Like a long-running marriage, when you've been together as long as The Simpsons have, it seems you need to try something - anything - to spice things up again.
And the latest idea comes in the form of a 'live' segment, set to air on 15 May. It will last for three minutes, and feature Homer - voiced by Dan Castallaneta - taking questions and discussing topical subjects.
The segment will be made using motion capture technology, with Castallaneta's movements being transferred into an animated scene. To prove that it is actually live, showrunner Al Jean explained that he will be talking about things he "could only be saying live on that day".
In addition, he claims that "as far as I know, this is the first time that's been done by any animated show". He has no fears over whether it'll work, adding, "Dan is a great improviser".
The move comes as TV shows are increasingly going live in order to try and create 'events' where everyone watches together, with the attendant social media chatter bringing more attention to the show. A recent example was Fox's Grease: Live, which saw a live broadcast of a remake of the 1971 musical - it received huge traction on social media and high viewing figures - no doubt Simpsons bosses will be hoping for the same effect. It worked for Coronation Street, didn't it?
This also reminds us: can we get a Homer filter in Snapchat soon please? Thanks guys.
