The Simpsons — Season 31

Production and principal cast

Like earlier seasons, Season 31 was produced within the long-running framework that has sustained the program: a regular cast of principal voice actors, a team of writers and directors, and episodic guest performers. The season is also marked by its place in the programme's continuity: it is one of many consecutive seasons that have kept the series on broadcast television. Production credits and episode-level creative information were announced in advance of the season and with each episode's release.

Notable cast event

This season is especially notable as the last to include performances by long-time voice actress Russi Taylor. Taylor, who had voiced characters such as Martin Prince, the twins Sherri and Terri, and Üter Zörker since the show's early years, died on July 26, 2019. Her final recorded appearance in the series can be heard in the Halloween-themed episode "Thanksgiving of Horror," which is the last episode of the show to feature her voice. Her contributions spanned decades and multiple characters.

Episodes, themes and examples

Season 31 presented a mix of topical satire, character-driven plots and genre pastiches—continuing patterns familiar to viewers of the series. Among the season's episodes were entries that experimented with format and tone, including an anthology-style holiday installment and episodes using broader cultural parodies. The premiere itself addressed modern media phenomena in a manner typical of the show: blending family dynamics with observations about contemporary life.

Awards and critical recognition

Writers from Season 31 received industry recognition for their scripts. Three episodes were nominated for Outstanding Writing in Animation at the 72nd Writers Guild of America Awards: "Go Big or Go Homer" (written by John Frink), "Livin' La Pura Vida" (written by Brian Kelley), and "Thanksgiving of Horror" (written by Dan Vebber). At the ceremony on February 1, 2020, Dan Vebber won for his work on "Thanksgiving of Horror." These honors underscore the continued attention paid to the show's writing.

Legacy and context

As an installment in a program with an unusually long run, Season 31 functions both as a continuation of long-standing narrative practices and as an example of how the series adapts to changing cultural conversations. Viewers and critics frequently point to individual standout episodes or guest appearances when discussing a season's impact. For more information on specific episodes, broadcast details and cast biographies, consult episode guides and the series' official listings: the season's premiere information can be found via the broadcast announcement, and the final appearances by long-time contributors are noted in cast histories and obituaries related to the show. For further reference, see the season page and individual episode entries linked here: season broadcast, Russi Taylor, series origins, and "Thanksgiving of Horror" episode.

• Premiere: "The Winter of Our Monetized Content" — first aired September 29, 2019.
• Notable last performance: Russi Taylor — final appearance in "Thanksgiving of Horror."
• WGA recognition: nominations for John Frink and Brian Kelley; Dan Vebber won for "Thanksgiving of Horror."