The Simpsons hits a milestone: its 800th episode — airing back-to-back with the season 37 finale in a one-hour block on Fox Sunday, Feb. 15. If you don’t have cable, Sling TV will stream the broadcast in many markets; check local listings or the Sling app for availability.
What’s happening and why you should care
– This is both a celebration and a story beat. The special night pairs a big, crowd-pleasing milestone episode with a quieter, character-focused season closer — a combo designed to please casual viewers and longtime fans alike.
– Expect guest stars, playful location-based jokes, and a mix of spectacle and emotional payoff. The show uses high-profile moments to draw viewers in, then leans on character moments to stick with them.
How to watch
– Fox airs the two episodes back-to-back on Feb. 15. If you use a streaming service instead of antenna or cable, Sling TV is a common option that carries local Fox channels in many areas (Sling Blue). Availability varies regionally, so confirm the channel lineup for your ZIP code before you sign up.
– Also check the official Fox app and any local Fox affiliate pages; some platforms stream live or offer on-demand access after broadcast.
Episode highlights and spoilers
Episode 800 — “Irrational Treasure”
– Premise: The family heads to Philadelphia when Marge and the dog enter a big dog show. The episode plays like a playful adventure-heist parody, with city-specific jokes and a handful of cameo voices tied to the setting.
– Tone: Broad parody and location-driven humor, with surprise guest appearances that add local color.
Season 37 finale
– Premise: A quieter, more intimate story centers on Homer and Kirk Van Houten. The two hatch and market a novelty product — a so-called “crumbless” cracker — which becomes a sudden national craze inside the episode and forces personal choices about money, fame, and loyalty.
– Guest appearance: Michael Stipe turns up as himself in a notable cameo.
– Themes: The finale digs into vulnerability and mental-health beats, testing how sudden success affects relationships and revealing real emotional stakes beneath the comedy.
Why the pairing works
Putting a milestone episode next to a character-driven finale creates contrast: the spectacle draws viewers in, while the smaller, heartfelt story gives them a reason to care. It’s a smart way to reward longtime viewers without losing the series’ signature humor.
Streaming and technical tips
– Before airtime, make sure any streaming apps you plan to use are updated and that you’re signed in. If you plan to watch on a smart TV or connected device, confirm app compatibility and whether the service requires additional sign-ins or local authorizations.
– If you’ll watch with a group in a public place, check licensing rules for screenings.
– If the network app isn’t available in your region, try major subscription services, local virtual TV bundles or free ad-supported platforms that sometimes add recent episodes after broadcast.
A quick note on continuity and the show’s future
The Simpsons has long balanced standalone episodes with occasional emotional through-lines. Reaching 800 episodes highlights how the show can still experiment — mixing big parodies and celebrity cameos with moments that deepen characters. Whether this signals a lasting tonal shift remains to be seen, but the finale’s focus on real human stakes suggests the writers are willing to let the family feel vulnerable now and then.
Quick recap
– When: Sunday, Feb. 15 (one-hour block on Fox)
– What: Episode 800 (“Irrational Treasure”) + the season 37 finale
– Where to watch: Fox broadcast, Sling TV in many areas; check local listings and streaming apps for exact availability
– Notable guest: Michael Stipe (appears as himself)
Enjoy the party — and keep an eye on the finale if you like your Simpsons with a little extra heart.