The Simpsons References GTA: Fans Voice One Major Concern

The popular animated series, The Simpsons, recently referenced the iconic video game franchise Grand Theft Auto (GTA) in a new episode, though not in the way many fans might expect.

As The Simpsons continues its impressive 36-year run, the show has adapted to contemporary trends, weaving in a variety of references to modern pop culture and emerging technologies. Recent seasons have explored diverse themes—from Bart navigating the expansive world of esports to discussions surrounding cryptocurrency and engaging parodies of today’s social media platforms like Twitter (now known as X) and Facebook.

In the May episode titled “Estranger Things“, Homer Simpson showcases an unexpected familiarity with the GTA franchise. Interestingly, it is not the much-anticipated GTA 6 that he mentions, but rather a throwback to an earlier title in the series.

Homage to GTA: San Andreas

In a particular scene just before heading to bed, Marge expresses concern about the dynamic between Bart and Lisa, prompting Homer’s initial mention of GTA. He quips, “Yeah, maybe you’re right. We don’t want them to end up like Sweet Johnson and CJ Johnson in Grand Theft Auto, ”referencing the classic game GTA: San Andreas. Homer humorously adds, “Marge, when you grow up in Los Santos and Big Smoke needs you to move that powder, the game has a way of playing you.”

Later in the episode, Homer is depicted playing a GTA-inspired game on the family television, engaging in combat with an opponent before being hilariously run over multiple times by another player.

GTA San Andreas made a cameo in the latest episode of The Simpsons pic.twitter.com/AFARqBpGKu

— dexerto (@dexerto) June 30, 2025

This moment quickly garnered attention on social media, with some fans criticizing the usage of CJ’s full name. Comments included observations such as, “CJ Johnson is like saying ATM Machine, ” and “Saying CJ Johnson is basically the same as saying Carl Johnson Johnson.”

While some viewers felt that the crossover was somewhat misplaced or overly contrived, a sizable audience expressed enjoyment of the reference, showcasing the enduring popularity of both the television series and the video game franchise.

Source & Images