For years, The Simpsons has astonished fans with its uncanny ability to foresee future events, from technological advancements to political outcomes.
However, in a surprising turn, the show’s prediction of Kamala Harris as the 47th President of the United States missed the mark, as she lost the 2024 election to former President Donald Trump.
The Simpsons’ Prediction: Kamala Harris as President
In an episode from 2000 titled “Bart to the Future,” The Simpsons predicted a female president taking office after a tumultuous administration led by Donald Trump.
Fans of the show were quick to connect this portrayal with Kamala Harris when she was inaugurated as Vice President in 2021, especially given her striking purple attire—eerily similar to the outfit worn by the character Lisa Simpson in the episode.
Leading up to the 2024 election, Harris secured the Democratic nomination with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, setting up a showdown against Trump and his vice-presidential pick, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance.
Given the historical accuracy of The Simpsons in predicting real-world events, many believed Harris was poised to win. But as the election night unfolded, it became clear that the show’s reputation as a “prophetic” series might have met its match.
Election Night: Trump Wins Key Swing States
As votes were counted, Trump emerged as the victor, clinching key battleground states such as North Carolina, Georgia, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. These wins handed him the electoral votes needed to secure the presidency, leaving Harris and her supporters disappointed. Trump’s lead extended to the popular vote, reinforcing his comeback and putting an end to this particular Simpsons prediction.
Social media buzzed with fan reactions, as viewers voiced surprise that the show’s seemingly reliable foresight had missed. One Twitter user quipped, “Looks like The Simpsons finally got it wrong.” Another mused on the end of the show’s predictive legacy, while others humorously suggested the show should create a new episode featuring Harris’ defeat.
Reflecting on The Simpsons Predictive Streak
Over the years, The Simpsons has made headlines for seemingly predicting major events, including Donald Trump’s original presidential win, the Capitol riots, the COVID-19 pandemic, and even Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl halftime show. The show’s creators have often attributed these predictions to their study of history, trends, and human behavior.
Showrunner Matt Selman once explained that the series’ focus on historical patterns makes these “predictions” possible. “The serious answer is that if you study history and math, it’s almost impossible not to predict certain things,” Selman said. He emphasized that analyzing recurring behaviors and societal trends helps the team anticipate what might happen next.
The Lasting Legacy of The Simpsons and Its Satirical Brilliance
Despite the Harris prediction falling short, The Simpsons continues to entertain and engage audiences with its satirical take on current events. Now in its 36th season, the show’s influence and relevance remain strong, drawing in fans who appreciate its humorous lens on society and politics.
Far from diminishing interest, the missed prediction has reignited discussions about The Simpsons and its ability to tap into cultural phenomena. Fans now wonder what other future events may align with storylines crafted by the show’s writers.
What This Missed Prediction Means for The Simpsons
While this prediction may have missed the mark, it underscores the uniqueness of The Simpsons in capturing the zeitgeist. The show’s ability to reflect societal trends and human behaviors has kept it relevant for over three decades, ensuring that each new episode resonates with viewers.
As the political landscape evolves, so does The Simpsons, continuing to blend satire with sharp observations of human nature. Though Harris may not have become the 47th president, the show’s legacy remains intact, reminding us all that even the most uncanny predictions can sometimes go awry. Fans are left wondering what The Simpsons might “predict” next—and whether it will hit the mark or surprise us once again.
