In a unique twist, a single episode of The Simpsons ventured into the realm of live-action, with most of the sequence filmed in Outer London.
For those unfamiliar, the live-action recreation of The Simpsons’ iconic opening theme is a sight to behold. The masterful homage brings Springfield to life, albeit with a distinctly British flavor. Notable touches include Marge driving a right-hand-drive Lada, a common sight in the UK, and Chief Wiggum sporting a British police uniform. The entire production was orchestrated by London advertising agency Devilfish and served as a clever promotional skit for Sky One in 2005.
In this alternate reality, the Simpson family resides in Orpington, a suburban area in south-east London (or Kent, depending on one’s perspective). Key scenes, such as Homer narrowly avoiding being run over by Marge, were filmed on Lansdowne Avenue, a residential street bordering Crofton Woods.
While some locations were easily identifiable through simple online searches, others required a bit of sleuthing. Homer’s workplace, for instance, was depicted as Didcot Power Station in Oxfordshire, a significant departure from the cartoon’s nuclear plant setting. Similarly, the row of shops Bart skateboards past led to The Runway in Ruislip, confirmed by Street View imagery showcasing familiar landmarks.
The school attended by Bart and Lisa, while somewhat ambiguous in appearance, bears a striking resemblance to the older buildings of Rooks Heath, near South Ruislip.
This imaginative portrayal of the Simpsons’ universe not only captivated audiences but also found its way into the show’s official canon. The sequence was repurposed as the “couch gag” in the episode “Homer Simpson, This is Your Wife” (2006), written by Ricky Gervais. However, subsequent streaming versions and broadcasts omitted this iconic homage, making its original airing a cherished memory for fans.
Watch it below!
Why not check out… The Simpsons Movie Sequel Rumors Gain Traction: 20th Century Fox Reportedly Nudges Creators for Another Film
