The Simpsons is set to introduce a deaf character who communicates through sign language for the first time in its 33-year run, according to CNN coverage on the newer episode.
In this next chapter, the familiar characters from the long-running show will rely on American Sign Language, a notable shift for a program where gestures have historically been a visual shorthand rather than a spoken one.
Executive producer Al Jean expressed enthusiasm about delivering a milestone episode after so many seasons, noting the challenge of crafting a first-of-its-kind narrative after hundreds of adventures.
The episode is titled The Sound of Bleeding Gums and centers on Lisa Simpson, one of the family’s four offspring, as she navigates a story with deep musical roots.
Lisa discovers that a cherished musician who inspired her is a deceased saxophonist connected to Bleeding Gums Murphy, a character tied to the show’s legacy of jazz and family loyalty. The plot follows Lisa as she becomes deeply involved in helping a deaf child in the Murphy family who relies on cochlear technology.
Inspired by the life and memories of real jazz figures, the episode’s narrative weaves personal experiences with a broader look at hearing and music. The series’ lead writer has described the arc as intimate, reflective, and crafted with care.
During development, the show’s writing team consulted with experts in sign language to ensure that the animations accurately convey meanings, even as the characters themselves do not always mirror typical patterns of fingers or hands. The process aimed to respect linguistic nuance while keeping the humor and heart fans expect.
In interviews, the show’s creators stressed that the project was a labor of love and very personal. The broader team highlights a family background that includes members with hearing differences, which helped shape the storytelling approach.