500th Episode of ‘The Simpsons’ to Feature Julian Assange

The Simpsons will hit an impressive milestone on February 19th when the show celebrates its 500th episode. The longest running TV series in the United States will celebrate the milestone with a several celebrity guest appearances including Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.

Entertainment Weekly reports that Assange recorded his part for The Simpsons while he was under house arrest in Britain.

Simpsons executive producer Al Jean said:

“He’s a controversial figure, and there’s a good reason he’s controversial. There was discussion internally whether or not to have him on the show, but ultimately we went ahead and did it…. “there’s nothing we did that has anything to do with the legal situation that he’s in… We wanted to make sure it was satirical, and he was willing to do that.”

Jean said that there will be a few other celebrity cameos and a few old characters will return for the 500th episode. Jean says that none of the characters are as controversial as Assange.

The Simpsons is currently in its 23rd season. Kiefer Sutherland, Michael Cera, Jane Lynch, and Jeremy Irons have all appeared on The Simpsons this year.

Do you still watch The Simpsons? Will you watch the 500th episode on February 19th?

The 500th episode almost didn’t happen as the actors and producers had a contract dispute earlier this year. An agreement was eventually reached that will see the show continue for at least two more seasons.