Simpsons writer reveals iconic episode's hidden marijuana joke

The series started on December 17, 1989 and has run 760 episodes so far. The Simpsons holds the record for the longest-running American animated series, the longest-running American sitcom, and the longest-running American scripted prime-time television series. This applies to both seasons and individual episodes. It seems the public can't get enough of the dysfunctional family.

To keep the audience engaged, the makers throw in behind-the-scenes information, including drama on set or lucky breaks the makers had along the way. Sometimes they're Easter eggs that you missed or left on the cutting room floor.

“Simpsons” writer Josh Weinstein shared a joke that falls into the latter category for the animated series’ iconic “Who Shot Mr. Burns?” two-part episode. Another example of how Simpson's creators predicted the future was that they understood the impending mainstreaming of marijuana.

Josh Weinstein, the episode's writer, revealed that “Simpsons” TV broadcaster Kent Brockman was a secret marijuana user. Cops search for clues as Brockman reports live from the crime scene in the scene Weinstein shared.

RELATED: 1975's Matt Healy Reveals How Marijuana Helps His Mental Health

During the broadcast, sniffer dogs attack Brockman, suggesting he may be carrying illegal substances. “Brockman pulls out a bag of medicinal herbs and quickly stuffs them into his mouth,” the script says. With his mouth full, he asks Wiggum, “Anything else, Chief?”

On the 24th anniversary of Who Shot Mr. Burns? (Part 2)” – and at a time when marijuana is legal in many places – here is a scene of Kent Brockman that was cut after the table read in October 1996, suggesting that he clearly likes to smoke it. pic.twitter.com/46X9eH63AL

— Josh Weinstein (@Joshstrangehill) September 17, 2019

Weinstein revealed in comments on his post that he assumed the joke was “cut due to time constraints because this episode was really full of stuff and that was just a side joke.” When one user noted that Kent Brockman was always “like a Cocaine guy worked,” Weinstein agreed.

This isn't the first time The Simpsons has incorporated clever marijuana humor into its lyrics. In the 2005 episode “Midnight Rx,” the show accurately predicted that Canada would legalize cannabis before the United States. There was also the 2002 “Weekend at Burnsies” episode, which is about Homer getting a medical marijuana prescription and has the most pot jokes of any “Simpsons” episode possible are.