The Simpsons Take on the NFT Market
The popular animated series “The Simpsons” recently featured a segment that parodied the NFT market. In the Halloween-themed episode, Homer accidentally turns Bart into an NFT and embarks on a mission to rescue him. The episode humorously references various aspects of the NFT ecosystem, including the Bored Ape Yacht Club, Doodles, Beeple, and more.
Homer’s Perspective on NFT Value
When Homer realizes that Bart’s physical body has been turned into an NFT, he is devastated. However, his despair quickly turns into excitement when he learns that the NFT is worth $1.5 million. Homer tries to convince Marge that this was a positive outcome, jokingly stating that they always wanted Bart to be less fungible.
Marge Explores the Hierarchy of the NFT-Verse
Marge decides to mint herself as an NFT in order to save her son. As she navigates through “the blockchain,” she discovers a strict hierarchy where some tokens are highly valued while others have depreciated in worth. She encounters NFTs reminiscent of CryptoPunks, Doodles, Axie Infinity, and NBA Top Shot moments.
The Role of FOMO in the NFT Ecosystem
Marge learns that the train carrying all the NFTs is powered by FOMO (fear of missing out). This propulsive energy source can collapse at any moment. A meter shows the level of FOMO, with references to external influences like an Uber driver’s encouragement.
The True Source of NFT Value: Conquering the Market
In another carriage of the train, Marge encounters a group of “Cuddle Kittens,” representing the CryptoKitties NFT collection. She learns that in order to increase her own value as an NFT, she must eliminate other NFTs. The episode satirically highlights the mindset of some NFT enthusiasts who see this as “disruption.”
The Upper Crust of the NFT Hype Cycle: Digital Art
Marge eventually reaches the front of the NFT train and finds herself surrounded by digital artworks worth millions of dollars. The episode references real on-chain art pieces like Beeple’s “Everydays: The First 500 Days” and Dmitri Cherniak’s “Ringers” series. Bart is seen receiving a massage from a “Jaded Ape,” referencing the Bored Ape Yacht Club.
Reactions from Artists and Homer’s Final Line
Some of the artists referenced in the episode expressed their joy on Twitter, considering it a compliment. The episode ends with a humorous line from Homer, expressing his desire to be part of a major financial event after missing out on several bubbles throughout history.
Hot Take: “The Simpsons” Skewers the NFT Market with Humor
In its latest episode, “The Simpsons” takes aim at the NFT market, satirizing its hype and hierarchy. The show cleverly incorporates references to popular NFT collections and digital artworks while highlighting the role of FOMO in driving value. With its trademark humor, “The Simpsons” delivers a lighthearted critique of the NFT ecosystem, reminding us not to take it too seriously. The episode serves as a reflection of how mainstream culture views this emerging market, blending entertainment with social commentary.