Yesterday we learned that The Simpsons creator Matt Groening revealed that the Springfield featured in the animated series is located in the State of Oregon. Today, we learn that that fact is not necessarily true. Apparently, Groening‘s comments were taken out of context, misconstrued or just flat out incorrectly reported … because in new comments made to TV Guide, Groening denies that he revealed the true location of Springfield. Sorry, Oregonians.
Sorry Oregon, you won’t be able to claim Homer, Bart and the rest of The Simpsons clan as your own. The Simpsons creator Matt Groening confirms exclusively to TV Guide Magazine that his recent statements were misinterpreted — he did not reveal that his long-running animated Fox comedy was set in Oregon. “I never said Springfield was in Oregon,” Groening says. “I said Springfield was the name of my sled.” Groening is responding to rampant reports that claimed he had suddenly revealed one of the biggest secrets of The Simpsons’ 23-season history. In an interview with Smithsonian magazine, Groening confirmed something that he had actually mentioned several times in the past: That he named the show’s setting after Springfield, Oregon. “When I was a kid, the TV show Father Knows Best took place in the town of Springfield, and I was thrilled because I imagined that it was the town next to Portland, my hometown,” he told the magazine. “When I grew up, I realized it was just a fictitious name. I also figured out that Springfield was one of the most common names for a city in the U.S. In anticipation of the success of the show, I thought, ‘This will be cool; everyone will think it’s their Springfield.’ And they do.” But that’s a far cry from proclaiming that the show actually takes place in Oregon. The Simpsons executive producer Al Jean also tells TV Guide Magazine that it was one big misunderstanding — which was then repeated on virtually every news program and in every newspaper in the country. “They misinterpreted something I’ve heard him say for at least 10 or 20 years,” Jean says. “He was inspired by growing up in Portland, but it’s really an every town. It’s really funny. Matt grew up in Oregon and parts of The Simpsons were definitely inspired by his childhood. But there is no specific state that Springfield is in, and we will never reveal that secret… except this coming Sunday at 8,” he quips … And in conclusion, there is an answer if you just put all the clues together.” (He’s joking, fans.) “In the movie we say it borders on Ohio, Nevada, Maine and Kentucky. So good luck finding that state. When you do, you’re a true Simpsons fan.”
You know, I knew it. It seemed too good to be true that Groening would reveal the true location of Springfield. The show has been running forever, it still has many years ahead of it … why reveal info like this now? I was kinda waiting for a follow-up like this. I will say, tho, that while Groening is denying saying that Springfield is in Oregon, he hasn’t denied that it may be true. It really does sound to me that Springfield as it exists in The Simpsons was inspired by the State of Oregon so … until we know for sure, for sure we’ll have to make our own determinations.
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I totally agree with you Trent. I honestly felt that it was pretty clear in original quoted text that appeared in all those posts when the story first broke, that Groening had named it after the one in Orgeon not that it was the one in Orgeon. He also stated pretty clearly that he never wanted to say which one it was to let the viewers all have their own Springfield. All of these facts were quoted word for word in numerous blogs and it wasn’t until some idiot decided to twist it for a headline that it all blew up.
I thought there was some sort of contest or something a few years ago and it was decided that Springfield, Vermont was the home of the Simpsons.
@JillyD — Oh yeah. That sounds familiar. I think you’re right.
That was for the movie premier. He is from Oregon and he named characters after streets in Portland.