For decades, “The Simpsons” has entertained audiences with its clever humor and satirical take on American society. But there is one aspect of the show that has garnered significant attention: its seemingly uncanny ability to predict real-world events. Here, we present ten notable instances where “The Simpsons” appeared to foresee the future.

President Trump (2000):

In the episode “Bart to the Future,” aired nearly two decades before Donald Trump’s presidency, Lisa Simpson is depicted as the first “straight female” U.S. president, who succeeds Trump. The coincidence became intriguing when Trump eventually won the presidency in 2016.

Smartwatches (1995):

Long before the advent of smartwatches, “The Simpsons” showcased a futuristic gadget in the episode “Lisa’s Wedding” (1995). In the episode, Lisa’s fiancé is seen communicating through his watch, a concept that later became a reality with the introduction of smartwatches in the early 2010s.

FIFA Corruption Scandal (2014):

In the episode “You Don’t Have to Live Like a Referee,” “The Simpsons” depicted corruption within the world of soccer, foreshadowing the FIFA corruption scandal that later unfolded in 2015.

Higgs Boson Equation (1998):

In an episode called “The Wizard of Evergreen Terrace,” Homer Simpson scribbles an equation on a chalkboard that closely resembles the equation used to calculate the Higgs boson particle, a scientific discovery made in 2012.

Auto-correct Errors (2010):

In the episode “Elementary School Musical,” “The Simpsons” showcased the perils of auto-correct, humorously depicting auto-correct errors causing comical misunderstandings. This became a relatable frustration in the smartphone era.

Disney-Fox Merger (1998):

In an episode from 1998 titled “When You Dish Upon a Star,” a 20th Century Fox sign is shown with the text “a division of Walt Disney Co.” This reference became oddly prophetic when Disney acquired 21st Century Fox in 2017.

Smart Home Technology (1990):

In the episode “Homer Defined” (1990), the Simpson family obtains a fully automated home, featuring voice-activated technology. This concept foreshadowed the rise of smart home devices like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home.

NSA Spying Scandal (2007):

In “The Simpsons Movie” (2007), the government is depicted spying on its citizens and capturing their conversations, reminiscent of the NSA surveillance scandal revealed by Edward Snowden years later.

Robot Librarians (1995):

In the episode “Lisa’s Wedding” (1995), set in the future, it is revealed that robots have taken over various jobs, including librarians. This predicted the rise of automation and the introduction of robots in different industries.

Mass Hysteria Over Astronomical Phenomenon (1997):

In the episode “Bart’s Comet” (1997), Springfield citizens panic upon hearing about a comet predicted to hit the town, reflecting instances of unnecessary alarm caused by rumors and misinformation about astronomical events.

While the “predictions” made in “The Simpsons” might be seen as coincidences or intentional references, they have sparked intrigue and speculation among fans worldwide. As we continue to explore the show’s multi-faceted influence, it’s important to remember that it is primarily a comedy show that brilliantly addresses social issues and cleverly blends satire with absurdity.

Disclaimer: The Simpsons and its creators do not claim to predict the future.