'The Simpsons' Predicted the Missing Titanic Submarine

Writer-producer Mike Reiss has gone on four expeditions with OceanGate

BY Sydney BrasilPublished Jun 22, 2023

If one thing remains constant in this world, it's The Simpsons' ability to predict major news. This time, the long-running show may have prophesied the missing OceanGate submersible in not one but two episodes.

The first glimpse into the crystal ball can be seen in Episode 19 of Season 9, entitled "Simpson Tide." After losing his job at the nuclear power plant, Homer enlists in the Navy. After political tension ensues, an explosion causes a pinhole leak in the vessel, causing him, Moe, Barney and Apu to panic. They are eventually saved by plugging the hole with Bart's confiscated earring.

However, a more apt prediction is featured in Season 17, Episode 10. In "Homer's Paternity Coot," Homer and his long-lost father explore for treasure in individual submarines. Homer eventually gets stuck in some coral, leading to his oxygen running out as he subsequently falls into a coma. He, however, wakes up in a hospital three days later.

Both of these examples were pegged as prophecy prior to this afternoon's news that the Titan sea vessel and its five passengers likely imploded (June 22). OceanGate put out a statement about the discovery, announcing that the passengers are now presumed dead.

Though mere appearances of a submarine on a show that's been on-air for 33 years don't necessarily entail a full-blown prediction, the coincidences extend beyond the episodes themselves. Long-time Simpsons writer and producer Mike Reiss was a passenger on a past OceanGate expedition to the Titanic wreckage — and three other dives with the company.

Though Reiss executive produced "Simpson Tide," he's denied that the episode foreshadowed recent events. As the takes of King Princess and Cardi B weren't enough to tide the public over, Reiss did say his hope for the Titan and its passengers was low before today's discovery.

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