# Not It > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Not_It > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Not_It.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Not_It > Source revision: 1344938462 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) 5th episode of the 34th season of The Simpsons "Not It" The Simpsons episode Episode no. Season 34 Episode 5 Directed by Steven Dean Moore Written by Cesar Mazariegos Production code UABF17 Original air date October 23, 2022 (2022-10-23) Episode chronology ← Previous "The King of Nice" Next → "Treehouse of Horror XXXIII" The Simpsons season 34 List of episodes "**Not It**" (titled onscreen as "**Treehouse of Horror Presents: Not It**") is the fifth episode of the [34th season](/source/The_Simpsons_season_34) of the American animated television series *[The Simpsons](/source/The_Simpsons)*, and the 733rd episode overall. It aired in the United States on [Fox](/source/Fox_Broadcasting_Company) on October 23, 2022. The episode was directed by [Steven Dean Moore](/source/Steven_Dean_Moore) and written by Cesar Mazariegos. The episode is a parody of [Stephen King](/source/Stephen_King)'s 1986 supernatural horror novel [*It*](/source/It_(novel)) and its film adaptations, *[It](/source/It_(2017_film))* (2017) and *[It Chapter Two](/source/It_Chapter_Two)* (2019).[1] The episode received positive reviews. [Maggie Simpson](/source/Maggie_Simpson) does not appear in this episode. From September 29 to October 9, 2022, a contest was held that allowed viewers in the United States to submit spooky Krusty fan art. The works of 20 winners were presented during the credits of the episode.[2][3] ## Plot ### Not It In 1990, [Barney](/source/Barney_Gumble) encounters [Krusto](/source/Krusty_the_Clown), who drags him into the sewer. While looking for Barney, [Homer](/source/Homer_Simpson) is attacked by bullies. Seeing Krusto watching them, he calls the clown for help and escapes with the bullies following. The Losers, consisting of [Marge](/source/Marge_Simpson), [Comic Book Guy](/source/Comic_Book_Guy), [Carl](/source/Carl_Carlson) and [Moe](/source/Moe_Szyslak), defend Homer, and the bullies run away. The Losers and Homer share stories of their encounters with Krusto. They discover Krusto had several unfunny shows over many years, and he resurfaced every 27 years to kill children. As Marge and Homer show a clip from Krusto's 1963 show, Krusto emerges from the television and tries to kill Comic Book Guy. Homer stabs Krusto before Marge shuts the television off. They go to the television studio to defeat Krusto. Homer opens a box, revealing Krusto hidden inside. The Losers ineffectively attack Krusto. When Krusto slips and hurts himself, the children laugh, which surprises Krusto as children have never laughed at him before. Krusto hurts himself for laughs until Marge gives him some cherry bombs to eat. Krusto explodes but slithers down a drain. They promise to reunite in 27 years to kill Krusto permanently. Marge kisses Comic Book Guy, who took credit for a poem that Homer wrote for her earlier. ### Not It: Part Two In 2017, Marge and Comic Book Guy are married and have two children named [Bert](/source/Bart_Simpson) and [Lizzie](/source/Lisa_Simpson) (the Simpson children with reversed personalities). When bullies are killed by Krusto, Homer calls the Losers to help him defeat Krusto. Comic Book Guy refuses to help, so Marge goes by herself. As they plan how to defeat Krusto, Comic Book Guy arrives with the kids to retrieve Marge. Marge tells the kids to wait outside while she argues with Comic Book Guy. Krusto notifies the Losers that he has kidnapped Bert and Lizzie. They return to the studio and tell Krusto they no longer have childhood fears. Krusto says adults have anxieties and shows them as he grows more powerful from the laughter of his ghost audience. He reveals that Comic Book Guy did not write the poem. Bert and Lizzie see his power comes from the sign commanding the audience to laugh. Homer gives Marge a rock to throw at the sign, and Marge realizes that Homer wrote the poem. When Krusto tries to eat Marge, Comic Book Guy jumps in the way, allowing Marge to destroy the sign. The ghosts ascend to Heaven as Krusto dies. Though Marge admits that she cannot forgive Comic Book Guy for lying to her, she is proud her dying husband was brave. Bert, Lizzie and the surviving Losers ride out of the ruins, and Homer and Marge get together. [Kang and Kodos](/source/Kang_and_Kodos) realize their plan has failed and look through other Stephen King books to choose what to do next. ## Production *[The Simpsons](/source/The_Simpsons)* writer Cesar Mazariegos [pitched](/source/Pitch_(filmmaking)) an idea to do a parody of [*It*](/source/It_(novel)) for the annual *[Treehouse of Horror](/source/Treehouse_of_Horror)* episode, and the producers wondered why they never did it previously.[4] They realized that the time constraints by making it a six minute parody prevented an adaptation, so they decided to make the parody a full episode under the *Treehouse of Horror* brand.[1] Before writing the episode, Mazariegos read the novel and watched the [1990 miniseries](/source/It_(miniseries)) as well as the [2017 film](/source/It_(2017_film)) and its [2019 sequel](/source/It_Chapter_Two). He wanted to include the iconic moments such as Pennywise in the sewer. For the selection of characters to be in the Losers gang, Moe was selected because the character was flexible to fit different personalities. To complete the love triangle with Homer and Marge, he considered using Moe before choosing Comic Book Guy, whose character was "selfish and needy" and had him be the one who would die. For Pennywise, [Sideshow Bob](/source/Sideshow_Bob) was briefly considered before settling on Krusty. His appearance was redesigned to appear more like Pennywise from the 2017 film with a thinner waist and larger head and torso.