The Simpsons’ Halloween Special Takes on NFTs and Crypto in Humorous Twist
By James Pebenito • November 7, 2023
The Simpsons’ Halloween Special Takes on NFTs and Crypto in Humorous Twist
In its latest Treehouse of Horror special, The Simpsons showcased an amusing yet satirical take on the world of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and blockchain technology. The episode, titled “Wild Barts Can’t Be Token,” humorously delved into the overvaluation of on-chain NFTs, providing a light-hearted commentary on the digital realm of unique tokens and the blockchain.
The storyline follows Marge, venturing through the blockchain to rescue Bart, who transforms into a living NFT. The town’s mayor announces plans to digitize Springfield’s art gallery, and the episode features appearances of recognized NFTs such as Beeple and Bored Ape Yacht Club, humorously portraying secondary profile picture projects as having almost negligible worth.
NFTs in Previous Episodes
This isn’t the first instance where The Simpsons explored the domain of cryptocurrency and NFTs. In the 2020 episode “Frinkcoin,” Jim Parsons engages viewers by humorously educating them about cryptocurrency and teasing the mysterious identity of Satoshi, aired just before the 2020 crypto market downturn.
In last year’s episode, “The King of Nice,” Krusty the clown comically fritters away his earnings on NFTs, hilariously describing them as “non-funny TV shows.” These humorous additions are in line with the show’s tradition of light-hearted yet thoughtful commentary on current issues.
The Simpsons’ Creator’s Take on Crypto
Matt Groening, the creator of The Simpsons, has previously woven skepticism about crypto and blockchain into his other popular series. In a Futurama episode titled “How the West Was 101001,” Groening parodied crypto miners.
The episode humorously reflects the swift evolution of blockchain technology and the sometimes exaggerated valuations within the digital art space, offering a comedic view of an industry that is rapidly growing and evolving.