‘The Simpsons’ Sets One-Hour Episode for First Time Ever
The Simpsons still has a few surprises left in its old age, and after going live this past season, Springfield will chart a new frontier: the full hour! After 28 years, America’s favorite family will run a full hour-long episode for the very first time, with special guest Taraji P. Henson and more.
Per FOX’s official announcement, the as-yet-undated episode will feature guest turns from Empire star Taraji P. Henson and Key & Peele vet Keegan-Michael Key, and will follow Mr. Burns being conned out of his fortune by a “mysterious music mogul.” Henson will act as the mogul’s ex-wife, while Key appears as a rapper who helps Mr. Burns take revenge.
Says executive producer Matt Selman of the Gatsy-inspired “The Great Phatsby” (via EW):
This was just going to be a regular episode, but the table read went so well, in a fit of passion and excitement and ambition and excess, we decided to supersize it. And we haven’t done a huge amount of stories in the world of hip-hop and rap culture, so we just went for it.
The episode will also feature Empire music producer Jim Beanz crafting original hip-hop songs for the episode, including a betrayal rap and a revenge rap. Certainly a bold choice for The Simpsons, but what other surprises might the network cook up?
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