Warning: Spoilers for The Simpsons Season 37 below.
For a show that has stretched across generations, redefined pop culture, and aired for nearly four decades, The Simpsons has never shied away from shocking its audience. But this week, producers delivered one of their most unexpected twists yet: the permanent death of a long-running Springfield resident who has been part of the series since the early 1990s.
Fans are reeling — and many didn’t see this one coming.
A Show Known for Laughs… and the Occasional Heartbreak
Since its debut in 1989, The Simpsons has amassed a global fanbase and a reputation for its uncanny ability to “predict” real-world events. Over the years, viewers have watched the animated sitcom lampoon presidents, pandemics, elections, technology, and even future pop culture moments.
But alongside the comedy, the series has had its share of emotional gut punches — particularly when it comes to character deaths.
The show has bid farewell to beloved personalities such as:
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Maude Flanders, tragically taken out by a T-shirt cannon
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Edna Krabappel, retired after the passing of voice actress Marcia Wallace
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Bleeding Gums Murphy, Lisa’s musical mentor
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Fat Tony, whose demise sparked the rise of his near-identical cousin Fit Tony
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Larry, the iconic background barfly from Moe’s
And now fans can add one more name to the list — one that longtime viewers will instantly recognize.
Season 37 Episode ‘Sashes to Sashes’ Confirms a Permanent Death
The newest episode, titled “Sashes to Sashes,” aired on November 16 and delivered a startling moment midway through the story. During an otherwise routine church sermon, Alice Glick — Springfield’s elderly resident organist and occasional neighborhood curmudgeon — suddenly dies.
There are no theatrics, no drawn-out farewell. The death is swift, sudden, and final.
For casual viewers, Alice Glick may seem like a minor player. But dedicated fans know she has been quietly woven into Springfield’s fabric for decades.
Who Was Alice Glick? A Springfield Staple Since 1991
Alice Glick first appeared in May 1991, all the way back in Season 2, Episode 21, titled “Three Men and a Comic Book.” Her debut saw her hiring Bart to do household chores so he could earn money for the latest Radioactive Man comic.
Throughout the series, she became recognizable as:
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The elderly neighbor with a sharp tongue
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The organist for the Church of Springfield
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A recurring figure in community scenes
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A character with surprising resilience (even once returning as a ghost after a Robopet incident)
For a character who seldom took center stage, she became a familiar face — one that added depth and continuity to the show’s sprawling universe.
Producers Confirm: “She’s Dead as a Doornail”
For years, some fans believed Alice could be immortal. The series had killed her off before — only to bring her back through gags, dream sequences, or comedic contrivances.
But according to executive producer Tim Long, this time is different.
Speaking to People, Long gave a statement that was equal parts heartfelt and blunt:
“In a sense, Alice the organist will live forever, through the beautiful music she made. But in another, more important sense, yep she’s dead as a doornail.”
That confirmation hit fans like a truck. On social media, reactions ranged from sadness to disbelief to outright panic — especially among viewers who worry the show is slowly eliminating its legacy cast.
Fan Reactions: “The Simpsons Are Killing Off Everyone…”
Within minutes of the episode airing, tributes began pouring in. Fans posted condolences, memes, and surprise screenshots as they processed the sudden loss.
“Oh my gosh,” one fan wrote on X. “Someone update The Simpsons wikis about Alice Glick.”
“Rest in Peace Mrs. Glick!” another posted, accompanied by a crying emoji.
One longtime viewer noted: “I think it’s the second time they’ve killed Ms. Glick.”
Another fan summed up the growing anxiety in Springfield’s virtual community:
“1st Larry, now Alice Glick. The Simpsons are killing off everyone…”
Clearly, even minor character deaths in The Simpsons can hit harder than expected — especially as the show ages and its legacy characters dwindle.
A Show Confronting Mortality More Boldly Than Ever
What stands out about Alice Glick’s death isn’t just that another character is gone — it’s how The Simpsons has increasingly embraced mortality in recent seasons.
The Season 36 finale, for instance, imagined what Marge Simpson’s eventual death might look like. The episode shocked fans by depicting a future where:
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Marge dies before Homer
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Homer later reunites with Ringo Starr in heaven
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Moe Szyslak, another fan favorite, also faces death in an implied future timeline
These darker themes mark a tonal shift for a show once known purely for weekly slapstick and satire. After nearly 40 years, The Simpsons is now exploring legacy, aging, and the passage of time — even within its famously elastic universe.
Killing off characters like Alice Glick may be part of that artistic evolution.
Why Kill Off Alice Glick Now?
The reasoning appears to be both narrative and symbolic.
1. Acknowledging the Show’s Longevity
Characters who appeared in the early 1990s would realistically be elderly or nearing their natural lifespan. Writers may be reflecting that reality as a form of storytelling maturity.
2. Tightening the Cast
With hundreds of recurring characters, occasional pruning allows writers to focus on new storylines and emerging Springfield residents.
3. Emotional Impact
Even a seemingly “minor” character death gives fans a sense of history — proof that the show’s universe evolves and carries consequences.
4. Honoring Legacy
Alice Glick’s last storyline includes her leaving her estate to the Springfield Elementary music program — a surprisingly tender send-off that ties back to her life as the church organist.
Where Does the Series Go From Here?
With The Simpsons already renewed and showing no signs of slowing down, fans may continue to encounter moments where nostalgia collides with storytelling necessity.
Could more beloved characters be next? Moe? Jasper? Comic Book Guy? Fans hope not — but the series has made clear that no character is entirely safe forever.
As The Simpsons approaches its 40-year mark, the show’s commitment to blending humor with emotional realism appears stronger than ever.
Alice Glick may not have been a headliner, but her presence mattered — and fans will feel her absence.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
