Harry Shearer quits The Simpsons.

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Harry Shearer, the voice of Ned Flanders, Mr. Burns, Principal Skinner, Otto, Smithers, and many more on The Simpsons, has apparently left the show. Shearer used Twitter to indicate that he wouldn't be returning in upcoming seasons of the long, long-running cartoon, suggesting that his desire to work on other projects was the reason for the decision. The actor quoted Simpsons writer and producer James L. Brooks' lawyer, who reportedly said that while the "show will go on, Harry will not be part of it."
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http://www.theverge.com/2015/5/14/8604495/harry-shearer-leaves-the-simpsons-no-mr-burns-flanders?

Might be time to put this show out to pasture.
 
The first several seasons were really quite exceptional (hilarious, witty, irreverent), but honestly it should have ended about twenty seasons ago.
 
Not what it used to be. Sometimes the show shouldn't go on - it should be euthanized as quietly as possible before it gets too long in the tooth.
 
D.T. said:
Shearer is a smart, talented guy, but he's also a bit of an *******. I mean, he's been in the industry a long time and if you're smart and opinionated you're going to wind up rubbing people the wrong way, but it sounds like he's had an issue and falling out with everyone from Groening to Michael McKean.

Good interview here:

http://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/episodes/episode_578_-_harry_shearer
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You might possibly be correct but no where can I find any information that suggest, implies or outwardly states anything that supports your comment. Do you have some additional info that you could share that would tally the facts in favour of your conclusion?
 
phrehdd said:
You might possibly be correct but no where can I find any information that suggest, implies or outwardly states anything that supports your comment. Do you have some additional info that you could share that would tally the facts in favour of your conclusion?
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Listen to the linked podcast (in it's entirety), track down a few Stern interviews, and I _believe_ you might come to the same conclusion. As I indicated, I "get" being the smartest guy in the room and having your creativity stifled, and how the entertainment industry is controlled by a bunch of self-indulgent jerks who get their jollies from destroying careers (his anecdotes about Lorne Michaels are particularly jaw dropping).

That said, I also have some perspective on talented individuals who are impossible to work with (I've been "around-the-block" a few times...), who are quick to point out their intellect/education, combined with him seemingly having issues had issues with quite a few people, including (as I mentioned), his long time friend and writing partner McKean. He's an only child, so am I, trust me, I understand the basic underlying psychology at work. Harry is probably a pain-in-the-rear to some, uncompromising genius to others - I like to think he can be a little of both :)

Again, to clarify: I don't like him any less, I think he's extraordinarily talented (especially if you look at the whole of his career, even pre-SNL), I just think he comes off as bit of as ass (at least in interviews).
 
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I still enjoy some of the recent episodes but the show has had an amazing run. Maybe it's time for them to end it.
 
D.T. said:
Listen to the linked podcast (in it's entirety), track down a few Stern interviews, and I _believe_ you might come to the same conclusion. As I indicated, I "get" being the smartest guy in the room and having your creativity stifled, and how the entertainment industry is controlled by a bunch of self-indulgent jerks who get their jollies from destroying careers (his anecdotes about Lorne Michaels are particularly jaw dropping).

That said, I also have some perspective on talented individuals who are impossible to work with (I've been "around-the-block" a few times...), who are quick to point out their intellect/education, combined with him seemingly having issues had issues with quite a few people, including (as I mentioned), his long time friend and writing partner McKean. He's an only child, so am I, trust me, I understand the basic underlying psychology at work. Harry is probably a pain-in-the-rear to some, uncompromising genius to others - I like to think he can be a little of both :)

Again, to clarify: I don't like him any less, I think he's extraordinarily talented (especially if you look at the whole of his career, even pre-SNL), I just think he comes off as bit of as ass (at least in interviews).
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Thanks much for the quick response and appreciate your explanation.
 
I often watch Simpsons episodes when I get back from work on Sky 1. They alternate between old episodes and new episodes. I can genuinely say that I still find the old episodes funny and I do audibly laugh out loud. The new ones barely give me a chuckle.

The whole 'old episodes were funnier' is definitely not some stubborn mythos. Hopefully with him leaving they can kill the show once and for all.
 
Funny, I watched a new episode the other night and it was hilarious. Pretty subtle and you have to pay attention. Lots of people cannot. Also funny, I found some of the "voices" hard to understand so maybe a little clarity from the next person will be an improvement.
 
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