The Simpsons celebrates its 750th episode with a record opening sequence of 750 characters
The Simpsons has aired its landmark 750th episode and marked the occasion by cramming 750 iconic characters into the opening sequence, including Dolly Parton and even the late Queen of England.
The show’s special Sunday night opening sequence began as usual at Springfield Elementary School with Bart writing lines on a blackboard, but this time he chalks out, “I won’t try to cram 750 characters into the credits…”
A slew of celebrities then appear with your eyes and you’ll miss it, including the Rolling Stones, John Lennon and The Who, who are pictured along with country music legend Dolly Parton in the back of Lisa’s orchestral practice.
More unusual figures also pop up briefly as the familiar sequence plays out, including the devil in the form of Ned Flanders and Homer in the form of King Kong by the side of the road while Maggie appears to be driving the family’s red car.
Each of the 750 characters has appeared in the long run of the show since its premiere in 1989.
The well-known opening scene was taken over by a hodgepodge of 750 characters. Some of the famous faces in the Simpsons living room include Willy Wonka and Stampy the Elephant
The late Queen is also honored with a performance, as are Elton John, Frank Grimes and John Madden.
Other characters in the medley include Lard Lad, Cheech and Chong, Frank Grimes, John Madden, Ron Howard and Stampy the Elephant.
Numerous other references are made to the milestone number, such as when Maggie is scanned through the checkout counter at the grocery store, her prices appear to be $750.
The episode wrapped up the season 34 ending titled “Homer’s Adventures Through the Windshield Glass” with Lizzo and Tim Robinson as guests.
Lizzo voiced a cartoon version of herself and a child puppet named Goobie Woo for the season finale episode.
‘I don’t know a world without The Simpsons. It’s just synonymous with life,’ Lizzo told USA TODAY about her experience performing in the episode.
“The Simpsons are in my DNA,” said the singer, who was born just a year before the show’s premiere.
The episode revolves around a car accident Homer suffers, flying through the windshield with the Goobie Woo doll, who acts as a spirit guide throughout the adventure.
“I actually got to play with Homer the whole episode,” Lizzo explains.
Iconic rock band The Rolling Stones sit next to country music legend Dolly Parton in the back of the children’s music class
Bart is seen scribbling: ‘I won’t try to cram 750 characters into the credits…’
The Who and John Lennon also make an appearance in the music room
The late Queen and Michelle Obama are honored by a performance outside the Simpson family home
Maggie is scanned through the supermarket checkout for the $750 prize
The illuminati triangle appears and floats above the crowd
Regular fan favorites, including Chief Clancy Wiggum, feature prominently
Even the smallest characters get a cameo like Homer’s lobster, Mr Pinchy
Lizzo’s famous instrument Sasha Flute also joined her on screen.
“I love that ‘The Simpsons’ allowed as much whistling as possible,” says Lizzo. Even Goobie Woo gets to play, and she kind of twerks around Homer. That was so great.’
Despite the show’s longevity, it’s expected to be around for a while yet, with seasons 35 and 36 already in the works, which will see the sitcom push past its 800th episode.
The Simpsons drew controversy earlier this month when it was revealed that one of its stars, Nancy Cartwright who plays Bart, has donated more than $21 million to the Church of Scientology.
Cartwright, 65, was presented with a trophy for achieving ‘Patron Excalibur With Honors’ status late last year.
She had previously defended the Church, which she converted to in 1991 after a 2015 HBO documentary on Scientology entitled “Going Clear” was released.