The sexual orientation of The Simpsons’ Smithers, acidic assistant to perpetually prickly billionaire Montgomery Burns, has long been considered an open secret. He’s often spotted in Springfield’s gay neighborhood, once vacationed at an all-male resort, and is often lost in lusty flights of fantasy involving Mr. Burns. Now, in the show’s 27th season, Smithers will finally be coming out to set the record straight, so to speak.
Executive producer Al Jean revealed to TV Line that the coming out party will be covered over a two-episode arc next Spring.
“In Springfield now, most people know he’s gay, but obviously Burns doesn’t,” said Jean. “We deal with that in two episodes… We actually do a lot with Smithers this year; he gets fed up with Burns not appreciating him and considers his options.”
While the show’s writers have long defined him “Burns-sexual,” audiences will finally get to know the real story — and the real Smithers.
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The episodes will be airing in March.
H/t: LGBTQNation
Jesse Erickson
nooo really? whoa i mean… oh my gods i had nooo idea
AJ Legault
This would have meant something 5 years ago
Auxifur White Wolf Wolfgram
Everyone who was or is a fan of the Simpson’s, already knew this. Lol!
Curty
Lol what a step forward. A fictional, cartoon character is gay. Certainly didn’t know fictional people have sexual orientations… lol
Giancarlo85
Duh.
But sad to see the Simpsons is going downhill quality wise (and has been for quite a few years now). I can’t believe it’s still running.
Pistolo
Lovely. A man pathetically devoted and subservient to a repulsive, morally corrupt, decrepit old man gets to come out on a cartoon. How uplifting! AT LONG LAST!
twinkie1cat
Oh wow. Like we didn’t know. Doll collection. Devotion to Mr. Burns. One year there was even a dream sequence where he was on vacation at a gay resort. Yay Smithers. Glad you are finally able to be who you are.
Arnold Stollar
Not funny
Arnold Stollar
Superman ” was gay ?
Michael
Well I for one can’t wait. Stuff it naysayers. Their gay focussed episodes are among the best.
Bisexual-Transwoman
@AJ Legault: Yes or a decade ago like when one of Marge’s sister’s came out and Homer was practicsing same sex marriage.
Avery Alvarez
Happy Birthday, Mr. Smithers…
oz1967
And in other news rain is wet!
oz1967
@Pistolo: just like any world leader acts around Rupert Murdoch
Cam
Would have been a big deal 15 years ago.
Nahald
Not such a surprise to me or anyone I know….just saying.
erasure25
Like a friend said, as with Queen Latifah, there’s no reason for Smithers to come out. We know you is gay!!!!
1EqualityUSA
Smithers (Ian Reisner) Mr. Burns (Mati Weiderpass)
Cam
@1EqualityUSA:
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!