Since its debut in 1989, The Simpsons has used patriarch Homer’s strangulation of his son as a punchline, with Bart's eyes bulging from his head whenever subjected to his father’s favoured form of punishment. 

Now in its 35th season, the animated sitcom is retiring the gag, with the third episode addressing the situation directly. 

In the third episode of the current season, titled “McMansion & Wife”, Homer claims to have given up the habit when meeting his new neighbour. 

The neighbour compliments Homer’s firm handshake, to which he replies “See, Marge, strangling the boy paid off. Just kidding, I don’t do that anymore. Times have changed.”

Although the episode aired in October, it is now gaining traction on X, where it was shared by a fan with the caption “I just found out that, after over 30 years, The Simpsons has finally retired their long-running gag of Homer strangling Bart.”

The post also stated that it “Took them long enough” and drew commentary from other fans of the show, who were divided about the change. 

“It's just as well.  Because that's considered child abuse nowadays,” wrote one user. 

“I’m proud of Homer for changing no child should ever experience childhood trauma,” commented another. 

Others pointed out that child abuse was considered bad when the show started, the only difference now is the shift in public opinion on whether it can be used as a joke. 

The last time the choking gag was used was in the first episode of the show's 31st season, when Home and Bart become social media stars after a clip of them fighting goes viral.

I just found out that, after over 30 years, The Simpsons has finally retired their long-running gag of Homer strangling Bart.

Took them long enough lmao pic.twitter.com/JuHyNu1eiK

— Simon A. (Baby Lamb Creations) (@BabyLamb5) November 2, 2023