Season Analysis

The Simpsons

Season 31 Analysis

Season Woke Score

out of 10

Season Overview

No specific overview for this season.

Season Review

Season 31 of The Simpsons continues the show's trend of engaging directly with contemporary culture war flashpoints and identity politics, largely through the satirical lens of its established characters. A core theme involves critiquing political correctness itself while simultaneously adopting many of its underlying assumptions about social issues. Narratives focus on Marge's pursuit of a career being hindered by Homer's masculine incompetence, and Lisa navigating issues of social justice and gender identity. The show features overt engagement with LGBTQ+ themes, including Principal Skinner's gender expression at a diversity forum and a lesbian relationship as a main plot point. The series satirizes modern cultural trends, such as viral media and corporate 'wellness' culture, but stops short of a complete denunciation of Western institutions. Traditional faith is present, mostly for quick jokes that mock its sincere application as a source of strength.

Categorical Breakdown

Identity Politics7/10

The season directly addresses 'political correctness' and identity politics, with Lisa concluding that decades-old entertainment is now seen as offensive. An episode centers on a 'diversity forum' and Marge's desire for Lisa to gain access to a better school by disguising her as a boy. White male characters like Homer and the dog breeder are consistently portrayed as incompetent, destructive, or abusive figures.

Oikophobia5/10

The show uses its standard satirical style to critique modern American social life, focusing on new trends like monetized viral violence and corporate cannabis culture. The narrative criticizes institutions like dog racing for cruelty, but does not present a total systemic demonization of Western heritage or ancestors. The nuclear family remains the dysfunctional, yet central, focus of the series.

Feminism7/10

Marge's main plot in one episode centers on her career in the cannabis industry, where her fulfillment is threatened by Homer's bumbling and anti-social behavior. Marge's pursuit of professional success is a major driving force. Homer is characterized as a 'bad influence' and is emasculated when his actions lead Marge to contemplate sabotaging him to save her job.

LGBTQ+8/10

Alternative sexualities are a normalized feature, with Patty's girlfriend Evelyn being a significant character on a family vacation. One episode features a 'diversity forum' where Principal Skinner appears in high heels and a skirt, and the dialogue includes terms related to gender ideology (though satirized via a student's crude comment and Marge's 'he-she' remark).

Anti-Theism4/10

Religion is not a major narrative target, but it is treated dismissively when it appears. The family briefly prays to a saint for their dog's return, and Homer's sincere expression about their unity is immediately silenced by Marge, using faith as a quick joke and a sentimental device that is instantly undercut.