropes that make Reacher such a guilty pleasure.
How The Simpsons nails its parodies and what to expect from the upcoming season
Parody is sewn into the fabric of The Simpsons. From its early days, the show has mocked everything from The White Lotus to 24 and Thelma & Louise, always with a combination of love and stinging humor. The greatest Simpsons parodies don't copy; they deconstruct, pointing out the tics and clichés of the targets while providing genuine laughs.
For Season 37, the Reacher spoof is just one of a handful of pop culture spoofs on the way. Showrunner Matt Selman has also teased parodies on tech moguls and old movies, promising that the new season will keep on the franchise's tradition of clever, pertinent satire. Fans should expect Homer as Jack Reacher, with over-the-top heroics and Springfield-laced spinoffs.
Beyond Reacher: Season 37's pop culture playground
Though the Reacher parody is causing initial excitement, it is just one element of a broader mosaic for Season 37. The Simpsons also address subjects such as thrift culture (with Lisa front and center), tech tycoons, and even a Bart plotline based on the Coen brothers' Barton Fink.
This variety of targets keeps the show relevant, with each member of the family—and each viewer—having something to relate to. The Simpsons’ ability to adapt and lampoon the latest trends has kept it relevant for nearly four decades.
As Season 37 approaches, the promise of a Reacher parody signals that Springfield’s favorite family is as sharp, funny, and culturally attuned as ever. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just tuning in for the latest laughs, this season is shaping up to be a must-watch event for anyone who loves smart, timely comedy.
Prepare yourselves for The Simpsons Season 37—because in Springfield, nothing is off-limits to parody, not even Reacher.