‘The Simpsons’ Aspect Ratio Problem On Disney+ Will Finally Get Fixed On May 28
When Disney+ launched last fall, one of the more appealing pieces of the streaming service’s library of content was access to every single episode ofThe Simpsons(withone major exception). However, that ended up being a disappointment because a bunch ofThe Simpsonsepisodes that were originally broadcast in the 4:3 full screen aspect ratio (before high-definition, widescreen televisions came along),had been zoomed and croppedto fill a 16:19 widescreen format.
TheSimpsonsaspect ratio problem resulted poor image quality and even the loss of some visual gags, and after outcry from fans, Disney+vowed to fix the issueby the end of this month. Thankfully, that moment is nearly upon, and Disney+ has confirmed that the first 19 seasons and part of the 20th season ofThe Simpsonswill be restored to their proper aspect ratio starting onMay 28.
Here’s the official announcement from Disney+ andThe SimpsonsshowrunnerAl Jean:
WOO HOO! We love a prediction for#TheSimpsons, especially coming from@AlJeanhimself in 2015. Episodes in original 4:3 aspect ratio are coming to#DisneyPluson May 28.#DisneyBundlepic.twitter.com/WxEs9TC5D5
— Disney+ (@DisneyPlus)August 22, 2025
The reason this fix only applies to the first 19 seasons and some of the 20th season is because halfway through that season,The Simpsonsstarted broadcasting in a widescreen high-definition format. So every episode after that was made for the 16:9 aspect ratio. It’s a shame it took this long to make this adjustment, especially when FX Now already had the entire library ofThe Simpsonspresented in the correct aspect ratio. But at least it’s getting done.
When Disney+ announced they’d be fixingThe Simpsonsaspect ratio problem, they also teased “new features and additional viewing options,” so maybe we’ll get some of the episode commentaries that were previously available whenThe Simpsonswas available to watch over on FX Now.
One new addition to theSimpsonslibrary on Disney+ will be a theatrical short film that was released back in 2012:
pacifier suck pacifier suck 👶 The Oscar-nominated animated short film from#TheSimpsons, Maggie Simpson in “The Longest Daycare,” is coming May 29 to#DisneyPlus.#DisneyBundlepic.twitter.com/b4LExeKSw1
The Longest Daycarewas attached to screenings ofIce Age: Continental Driftin the summer of 2012, and it went on to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. Funnily enough, it ended up losing to Disney’s short filmPaperman. You can start watching it onMay 29.
