WhileThe Simpsonsseason 37 will officially bring back one of the show’s greatest guest stars ever, this might not necessarily be an actor that viewers are expecting. With more than 790 episodes and a theatrical movie spinoff to its name,The Simpsonsis now the longest-running scripted primetime American TV show in history.
In its long time occupying American TV screens, the show has never had a hard time attracting major A-list guest stars.The Simpsonsseason 37will be no different, as the long-running animated family comedy’s upcoming outing will include a slew of new guest stars and returning fan favorites alike.
During the show’s panel at SDCC 2025, the creators of the series cheekily mocked Marvel beforeannouncing an episode fromThe Simpsonsseason 37that will include just as many major stars as an average Marvel Cinematic Universe blockbuster. According to show runner Matt Selman, one upcoming outing will be overburdened with star power.
The upcoming episode will include “Glenn Howerton, Danny Pudi, Adam Pally, Albert Brooks, Cole Escola, Brendan and Domhnall Gleeson,” a lineup that is impressive even by the show’s usual high standards. While A-list cameos alone don’t guarantee a great episode, asThe Simpsons’ Elon Musk and Lady Gaga cameosproved, this particular outing has a secret weapon.
The Simpsons Season 37 Will Include A Star-Studded Episode
The Outing Was Announced At SDCC 2025
The Simpsonsseason 37’s cameo-laden episode is bringing back Albert Brooks, one of the show’s most iconic recurring guest stars. Brooks has been a comedy legend since beforeThe Simpsonseven began airing, thanks to his roles inBroadcast News,Lost in America,Private Benjamin, andUnfaithfully Yours.
In the decades since, Brooks has become even more famous for his role as Marlin inFinding NemoandFinding Dory, as well as his terrifying turn in 2011’sDrive, where the amiable comedic actor played against type in the role of mob boss Bernie Rose. However, some of his most iconic roles were in episodes ofThe Simpsons.
The Simpsonsseason 36 debuted on July 30, 2025.
Brooks’ earliest appearance on the series saw him play the wily RV salesman Cowboy Bob in season 1, episode 7, “The Call of the Simpsons.” By the end of the show’s first season, Brooks had returned in a second, more substantial role, playing Marge’s seductive bowling instructor Jacques in episode 9, “Life on the Fast Lane.”
However, it was in some ofthe best episodes ofThe Simpsonsthat Brooks truly made his mark on the series. In season 5, episode 7, “Bart’s Inner Child,” Brooks played Brad Goodman, a self-help grifter who got Springfield hooked on caring for their inner child. Unfortunately for the town, the ideal inner child Goodman chose was Bart.
Albert Brooks Is One of The Best The Simpsons Guest Stars Ever
Brooks Starred As Hank Scorpio In “You Only Live Twice”
Throughout “Bart’s Inner Child,” Goodman causes chaos by convincing everyone in Springfield to act like Bart Simpson. This eventually ends up irking even Bart himself, as the eternal rebel has no way of annoying authority figures when they all embrace and imitate his bad behavior.
There is no doubt about which of Brooks’ characters on the show was his most popular and influential.
“Bart’s Inner Child” is a solid Golden Age outing, andoneThe Simpsonsseason 34 outing, episode 17, “Pin Gal,” brought back Jacques for a brief cameo that updated viewers on the bowling lothario’s fortunes. That said, there is no doubt about which of Brooks’ characters on the show was his most popular and influential.
A likable eccentric who offers Homer a job at the shady Globex Corporation, the unconventional Scorpio is gradually revealed to be a classic James Bond villain, complete with a lair in a hollowed-out volcano.
Still often listed as its best episode ever, season 8, episode 2,“You Only Move Twice,” introduced Brooks’ sweet, charismatic supervillain Hank Scorpio. A likable eccentric who offers Homer a job at the shady Globex Corporation, the unconventional Scorpio is gradually revealed to be a classic James Bond villain, complete with a lair in a hollowed-out volcano.
What makes this episode of The Simpsonsso subversive and popular is that, although he is openly a supervillain, Scorpio is a more understanding and supportive boss than Mr. Burns and a better employer than Homer has had before or since. Brooks infuses the character with an effortless likability and boundless enthusiasm at odds with his supervillain status.
SinceHomer is the hero ofThe Simpsons, it is hard not to feel bad for him when he eventually leaves the seemingly idyllic town of Cypress Creek to return to Springfield and his old job. The revelation that Scorpio has since seized the East Coast is a perfect pin in the episode’s escalating series of gags parodying Bond movies.
In season 16, episode 17, he plays the weight camp instructor Tab Spangler, while, in season 26, episode 21, “Bull-E,” he plays the anger management coach and anti-bullying advocate Dr. Raufbold.
In the decades since Scorpio first appeared in the series, Brooks has cropped up in a handful of other roles in later episodes. In season 16, episode 17, he plays the weight camp instructor Tab Spangler, while, in season 26, episode 21, “Bull-E,” he plays the anger management coach and anti-bullying advocate Dr. Raufbold.
While these guest appearances were always welcome additions to the show, very few episodes of The Simpsons have been able to reach the heights of “You Only Move Twice.” AsMarge’s writing has improved inThe Simpsons’recent seasons, the show has begun to rely less on cameos and more on focused, character-centric storytelling.
Brooks’ Long History With The Simpsons Makes Season 37 Even More Exciting
Brooks Also Played The Villain of The Simpsons Movie
For fans of the series, Brooks’ return is exciting for a variety of reasons. As noted above, the actor never fails to earn some laughs, even in his weakest episodes. Furthermore, Brooks also played another pivotal role in the history of the show, and it is one that shouldn’t be underestimated.
The Simpsonsis available to stream on Hulu.
Brooks played the villainous EPA head Russ Cargill inThe Simpsons Movie,a role that allowed him to revisit the megalomania of Hank Scorpio without the original character’s disarming charm. AsThe Simpsonsseason 37 approaches, this role proves just how much variety and originality Brooks has brought to the series over the years.
From Brad Goodman to Russ Cargill to the inimitable Hank Scorpio, Brooks has repeatedly elevated the show’s comedy with his inspired characters. As such, while allThe Simpsonsseason 37’s major guest stars are exciting, the news that Brooks will return soon holds particular promise for longtime fans of the series.
