One of the pleasures of tuning in for a new episode of “The Simpsons” is the opening credits. Most weeks, the show gives viewers a new chalkboard liner and couch gag.
But last week’s show was different. The extended title sequence saw lots of graffiti by artist Banksy before taking a dark turn at the end. After the traditional couch gag, the show depicted workers in an sweat shop, toiling over creating new cells, merchandise and other items for the long-running animated series.
The sequence is a bit of self-parody for the show. The series outsources its animation to South Korea.
The sequence’s mastermind, Banksy, is an international figure in street art who is known for traveling the world and anonymously leaving his signature pieces in public areas while refusing to reveal his real name.
The idea for the sequence came a year or so ago when producer Al Jean saw the movie “Exit Through the Gift Shop.”
Although Jean said the segment was “toned down a little” for airing, “there was nothing unusual from the network in terms of notes or delays.”
“Fox has a remarkable ability to make fun of itself and be gracious,” he said.
You can check out the sequence below:
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