Summary
A recent episode of the long-runningThe Simpsonsshow included a glaring nod to Square Enix’sFinal Fantasyfranchise, and fans of the JRPG series are firing out the perfect comebacks.The Simpsonshas been running for 36 seasons since its debut in 1989, and the Springfield-based family has hosted countless pop culture references during their time on the block. Thankfully, the eagle-eyedFinal Fantasycommunity hasn’t missed their time in the spotlight.
TheFinal Fantasyanthology began with the first entry in 1987, and the series has produced 16 main titles since. Square Enix is currently working on remaking the belovedFinal Fantasy 7for modern consoles and audiences, and the third installment of the remake project is next in line. Additionally,Final Fantasy 7 Rebirthhas received PlayStation 5 Pro enhancements, including a new Versatility Mode that gamers can currently test now that the improved console has been released.
Posted by georgieramone on Reddit, a screenshot from Season 36 Episode 6 ofThe Simpsons, titledWoman in Shorts, was shared in theFinal Fantasysubreddit, because a not-so-subtle nod to the fantasy series was captured. The still showed Lisa exiting a vinyl record shop, and theFinal Fantasyfan instantly noticed the store was named “Vinyl Fantasy.” Since the words “Final” and “Vinyl” are similar sounding, the community believed this had to be a homage to the video games. Being a popular IP,The Simpsonsmay even be getting aFortnitecrossoverif the rumors are anything to go by, and spotting thisFinal Fantasyreference in the television series shows the team behind the American sitcom is well-versed in pop culture.
The Simpsons Includes a Final Fantasy Nod in Recent Episode
Redditors showed up promptly to the comments section and replied to the reference with witty puns, including one user who responded, “Now music is in the Cloud,” referencing theFinal Fantasy 7character Cloud Strife. Plenty ofFinal Fantasyheroes could beat Cloud Strife in battle, but the character would certainly be overpowered inThe Simpsonsuniverse. Another user recalled Team Teamwork’s hip-hop remix album titledVinyl Fantasy 7, and the band also coveredThe Legend of Zeldasongs inThe Ocarina of Rhyme.
Joining its popular television run,The Simpsonsalso has a healthy video game roster, despitefans ofThe Simpsons: Tapped Outgame sadly saying goodbye to their citiesrecently. The 12-year-old mobile game was delisted from the App Store by EA on June 28, 2025, but players still have until Jul 21, 2025 to keep playing before the game is permanently discontinued.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
WHERE TO PLAY
Discover a vibrant and vast world in this standalone entry in the Final Fantasy VII remake project. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the second entry in the Final Fantasy VII remake project, which retells the story of the genre-redefining RPG across three distinct games. Iconic heroes Cloud, Barret, Tifa, Aerith and Red XIII have escaped from the dystopian city Midgar and are now in pursuit of Sephiroth, the vengeful swordsman from Cloud’s past who was thought to be dead. This new adventure can be enjoyed by all players, even those who have yet to play Final Fantasy VII Remake or the PlayStation original. Expect a new standard of cinematic storytelling, fast-paced combat and rich exploration across a vast world.
