The longest-running scripted primetime series in television history continues its unparalleled journey when “The Simpsons” returns for its thirty-seventh season on Fox, with next-day streaming on Hulu, on September 28, 2025. For over three decades, the show has masterfully held a mirror to society through the satiric, half-hour adventures of a working-class family in the misfit city of Springfield. The series continues to explore the hilarious and often heartfelt misadventures of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie, while simultaneously lampooning contemporary culture, politics, and the timeless absurdities of everyday life.

The iconic, award-winning voice cast all return to bring the residents of Springfield to life. The legendary core sextet of Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Harry Shearer, and Hank Azaria is joined by invaluable supporting voice actors Pamela Hayden, Tress MacNeille, and Maggie Roswell. With this incredible ensemble, Season 37 promises to deliver the sharp writing, classic gags, and enduring charm that has made “The Simpsons” a global cultural institution.

The Simpsons Season 37 character names with actors

1. Dan Castellaneta as Homer Simpson & Grampa Simpson

The immensely talented Dan Castellaneta returns as the lovable oaf and patriarch, Homer Simpson, a role that has become one of the most iconic in entertainment history. Castellaneta’s genius lies in his ability to convey Homer’s endless spectrum of emotions—from joyful exuberance (“Woo-hoo!”) to grumbling dissatisfaction (“D’oh!”)—with a vocal versatility that is both hilarious and strangely endearing. He also provides the raspy, cantankerous voice of Homer’s father, Grampa Simpson, delivering rambling stories and complaints with perfect comedic timing.

Castellaneta’s contributions extend far beyond these two characters; he is also the voice of Krusty the Clown, Mayor Quimby, and Barney Gumble, among many others. His ability to create distinct, memorable personalities for dozens of Springfield’s residents is a cornerstone of the show’s world-building. For thirty-seven seasons, his performances have given depth and humanity to the animated absurdity, making him an indispensable pillar of the series.

2. Julie Kavner as Marge Simpson & Patty Bouvier

Julie Kavner provides the uniquely gravelly and patient voice of the Simpson family’s moral compass, Marge Simpson. Kavner perfectly captures Marge’s nurturing nature, her occasional exasperation with her family’s antics, and her underlying strength. Her performance is the heart of the show, grounding the chaos in a relatable sense of love and responsibility. She also voices Marge’s cynical sisters, Patty and Selma Bouvier, using a similarly distinct, smoke-roughened tone to create two separately identifiable characters.

Kavner’s portrayal of Marge has allowed the character to evolve from a simple homemaker into a complex figure who pursues her own dreams and challenges. Her ability to inject genuine warmth and subtle humor into every “Hrmmm…” or “Mmm-hmm” is a masterclass in voice acting. Her work ensures that Marge remains one of television’s most beloved and enduring maternal figures.

3. Nancy Cartwright as Bart Simpson & Nelson Muntz

Nancy Cartwright is the voice behind Springfield’s eternal underachiever, Bart Simpson. Cartwright’s energetic, mischievous delivery is instantly recognizable and has defined the character of a ten-year-old boy for generations of viewers. She brilliantly captures Bart’s rebellious spirit, his cleverness, and his hidden vulnerability. Additionally, Cartwright provides the iconic bully laugh and taunts of Nelson Muntz, showcasing her incredible range in creating two completely different juvenile characters.

Cartwright’s performance is a testament to her skill in maintaining a childlike energy and authenticity over an unprecedented span of time. Her ability to deliver rapid-fire wisecracks, prank phone calls (“I’m looking for a Amanda Hugginkiss?”), and moments of genuine brotherly concern for Lisa has kept Bart feeling fresh and relevant for decades. She is the engine of the show’s youthful anarchy.

4. Harry Shearer as Ned Flanders & Principal Skinner

The masterful Harry Shearer brings to life some of Springfield’s most iconic supporting characters with unparalleled nuance. Shearer’s performance as the devout, good-natured neighbor Ned Flanders is a highlight, perfectly balancing Ned’s optimistic helpfulness with his occasional breakdowns. He also voices the nervous, rule-obsessed Principal Seymour Skinner, creating a character whose authority is constantly undermined by his own insecurities and his domineering mother.

Shearer’s range is staggering; he is also the voice of the miserly Mr. Burns, the bombastic Kent Brockman, and the reverend Timothy Lovejoy. His talent for creating distinct vocal caricatures and his sharp satirical instincts have been instrumental in populating Springfield with a rich tapestry of personalities that parody various aspects of society. His contributions are fundamental to the show’s dense, layered humor.

5. Yeardley Smith as Lisa Simpson

Yeardley Smith provides the intelligent, thoughtful, and uniquely recognizable voice of Lisa Simpson, the eight-year-old intellectual and conscience of the family. Smith’s performance is remarkable for its ability to convey Lisa’s profound wisdom, her passion for justice, and her poignant struggles with feeling like an outsider, even within her own family. She captures the character’s saxophone-playing soulfulness and her righteous indignation with equal skill.

Smith’s Lisa serves as the show’s emotional and ethical anchor. While the world around her is often ridiculous, Lisa’s desires for knowledge, peace, and acceptance are always treated with respect. Smith’s ability to balance Lisa’s maturity with her youthful vulnerability makes her the most heartfelt character on the show, providing a crucial counterbalance to the satire and slapstick.

6. Hank Azaria as Moe Szyslak & Chief Wiggum

The extraordinarily versatile Hank Azaria returns to voice a vast array of Springfield’s most colorful characters. He is best known for the gravelly, pathetic voice of bartender Moe Szyslak and the incompetent, doughnut-loving Chief of Police, Clancy Wiggum. Azaria’s ability to create such distinct and hilarious characters from his own vocal cords is a key component of the show’s comedy.

Azaria’s repertoire is immense, also including the flamboyant Apu Nahasapeemapetilon (though the character’s future role has evolved), the squeaky-voiced Comic Book Guy, and the insane Professor Frink. Each character is a fully realized creation, contributing to the feeling that Springfield is a living, breathing community. His comedic timing and character work remain as sharp as ever.

The Supporting Voice Ensemble

The world of Springfield is further enriched by an essential team of supporting voice actors:

• Pamela Hayden provides the voices of Milhouse Van Houten, Bart’s best friend and perpetual victim of fate, and the bully Jimbo Jones.

• Tress MacNeille is the shrill, overbearing Agnes Skinner and the bully Dolph, among countless other female and child characters.

• Maggie Roswell voices the gossipy Helen Lovejoy and Milhouse’s mother, Luann Van Houten.

• Alex Désert takes over as Carl Carlson, Homer’s nuclear plant colleague, and Officer Lou.

• Kevin Michael Richardson brings his deep, resonant voice to characters like Dr. Hibbert.

• Chris Edgerly rounds out the cast, handling the immense load of additional voices and crowd scenes that make every episode feel populated.

This incredible ensemble works in harmony to create the unique, vibrant, and endlessly entertaining universe that has kept “The Simpsons” on the air for a historic thirty-seven seasons.