The classic Simpsons episode that was deemed ‘unacceptable for television’
IT’S one of the most beloved — and oft-quoted — Simpsons episodes ever, but the 1997 classic ‘Homer’s Phobia’ very nearly didn’t make it to air.
recently looked at the ground-breaking episode, which writer Alan Siegel revealed was almost censored for being “unacceptable for television”.
In Homer’s Phobia, the Simpson family have perhaps their first encounter with an openly gay person in the form of antique store owner John.
Legendary director John Waters, who voiced the character, explained: “The idea was that this character was introducing gay life to a happy home that knew nothing about it.”
While the rest of the family embrace their new friend, Homer rejects John — and even suspects exposure to him may be ‘turning’ Bart gay.
There’s a lot at play in the episode, as it deals with Homer’s prejudice, the Simpson family’s exposure to a previously foreign gay culture, and John’s appreciation of his new friends for their ‘camp’ value.
But according to The Ringer, Fox considered ditching the episode.
Simpsons showrunner Bill Oakley said there were notes on “every single thing in the episode that had to do with being gay or the word ‘gay’”.
This is the reason why Oakley believes the ruling was that “the entire subject and content of this episode is unacceptable for air.”
Thankfully, this decision wasn't final.
Ten months after the initial script rejection, the network’s censor left and was replaced with a new person.
When they resubmitted the episode, the Simpsons team received only one note back: “Acceptable for broadcast.”
Today, Homer’s Phobia is considered one of the best episodes from The Simpsons’ golden years.
It’s scored the show an Emmy Award and gifted the world the instantly iconic ‘gay steel mill’ scene.
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