The Simpsons Guy
A crossover where the Griffins meet the Simpsons in Springfield.
"The Simpsons Guy" opens the thirteenth season of *Family Guy* and is the series' 232nd episode overall. Running 44 minutes, this crossover with *The Simpsons* was written by Patrick Meighan and directed by Peter Shin. Fox aired it on September 28, 2014; both shows have been on the network since their debuts in 1989 and 1999, respectively.
The Griffins end up in Springfield after their car gets stolen at a gas station. Homer Simpson finds them at the Kwik-E-Mart and brings them to the police station, but Chief Wiggum turns them away. The Simpsons let the Griffins stay at their house. Bart teaches Stewie how to skateboard and make prank calls, and they become friends. Stewie secretly tortures Nelson Muntz for bullying Bart. Lisa tries to find Meg's talent, gets jealous when Meg proves naturally good at the saxophone, and later gives her the instrument. Chris and Brian take Santa's Little Helper for a walk, lose him, and fake his return until the real dog shows up. Peter and Homer eventually find the stolen car with Hans Moleman, who runs Peter over with it.
At Moe's Tavern, Peter introduces Homer to Pawtucket Patriot Ale. It turns out to be a copy of Duff Beer with a different label. Duff, represented by the Blue Haired Lawyer, sues Pawtucket Brewery for patent infringement. Peter has to defend the brewery in court, where Judge Fred Flintstone rules for Duff after declaring both beers are imitations of Bud Rock. The Griffins prepare to go home, but Peter throws away the saxophone Lisa gave Meg, saying there is no room. Stewie reveals he got revenge on all of Bart's enemies, including Nelson, Jimbo Jones, Principal Skinner, Sideshow Bob, and Apu (for a scatological joke). Bart ends their friendship, horrified by Stewie's violence. Peter and Homer start a massive fight that takes them into acid at the nuclear plant, turning them into mutants with superpowers, then into space inside Kang and Kodos' saucer, and back to Earth. Both badly hurt, they admit mutual respect but agree to stay apart. Back in Quahog, the comic controversy has faded, and Lois doubts Springfield residents will enforce the court ruling, so the brewery is safe. Stewie pretends to be over Bart but writes lines on a chalkboard in his room.
The crossover idea came from executive producer Richard Appel, a former *Simpsons* writer, while planning *Family Guy*'s thirteenth season.
Quick Facts
- Series
- Family Guy
- Season
- 13
- Episode
- 1
- Writer
- Patrick Meighan
- Director
- Peter Shin
- Production
- BACX22/BACX23
- Airdate
- 2014-09-28
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Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The idea for the crossover was suggested by Family Guy executive producer and former The Simpsons writer Richard Appel, and was first announced by Fox on July 18, 2013. Five of the six main voice cast members of The Simpsons—Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, and Hank Azaria—voiced their respective characters; Harry Shearer did not participate due to scheduling conflicts. The episode includes cameo appearances by Roger of American Dad!, Bob Belcher of Bob's Burgers, and Fred Flintstone of The Flintstones.
In the plot, Peter creates a misogynistic comic that angers local women, forcing the Griffins to flee Quahog. Their car is stolen at a gas station, stranding them outside Springfield. Homer Simpson takes them in, and the families interact: Bart befriends Stewie, Lisa discovers Meg's talent for the saxophone, and Peter introduces Homer to Pawtucket Patriot Ale, which is revealed to be an imitation of Duff Beer. This leads to a lawsuit, with Peter defending the brewery in court before Judge Fred Flintstone, who rules in favor of Duff. The episode ends with a prolonged fight between Peter and Homer that takes them into space, after which they agree to keep their distance.
Reader's Guide
"The Simpsons Guy" received mixed reviews from critics, who had differing opinions on how well both shows combined. The episode was watched by 8.45 million viewers in its original American broadcast, earning a 4.5 rating/12% share in the 18–49 demographics. Some critics praised the character interactions but noted that the episode was written by Family Guy staff and lacked elements of The Simpsons humor; others found certain scenes—such as the fight and an erotic car wash sequence—out of place for The Simpsons. The episode's significance lies in being the first crossover between the two long-running Fox animated series, bringing together characters from shows that had aired on the network since 1989 and 1999 respectively. Executive producer Richard Appel stated there were no plans for a sequel, though he speculated that future writers might revisit the idea of the Simpsons visiting Quahog.
Did You Know?
- Harry Shearer was the only main Simpsons voice actor not to appear, due to scheduling conflicts.
- The eight-minute fight between Peter and Homer was animated by supervising director Peter Shin, a former layout artist on The Simpsons.
- The episode includes a cameo by Fred Flintstone, who appears as the judge in the court case.
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