The Simpsons Pays Homage to Final Fantasy in New Episode

A recent episode of The Simpsons gave a clever nod to Square Enix’s Final Fantasy series, delighting fans of the iconic Japanese RPG. With 36 seasons since its 1989 debut, the show has often referenced popular culture, and the Final Fantasy fandom didn’t miss this moment in the spotlight.

Since its first release in 1987, Final Fantasy has grown to include 16 main titles. Square Enix is currently advancing the remake of Final Fantasy 7, with the third part underway and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth gaining enhancements for the PlayStation 5 Pro, including a new Versatility Mode for players to test.

In a Reddit post by user georgieramone, a screenshot from The Simpsons Season 36, Episode 6, titled "Woman in Shorts," was shared in the Final Fantasy subreddit. In this episode, Lisa exits a record shop aptly named “Vinyl Fantasy” – a playful nod to the video game’s title, as “Final” and “Vinyl” share a similar sound. This clever homage quickly caught fans' attention, with many appreciating The Simpsons writers' knowledge of pop culture.

Fan Reactions and Final Fantasy References

The reference sparked creativity among Redditors, who quickly shared their puns. One user commented, “Now music is in the Cloud,” a nod to Final Fantasy 7 protagonist Cloud Strife. Another fan recalled Vinyl Fantasy 7, a hip-hop remix album by Team Teamwork, which also included The Legend of Zelda tracks in The Ocarina of Rhyme.

The Simpsons’ Connection to Gaming

Beyond its TV success, The Simpsons also boasts a strong gaming presence. However, fans of The Simpsons: Tapped Out recently faced disappointment as EA delisted the 12-year-old mobile game from the App Store on October 31, 2024. The game will remain playable until January 24, 2025, before being permanently discontinued.

This latest Final Fantasy reference shows that The Simpsons continues to tap into gaming culture, keeping both fans and viewers entertained with well-timed pop culture nods.