About Worldwide Simpsons Day
April 19th is celebrated as the Worldwide Simpsons Day, commemorating the first television appearance of the iconic yellow family, which happened in 1987 with the short film “Good Night” as part of The Tracey Ullman Show.
Although the series itself premiered on December 17, 1989, that initial appearance marked the beginning of an era in television and paved the way for this global celebration.
The proposal to establish this date as Worldwide Simpsons Day originated in 2017, driven by Spanish communication company PR Garage for the 30th anniversary of its on-screen debut. The initiative was supported through a petition campaign on Change.org, and since then, fans worldwide have found new ways to honor the long-running animated series every April 19th.
The “Simpsons Mode” Arrives on ChatGPT
Amidst the frenzy over AI-generated images, ChatGPT users are experimenting with a new trend: converting their photos into the style of The Simpsons. Just as images inspired by the Studio Ghibli universe went viral a few weeks ago, now it’s Springfield’s turn.
The ease of use of tools like ChatGPT has fueled this visual phenomenon, as users can obtain their own or others’ portraits in versions that mimic the characteristic design of Matt Groening through simple steps:
How to Create Your Simpsons-Style Version Using ChatGPT
- Open ChatGPT: Make sure you have the updated app or access it via browser.
- Upload your image: Click the “+” icon and select “upload files from computer.”
- Write the appropriate prompt: Phrases like “convert this image to The Simpsons style” are usually enough for the AI to understand what you want.
- Generate the image: The model takes between 30 seconds and a minute to deliver the final version.
- Download and share: Once it’s ready, you can save your illustration or share it on social media.
The trend has been embraced by both nostalgic fans and curious individuals who want to see themselves as another Springfield character.
AI as a Creative Tool… and Controversial One
Similar to the fever for Ghibli-style illustrations, the trend of generating images that simulate artistic styles using AI has also sparked debates about intellectual property and copyright.
Legal experts warn that although styles aren’t protected by copyright, extensive use of these technologies in commercial contexts could lead to conflicts.
In a recent interview with El País, Matt Groening, the creator of The Simpsons, shared his thoughts on AI in the entertainment industry.
While acknowledging the creative potential of these tools, Groening emphasized that AI still cannot replicate something crucial: human humor.
“It’s reassuring to know that, at least for now, jokes are still the work of people,” commented the author.
