In a move signalling the end of an era for the long-running animated series, The Simpsons has permanently retired its flamboyant Duff Beer mascot, Duffman, after nearly three decades. The character's final curtain call came in the show's 37th season, marking a significant shift for the Springfield universe.
The Final 'Oh Yeah!'
The iconic superhero spokesperson, voiced by actor Hank Azaria, made his last appearance in the season 37 episode titled 'Seperance'. This instalment served as a parody of the popular Apple TV+ series, Severance. In the episode, which aired on a Sunday, the character's civilian alter ego, Barry Duffman, entered the Simpson family home to deliver the news personally.
Speaking in his signature third-person style, Barry informed Homer, Marge, and their children that 'The Duff Corporation has, uh, retired that character forever.' He elaborated that all traditional forms of advertising, from corporate spokesmen to TV spots, were now considered passé, lamenting that today's children 'can't even sing the jingles.'
A Legacy Spanning Decades
Duffman first burst onto the scene in the 1997 episode 'The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson'. For 27 years, he was known for his red-caped superhero costume, a belt adorned with Duff beer cans, and his enthusiastic catchphrase: 'Oh yeah!' His final act in 'Seperance' saw him attempt to recruit Homer for a corporation called EOD before ultimately deprogramming himself and appearing in civilian clothes, seemingly putting his cape away for good.
This retirement follows a pattern of the show writing out characters, though with varying degrees of finality. It comes less than two months after another long-term side character, First Church Organist Alice Glick, was killed off during a sermon after 35 seasons. The series has faced criticism from some fans for both killing off beloved minor figures and for continuing indefinitely as the lead actors' voices show signs of age.
Context and Controversy
The Simpsons has a history of character departures that often stir fan debate. Recent years have seen the demise of several figures, including:
- Larry the Barfly in a permanent exit.
- Sideshow Bob (voiced by Kelsey Grammer) in a non-canonical 2023 Treehouse of Horror flash-forward.
- A controversial flash-forward in June 2025 that depicted the death of Marge Simpson.
While culling some characters, the show has also revived others, such as the French bowler Jacques, voiced by Albert Brooks. The retirement of Duffman, however, appears to be a definitive corporate decision within the show's narrative, reflecting a changing media landscape even in the cartoon world of Springfield.
The series, famous for its sometimes eerie predictions, continues to evolve, with this latest move suggesting that even the most entrenched advertising icons aren't safe from the march of time. Whether this 'forever' retirement will stick in a show known for its elasticity remains to be seen, but for now, Duffman's last 'Oh yeah!' has been uttered.
