The End of an Era? Homer and Marge Simpson Are Separating.

From money problems, to troubled children, FOX’s “The Simpsons” have been built on dealing with the problems facing many modern families. Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie, Santa’s Little Helper, and Snowball have been making it work for more than 500 episodes (574, if you’re counting at home). However, one of Season 27’s reported plot-lines have many up in arms.

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“Simpsons” Executive Producer Al Jean told Variety that longtime couple Homer and Marge will be separating this coming run of episodes. “In the premiere, it’s discovered after all the years Homer has narcolepsy, and it’s an incredible strain on the marriage,” Jean said. “Homer and Marge legally separate, and Homer falls in love with his pharmacist, who’s voiced by [‘Girls”] Lena Dunham.”

Jean would not elaborate if the separation leads to divorce. However, the news has been jarring to many “Simpsons” viewers, old and new.

In a previous season, Homer Simpson had contemplated an affair with a colleague, before deciding against the act. Additionally, Marge faced a similar temptation with a French bowling companion.

Other popular shows of the last 25 years to deal with separation and divorce include “Roseanne,” “Friends,” “The Sopranos,” “Mad Men,” and “Breaking Bad,” among others.

Additionally, Season 27 will bid adieu to Harry Shearer. The “Saturday Night Live” alum has voiced Principle Skinner, Mr. Burns, and everybody’s favorite golly-gullible next-door neighbor, Ned Flanders.

Shearer, also known in radio and film, has been with the show since 1989.

How do you feel about the news? Is it a wake-up call to tune-in, or did Bart and company just “jump the shark”?

Or perhaps, more fitting:

Homer_Jumps_Shark

Related: Get Ready for The Simpsons vs. The Family Guy (Video)