The sexual orientation of The Simpsons’ Smithers, acidic assistant to perpetually prickly billionaire Montgomery Burns, has long been an open secret. He’s constantly spotted in Springfield’s gay neighborhood, once vacationed at an all-male resort, and is often lost in lusty flights of fantasy involving Mr. Burns. Now, in the show’s 27th season, Smithers will finally be coming out once and for all.
Speaking with TV Line, executive producer Al Jean revealed the coming out party will be covered over a two-episode arc.
“In Springfield now, most people know he’s gay, but obviously Burns doesn’t,” said Jean. “We deal with that in two episodes… We actually do a lot with Smithers this year; he gets fed up with Burns not appreciating him and considers his options.”
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While the show’s writers have long defined him “Burns-sexual,” audiences will finally get to know the real story — and the real Smithers.
The episodes will be airing in March.
