For 35 years, The Simpsons has entertained audiences with its iconic animated adventures, garnering a dedicated fanbase enamoured with the quirky residents of Springfield.

In a recent episode titled “Cremains the Day,” the show’s producers made a surprising decision to bid farewell to a character who has been a fixture since the series’ inception.

Larry the Barfly, also known as Larry Dalrymple, a frequent presence at Moe’s Tavern, meets his demise while at the bar.

Following Larry’s passing, mainstays Homer, Moe, Lenny, and Carl attend his funeral, only to realise they knew little about their “friend.” Homer questions whether their neglect makes them “terrible people.”

As Larry’s mother, Iris, delivers an emotional tribute, the group, described as Larry’s “best friends,” awkwardly recounts a vague fishing story at the funeral before dispersing to sprinkle his ashes at Serenity Falls, his “special place.”

The unexpected death of Larry caught Simpsons fans off guard, prompting a flurry of reactions on X (formerly Twitter).

One user, anticipating the episode, expressed shock, writing, “Just learned they are killing off Larry on The Simpsons tomorrow. I need a minute.”

Another viewer noted the absence of mention for Larry’s supposed best friend, Sam, while a third lamented, “Holy s**t Larry from the Simpsons died, rest in peace my drunken king.”

In response to the fan reaction, co-executive producer Tim Long extended an apology for Larry’s demise. Long acknowledged the emotional impact of the episode on fans, highlighting the enduring love for the show.

He explained to TMZ that while he regrets upsetting fans, he appreciates the strong reaction as a testament to the show’s enduring popularity. Long emphasised that despite Larry’s relatively minor role, his death carries significant weight in the world of The Simpsons, where character departures are infrequent and thus deeply felt by viewers.