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Simpsons Post-Credit Scene Explained

An image of of people sitting in a movie theater. A woman in the foreground has a finger lifted to her mouth to shush the other moviegoers.

As Marvel fans are surely aware, post-credit scenes have become increasingly common in movies and TV shows over the past decade. These short clips, or “tags,” appear after the end credits and usually tease a future plot development or provide an extra laugh. The Simpsons is no exception to this trend, although newer viewers may need a bit of an explanation.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE SIMPSONS POST-CREDIT SCENE?

People are in a movie theater, idly chatting. It’s hard to make out what they’re saying, but don’t worry, their murmurings are not supposed to be understandable. A glasses-wearing woman in the foreground brings her finger to her mouth and makes a shushing noise to make her fellow patrons quiet down. Just as she does so, the lights in the theater dim, and the words “Gracie Films” are projected onto the screen as a musical jingle is heard.

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN THE THEATER?

At first glance, the scene does not appear to have anything to do with Homer and the gang. In fact, if you look closely you will note that none of the moviegoers in the scene appear to have overbites or big, bulgy eyeballs like the famous Simpsons characters and are probably not intended to be specific people.

WHO IS GRACIE?

“Gracie” is believed to be a reference to the late comedienne Gracie Allen, who performed with her husband George Burns on stage, radio, television, and film. There does not appear to be a character named Gracie in The Simpsons. However, George did appear as the younger brother of Mr. Burns, so perhaps one can assume that Gracie implicitly exists in the Simpsons universe.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

The post-credit scene is actually a logo for Gracie Films, a production company founded by James L. Brooks that produces films and television shows, including The Simpsons. Its purpose is to act as a signature for the filmmakers who made the preceding content and reinforce the brand’s identity.

So, the next time you’re watching The Simpsons, you can rest assured that when you hear that woman shushing her fellow moviegoers, you’ll feel content in your knowledge of what it means.