European Networks Pull 'Simpsons' Nuclear Jokes in Response to Japanese Crisis

[DainBramaged]

In normal times, Homer's hilariously inept antics at the Springfield nuclear plant are just another slightly off-color storyline on 'The Simpsons.' But in light of the current nuclear crisis in Japan, the jokes may not seem as funny, and several countries overseas are pulling episodes that make light of nuclear meltdowns.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, networks in Germany, Austria and Switzerland are screening episodes of the series and either pulling them altogether or replacing jokes that are "unsuitable" to air considering the situation in Japan.

'Simpsons' creator Al Jean told Entertainment Weekly that he understands if certain episodes are pulled. "We have 480 episodes, and if there are a few that they don't want to air for a while in light of the terrible thing going on, I completely understand that," he said. "We would never make light of what's happening in Japan."

Installments of the sometimes-controversial show have been pulled before. Jean noted that the 1997 episode 'Homer Versus the City of New York,' which took place at the World Trade Center, was pulled in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks.

http://www.tvsquad.com/2011/03/28/the-simpsons-japan/?icid=maing%7Cmain5%7Cdl2%7Csec1_lnk2%7C52085

[lob1]

1. Al Jean didn't create the Simpsons, I believe he's the

head producer. I'm not exactly sure what his credit is.