In a creative new approach to sports and entertainment, Disney+ and ESPN+ are teaming up to bring NFL fans an animated twist on Monday Night Football. On December 9, viewers can tune into a unique broadcast of the Dallas Cowboys vs. Cincinnati Bengals game, reimagined within the world of The Simpsons. This “Simpsons Funday Football” will take place in Springfield’s Atoms Stadium, with animated characters from the beloved series replacing the players and taking the game to a whole new level.
This marks the second year Disney+ has presented an animated NFL experience, following last season’s “Toy Story” NFL broadcast. But this year’s crossover with The Simpsons will be bigger, featuring major Monday Night Football moments. The Simpsons’ voice talents, including Hank Azaria, Nancy Cartwright, Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, and Yeardley Smith, are set to participate in pre-recorded skits and commentary written by The Simpsons team, adding a humorous and character-driven vibe to the broadcast.
Bart and Homer Hit the Field
In this special broadcast, characters from The Simpsons will not just appear as commentators but will also step into the game. Bart Simpson will be suited up for the Bengals, while Homer will take to the field as a Cowboys player. Adding to the fun, Marge and Lisa Simpson will conduct player interviews, and Maggie will be operating the SkyCam. Viewers can expect animated sports action with a dose of Springfield-style comedy that only The Simpsons can deliver.
A Unique Game Day Lineup
ESPN is bringing a unique experience to fans with three different versions of this NFL matchup. Viewers can watch the traditional broadcast on ESPN, ABC, and ESPN+ with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, or tune into the popular Manningcast on ESPN2, featuring Peyton and Eli Manning. For fans looking for a more family-friendly, animated alternative, The Simpsons version will stream on both Disney+ and ESPN+. Mina Kimes, Dan Orlovsky, and Drew Carter will provide play-by-play commentary as animated versions of themselves, adding to the fully immersive Simpsons theme.
Aiming to Reach a New Audience
This playful adaptation of an NFL game aligns with Disney’s strategy to connect with a younger demographic. The NFL’s partnership with The Simpsons aims to attract younger fans, given the show’s history of drawing in a young male audience, similar to what the league targets. The game will also be one of Disney+’s biggest live sports events to date, following Disney’s acquisition of The Simpsons in the 2019 Fox deal.
With The Simpsons already known for its lighthearted takes on pop culture and sports, this NFL crossover promises to deliver a fresh, engaging experience for football fans and longtime Simpsons viewers alike. Disney+ and ESPN+ continue to innovate with this hybrid of animation and live sports, bringing fans an exciting new way to experience Monday Night Football.
Set your reminders for December 9 to catch the Cowboys and Bengals like you’ve never seen them before—on the field with The Simpsons!
