The Simpsons' most surprising predictions

Here are 10 of the most surprising predictions made by the show:

• Donald Trump's presidency: In an episode of Bart in the Future, which aired in 2000, the show predicted that Donald Trump would become president of the US.
• Smartwatches: In an episode of Lisa's Wedding, which aired in 1995, the show predicted the use of smartwatches, which are now a popular technology.
• Autocorrect errors: In an episode of Lisa on Ice that aired in 1994, the show predicted the frustration of autocorrect errors that are now common on smartwatches.
• Ebola outbreak: In an episode of "Lisa's Sax" that aired in 1997, the show predicted a major Ebola outbreak that occurred in 2014.
• FarmVille: In an episode of Homer Scissorhands that aired in 2009, the show predicted the popularity of the social media game FarmVille, which soon after became a cultural phenomenon.
• Higgs boson particle: In an episode of The Wizard of Evergreen Terrace that aired in 1998, the show predicted the discovery of the Higgs boson particle, which was confirmed by scientists in 2012.
• Censoring Michelangelo's David statue: In an episode of The Regina Monologues that aired in 2003, the show predicted the censoring of Michelangelo's David statue in Florence, which happened in 2016.
• Smart home technology: In an episode of Treehouse of Horror XII that aired in 2001, the show predicted the rise of smart home technology, which has become increasingly popular in recent years.
• Greece's economic collapse: In an episode of Politically Inept, with Homer Simpson that aired in 2012, the show predicted Greece's economic collapse, which occurred in 2015.
• Disney's takeover of 21st Century Fox: In an episode of When You Dish Upon a Star, which aired in 1998, the show predicted that Disney would one day acquire 21st Century Fox, which happened in 2019.

These predictions have earned The Simpsons a reputation as a surprisingly prescient show, and fans continue to turn to the series for a glimpse into the future.

"The Simpsons is an animated television show created by Matt Groening. The show premiered on December 17, 1989 on Fox Broadcasting Company and has since become one of the longest running television shows in history.

The series follows the daily lives of the Simpson family, consisting of father Homer, mother Marge, children Bart, Lisa and Maggie and their extended family, friends and neighbours in the fictional town of Springfield.

The series quickly became popular for its wit, satirical take on American culture and politics, and ability to combine humour with sharp social commentary. It has won numerous awards, including 34 Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award.

Over the years The Simpsons has become a cultural phenomenon, spawning merchandise, a feature film and even an attraction at Universal Studios. Despite its longevity, the show has managed to remain fresh and relevant, adapting to changing times and always finding new ways to make viewers laugh and think.

Over the years, The Simpsons has made several predictions and jokes about Russia and its political landscape. Here are some striking examples:

• The collapse of the Soviet Union: In an episode of Two Cars in Every Garage and Three Eyes for Every Fish, which aired in 1990, Mr Burns' character runs for governor and jokes about the Soviet Union "collapsing faster than you can say 'Mikhail Gorbachev'". This episode aired before the actual collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
• Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election: In an episode of The Serfsons that aired in 2017, the show made reference to alleged Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election. In the episode, a wizard tells Lisa that her country is being attacked by an outside force, and when she asks if it's trolls, the wizard replies: "No, they interfered in your presidential election, but that was just a trial run."
• Putin's re-election: In an episode of Bart in the Future, which aired in 2000, the show predicted Donald Trump would become president of the US, and in a later episode of Looking for Mr Goodbart, which aired in 2017, the show joked about the supposed re-election of Vladimir Putin as Russian president. In the episode, Bart Simpson visits a Russian youth group and is shown a video in which Putin says, "I am Vladimir Putin, and I am still the president of Russia!"

Overall, The Simpsons often used Russia and its politics as an occasion for humour and satire, and although not all of their predictions came true, the show's commentary on world events remains popular and influential.