In a recent episode of "The Simpsons," a remark made by Homer Simpson about no longer strangling his son, Bart, has caused a stir among fans. The executive producers of the long-running animated show have responded to the backlash, but not in the way fans might have expected.

The controversy began after the episode titled "McMansion & Wife" aired on October 22nd on Fox. During a conversation, Homer jokingly mentioned that his years of strangling Bart have paid off with a firm handshake. However, he quickly added, "I don't do that anymore. Times have changed."

The remark quickly caught the attention of viewers, leading to an influx of social media posts and think pieces. Opinions were divided, with some praising the show for portraying Homer as a better father, while others expressed nostalgia for the classic dynamic between the characters. Ironically, the reactions from the online community resembled the stereotype of an "old man shaking his fist at a cloud."

However, dedicated fans of "The Simpsons" pointed out that Homer had actually stopped strangling Bart several seasons ago, with the last documented instance occurring in Season 31. The unexpected frenzy surrounding the comment left both the show's producers and loyal viewers perplexed, as this was merely old news that had gone unnoticed until now.

The tradition of Homer strangling Bart has been a long-standing running gag in the show since its inception, starting with the original animated shorts featured on the "Tracey Ullman Show." In fact, the "Simpsons" Wiki even chronicles over 140 instances of strangulations on the show, involving various characters, although Homer and Bart are the primary participants.

Despite the controversy, "The Simpsons" will continue its historic run, as it has already been renewed through the 2024-2025 TV season, making it the longest-running scripted series in television history. As fans continue to debate the significance of this remark, the show's enduring popularity ensures that it will remain a cultural landmark for years to come.