A writer on The Simpsons has revealed that his proudest moment working on the show involves a gag about Mr Burns’ phone number.
Josh Weinstein – who wrote and was a showrunner on the iconic cartoon until its eighth season – revealed a little Easter egg about everyone’s favourite megalomaniac billionaire.
Taking to Twitter, Weinstein shared the story behind a blink-and-miss reference hidden in the episode Homer the Smithers, which first aired in 1996.
And it turns out, it’s all to do with how the villain answers the phone, picking up the receiver and saying ‘Ahoy-hoy!’
The fan account Daily Simpsons History pointed out that this phrase was considered by Alexander Graham Bell (who, lest we forget, invented the telephone) to be the best way to answer a call.
‘This is it!’ Weinstein said. ‘The thing I’m most proud of. [Writing partner] Bill Oakley and I were obsessed with this little known fact and thought it was perfect for Mr Burns.
‘Bell preferred “Ahoy-hoy” while his arch-enemy Thomas Edison preferred “Hello.” Edison won but we tried to even the score.’
This is it! The thing I’m most proud of.@thatbilloakley & I were obsessed with this little known fact & thought it was perfect for Mr. Burns
Bell preferred “Ahoy-hoy” while his arch-enemy (and mine) Thomas Edison preferred “Hello”. Edison won but we tried to even the score. https://t.co/vJePHdhhVa
— Josh Weinstein (@Joshstrangehill) February 26, 2020
Of course, this also handily adds to the theory that Burns is basically immortal in the show – we bet he got this little greeting from Graham Bell itself.
And if you thought that little fact was exciting, just wait until you see what the bosses over at the show have got coming up for you.
They’ve revealed that a sequel to The Simpsons Movie is coming – although it’s still in the ‘very early stages’ of planning.
Let’s hope they bring back breakout star Spider-Pig.
Meanwhile, it’s a frustrating time for UK fans how the show – as the cartoon won’t be part of the Disney+ slate when the streaming service launches over here 24 March.
Despite being one of the biggest draws for audiences to Disney’s Netflix rival in the States, the show hasn’t been featured on any marketing material or including in any lists of content UK viewers can look forward too when Disney+ finally arrives next month.
In the words of Homer: D’oh!
The Simpsons airs on Fox in the US. Disney+ finally comes to the UK 24 March.
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk Entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE: The Simpsons fans convinced that Homer actually knows he’s a cartoon
MORE: The Simpsons’ producers address Hank Azaria’s decision to quit Apu as they tell fans to ‘stay tuned’