“The Simpsons” has officially retired the beloved character Duffman after nearly three decades on the show. This significant event took place in the Jan. 4 episode titled “Seperance,” which parodied the series “Severance.” During the episode, Barry Duffman, representative of Duff Beer, announced the retirement of Duffman along with his iconic “Oh yeah!” catchphrase.
As Barry enters the Simpson household clad in a dress shirt, blue tie, and slacks—bearing a striking resemblance to Mr. Milchick from “Severance”—he reveals to Homer, Marge, Lisa, and Bart that, “Not anymore, actually.” In a bid to modernize the advertising approach, Barry explains that “the Duff Corporation has retired that character forever,” emphasizing a shift from traditional forms of advertising that he believes no longer resonate with today’s youth. “All the old forms of advertising are now passé,” he declared.
Fans will remember that Duffman made his first appearance in the Season 9 episode “The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson” in 1997. Known for his colorful superhero-like costume and enthusiastic persona, the character has been voiced by various actors over the years, most notably Hank Azaria, who has acknowledged the vocal challenges that come with portraying Duffman.
This announcement follows a series of character departures on “The Simpsons,” including the recent death of organist Alice Glick in the episode “Sashes to Sashes,” which aired in November. Maude Flanders, who met her demise in a 2000 episode, and saxophonist Bleeding Gums Murphy, are other memorable characters that have been written out of the series, showcasing the show’s occasional willingness to take bold narrative risks.
“The Simpsons,” which began its 37th season in September, has been renewed for two additional seasons through Season 40, and a second feature film is also in the works, scheduled for release in July 2027.
As audiences look ahead to these upcoming seasons and projects, the retirement of Duffman marks both a nostalgic farewell and an exciting opportunity for the show to explore new directions while continuing to resonate with viewers.