Featured in
S8E15: Homer’s Phobia

"Oh, the color scheme and the rabbit ears. And the 2.3 children. I mean, where's the Hi-C?"

— John

"Oh, the color scheme and the rabbit ears. And the 2.3 children. I mean, where's the Hi-C?" — John

The Episode

Homer's Phobia (Season 8, Episode 15) aired on February 16, 1997, and marks one of The Simpsons' first forays into queer representation, handled with a surprising mix of sensitivity, humor, and marshmallow fluff. In this classic, the Simpson family befriends John, a kitsch-loving store owner voiced by none other than the fabulous John Waters, only for Homer to spiral into panic upon discovering that John is gay. Homer’s misguided attempts to “re-masculate” Bart — who genuinely enjoy's John’s company, oblivious to the homophobia swirling around him — involve a series of hilariously misguided outings, including a trip to a fabulous steel mill.

The episode was written by Ron Hauge, who reportedly drew on a mix of personal experience and admiration for John Waters’ distinct style of camp to craft a narrative that walked the line between satire and sincerity. The writing team approached Waters with the role, and he accepted on the condition that the humor would not come at the expense of LGBTQ+ characters. This collaboration helped to elevate the episode from potential misstep to cult classic.

Praise for Homer's Phobia came quickly, with the episode winning an Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program and a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding TV Individual Episode. Critics lauded its handling of Homer’s initial prejudice and eventual acceptance of John, a resolution achieved not through moral grandstanding but through a wild and ridiculous encounter with a pack of reindeer. The episode broke ground as one of the first mainstream animated series to center a gay character in a positive light, and its humor—like John’s absolute glee in being served a platter of Fluffernutters and Hi-C—holds up remarkably well.

At the time of its release, many critics praised the episode’s humor and forward-thinking approach, with John Waters’ involvement elevating it as a smart satire on homophobia. Some more conservative viewers found the episode to be too progressive for the time. Regardless, “Homer’s Phobia” went on to win several awards, including an Emmy, and has since been celebrated as one of The Simpsons’ most culturally important episodes.

Interestingly, the episode had to overcome some hurdles with network censors, who were initially hesitant to approve it due to its subject matter. The episode’s success, both critically and in terms of audience reception, showed that The Simpsons was capable of addressing social issues while maintaining its humor and charm. The inclusion of John Waters, a beloved figure in queer cinema, added authenticity to the portrayal, and his character remains one of the most fondly remembered guest appearances in the series' long history.

Watch on Disney+