‘The Simpsons’ to Kick off 600th Episode with VR Experience

10.07.2016

As the longest-running scripted show in television history, The Simpsons is turning to virtual reality to celebrate its landmark 600th episode.

Fox teamed up with Google Spotlight Stories to create a three-minute couch gag, "Planet of the Couches" to proceed Treehouse of Horror XXVII on Sunday, October 16 at 8 p.m.

Fans can get the fully immersive experience through the Google Spotlight Stories app on Android and iOS, and a Google Cardboard viewer - with 25,000 limited edition Simpsons-customized headsets being given away for free on a first-come, first-served basis in the U.S. at simpsonscardboard.com. The VR spot will also be extended to 360 degrees, allowing the audience to explore the show's universe through multiple viewings.

"This is another example of how FOX is able to leverage innovation to deepen fan engagement and strive to bring interesting opportunities to our production partners," Fox Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Angela Courtin said in a statement. Planet of the Couches in VR was developed in conjunction with executive producers James L. Brooks, Matt Groening, Al Jean, Matt Selman and director David Silverman, and produced by Google Spotlight Stories.

"Spotlight Stories is all about pushing the boundaries of interactive, mobile storytelling. Having a chance to build an immersive story with one of the most iconic and beloved shows of our time was an honor and thrilling challenge," Jan Pinkava, Creative Director, Google Spotlight Stories, said in a statement.

Even Homer Simpson weighed in:

"At first we had concerns about working with Google because we didn't know who they were, but then we googled the company and were very impressed."

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