The Simpsonsproducer addresses the rare death of a decades-old character. Nick Callahan, a realtor, was introduced in season 9, episode 9, “Realty Bites.” The character has only appeared in two episodes, andthe second came in season 36, episode 2, “The Yellow Lotus.“He will not appear in another, as he was tragically killed in the episode. As an enemy to the Simpsons, he was not missed for long. The reveal aired afterThe Simpsonsfaked its series finale, proving that the show is willing to feature some changes, but only on a small scale.
In an exclusive interview withScreen Rant,TheSimpsonsproducer and writer Al Jean spoke about Nick’s death. Jean explained that he was forced to kill a character to depict the show’sWhite Lotusparody more appropriately. As numerous characters have died inWhite Lotus, it would have been unfulfilling if everyone left the episode safely. Rather than killing a familiar face,the producers elected to choose a relatively minor character, who would not be overly missed. As Nick the Realtor has not appeared in so many seasons, he was the “convenient” option. Check out Jean’s full quote below:
We, this past week after the premiere, killed off Nick the Realtor from season 9 in “The Yellow Lotus,” a White Lotus parody. It’s kind of convenient because you have this thing like The White Lotus where you know someone’s going to die, but it’s not going to be Dr. Hibbert, and it’s not going to be Sideshow Bob. So, it is a character—that guy Nick—butit’s also somebody that’s okay to lose because he hasn’t been on the show for 27 years.
What Nick The Realtor’s Death Means
It Won’t Have A Huge Impact
Had Nick’s demise been in the2024 “Treehouse of Horror” episode, it might have been reversed. As it stands, however, it is unlikely that the character will ever appear again. When Nick was first introduced, he was nothing more than a villain to Marge and did not ever truly take up another role.His death was surprising, but it will not influence the characters in the future.His death in an easily skippable parody that will mean little for the show’s run and is largely just another loss for Springfield. More importantly, it is one they will quickly recover from.
It is no surprise that the show elected to kill a less familiar face.
Given that he is a little-known character, Nick’s death will have little impact on the show’s future. In addition, many audiences may appreciate theWhite Lotusparody, as the anthology show has secured strong ratings and reviews. ForThe Simpsons, just asLarry the Barfly’s deathdid not impact audience retention,the show will continue to chug along without Nick’s involvement. Nick’s selection was likely a means of avoiding some of the minor criticism that came from Larry’s death, given that the realtor has appeared in far fewer episodes. No viewers are going to mourn Nick more than Larry.
The Simpsons Has Killed Other Characters Before
Nick & Larry Are Only Two Examples
Nick was not the first character killed off inThe Simpsons, and Larry the Barfly was not either. While it is rare, likely to preserve the population of Springfield, there are times when the show has trimmed its roster. Lisa’s jazz-playing friend, Bleeding Gums Murphy, died in season 6, episode 22, “Round Springfield”. Maude Flanders, Ned’s wife, was also killed in season 11, episode 14, “Alone Again, Natura-Diddily”, after she fell off of a concession stand. That death was due to a dispute with voice actor Maggie Roswell, rather than any inherent narrative drive.
Season 18, Episode 2, “Jazzy and the Pussycats”
Season 19, Episode 19, “Mona Leaves-a”
Season 25, Episode 3, “Four Regrettings and a Funeral”
Season 26, Episode 1, “Clown in the Dumps”
Season 35, Episode 15, “Cremains of the Day”
Nick the Realtor
Season 36, Episode 2, “The Yellow Lotus”
There have also been entirely unimpactful deaths. Fat Tony’s season 22, episode 9, “Donnie Fatso” death seemingly killed off Springfield’s mafia boss. He was quickly replaced by Fit Tony, however, who eventually grew to adopt the exact same aesthetic and personality as Fat Tony. Snowball also died multiple times, always being replaced by near-identical cats. For the family, it is as if nothing has ever changed, as they are never forced to actually reckon with the losses.Every timeThe Simpsonskills characters, it generally only makes a small difference.
Our Take On The Simpsons' Shocking Death
Main Characters Are Safe
It is no surprise that the show elected to kill a less familiar face. While certain characters, including Mr. Burns, have been killed off, their deaths are always reversed.The show generally prefers to reset its narrative every episode, which is whyThe Simpsons' characters never age. The season premiere is a perfect example, as characters' lives were completely reset in a supposed finale for the show. Burns died, other characters moved away from Springfield, and Bart finally turned 11 years old. The episode was quickly dismissed, and the events became partly non-canon.
Glimpses at the future are also fleeting and easily changed. There are some occasional flash-forward episodes, but they all are entirely reset in the final minutes. The story returns to the present, and even the events of the future are generally changed. It is a typical reality for a sitcom, but the long-running nature ofThe Simpsonsmakes it more apparent. Some easily ignored characters, including Larry the Barfly, can be killed, but important players must remain. Nick’s death is surprising, but Jean’s argument holds. Minor characters can be killed, but major figures will always remain.
The Simpsons
“The Simpsons” is a legendary American animated franchise that debuted in 1987 as short segments onThe Tracey Ullman Showbefore becoming a standalone series in 1989. The show follows the Simpson family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie—who live in the fictional town of Springfield. The franchise is renowned for its satirical and humorous take on various aspects of American culture, society, and the human condition. Over the years, “The Simpsons” has expanded into films, video games, comic books, and theme park attractions, becoming a cornerstone of popular culture.
