Back in April 2002, “Gump Roast”, the 17th episode of The Simpsons 13th season, wrapped with a song parodying the longevity of the landmark show. And even as legions of Simpsons fans across the globe laughed along at the many intentionally desperate and terrible future plotlines pitched in the song’s verses, for more than a few, it was a nervous sort of laughter.

For these devotees, the song only served as a subtle reminder that the show was already starting to decline in quality. Every time Dan Castellaneta launched into the opening line of the chorus, “They’ll never stop The Simpsons“, they found themselves wondering: “But should they?”

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