The Simpsons are on their way to making another historic notch in their belt, this time as the first cartoon to be broadcast live. Yes, live. For three minutes during their episode airing on May 15, Homer Simpson will be taking questions from fans. It’s difficult to comprehend how they’re going to pull it off, but the talented people behind the longest-running primetime show in the history of television believe the motion-capture technology they’re utilizing to capture Dan Castellaneta will mark a sea change in how cartoons are broadcast. But why are they doing it?
Much like ER, 30 Rock, Fox’s Grease Live, and most recently Undateable, which is going live for its entire third season, pulling off a live show is worth the risk thanks to the high ratings that come with the must-see spectacle. Will there be a slip-up from the performers? How are they going to pull off something that’s being viewed not just by a theater full of people, but millions watching around the world? It’s a fascinating look into the creative process that’s fraught with possibilities. Some of them good, some of them bad, but always with a high viewership.
But unlike a normal sitcom, the Simpsons going live is a whole new ballgame.