[5] A part was written for *It* author [Stephen King](/source/Stephen_King) to be a gravedigger, but he declined.[5] King previously appeared as himself in the [twelfth season](/source/The_Simpsons_season_12) episode "[Insane Clown Poppy](/source/Insane_Clown_Poppy)".[6] A contest to promote the episode was held by inviting fans to submit art depicting Krusty the Clown as Pennywise. The winners would have their art featured over the end credits to the episode.[2] ## Cultural references - Krusto the Clown ([Krusty the Clown](/source/Krusty_the_Clown)) is a parody of [Pennywise](/source/Pennywise).[1] - The hooligan Dewey Largo has a T-shirt with the name of conductor [John Philip Sousa](/source/John_Philip_Sousa), in rock style.[7] - In an alternate future, Metal [Moe](/source/Moe_Szyslak) performs the song "[Rock You Like a Hurricane](/source/Rock_You_Like_a_Hurricane)" by [Scorpions](/source/Scorpions_(band)).[8] - When the adult Homer calls the Losers in his room, there is a poster of "[Cypress Hill](/source/Cypress_Hill)" on the walls.[9] - In Homer's apartment, there is a picture of a sinking boat.[10] ## Reception ### Viewing figures The episode was watched by 3.63 million U.S. viewers during its initial broadcast, per [Nielsen](/source/Nielsen_ratings) estimates.[11] ### Critical response [Tony Sokol](/source/Tony_Sokol) of *[Den of Geek](/source/Den_of_Geek)* rated the episode 4 out of 5 stars stating: "*The Simpsons*' '[Treehouse of Horror](/source/Treehouse_of_Horror)' episodes are always season highlights, and the extra added clowning is a welcome treat (the official 'Treehouse of Horror: XXXIII' is set to premiere next week). Written by Cesar Mazariegos, and directed by Steven Dean Moore, 'Not It' is quite scary, at times, and every frame carries both thrills and spills. The clown motif provides a panorama of ways to make the audience choke on laugher [*[sic](/source/Sic)*], even before a school bully's intestines get twisted into balloon animals. The parody works best because of the details, and some of the lines are individually hysterical. Not all, but it's not *It*, which gives its clown all the last laughs, even when modified for a [Gen Z](/source/Generation_Z) audience."[12] Matthew Swigonski of *Bubbleblabber* gave the episode a 7.5 out of 10 stating, "'Not It' wasn't a particularly funny episode, but it was a strong and captivating story elevated by a well-written parody script. It was also very interesting seeing the alternate lives of these familiar characters, but Homer's 'virgin loser' lifestyle was the showstopper. This was a very solid entry into the 'Treehouse Of Horror' collection with a full episode dedicated to one story. 'Not It' may have lacked a constant stream of laughs, but the audience should still feel captivated nonetheless."[13] ## References 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-EW_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-EW_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-EW_1-2) Snierson, Dan (July 23, 2022). ["'The Simpsons' to do TWO Treehouse of Horror episodes this Halloween"](https://ew.com/events/comic-con/the-simpsons-two-treehouse-of-horror-episodes-season-34-comic-con-2022/). *[Entertainment Weekly](/source/Entertainment_Weekly)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220725200310/https://ew.com/events/comic-con/the-simpsons-two-treehouse-of-horror-episodes-season-34-comic-con-2022/) from the original on July 25, 2022. Retrieved December 27, 2022. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Milligan_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Milligan_2-1) Milligan, Mercedes (September 29, 2022). ["'The Simpsons' Invites Fans to Create Their Kreepiest Krusty for 'Treehouse of Horror'"](https://www.animationmagazine.net/2022/09/the-simpsons-invites-fans-to-create-their-kreepiest-krusty-for-treehouse-of-horror/). *[Animation Magazine](/source/Animation_Magazine)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20221203212438/https://www.animationmagazine.net/2022/09/the-simpsons-invites-fans-to-create-their-kreepiest-krusty-for-treehouse-of-horror/) from the original on December 3, 2022. Retrieved December 27, 2022. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** [The Simpsons \[@TheSimpsons\]](/source/The_Simpsons) (October 24, 2022). ["Simpsons fans, your entries into our fan art contest were terrifyingly good! Congratulations to: Blake H., Henderson NV | Jay C., Paducah KY https://t.co/MQfHO8fSp6"](https://twitter.com/TheSimpsons/status/1584575503570182150) ([Tweet](/source/Tweet_(social_media))). Retrieved January 16, 2023 – via [Twitter](/source/Twitter). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Aslanian, Emily (October 3, 2022). ["Why It Took 'The Simpsons' 32 Years to Do Stephen King's 'It' for 'Treehouse of Horror'"](https://www.tvinsider.com/1062805/the-simpsons-season-34-treehouse-of-horror-stephen-king-it/). *[TV Insider](/source/TV_Insider)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230625012822/https://www.tvinsider.com/1062805/the-simpsons-season-34-treehouse-of-horror-stephen-king-it/) from the original on June 25, 2023. Retrieved June 24, 2023. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-VanHooker_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-VanHooker_5-1) VanHooker, Brian (November 1, 2024). ["An Oral History of 'Not It,' the Stephen King 'Treehouse of Horror' Parody That Required a Whole 'Simpsons' Episode to Tell"](https://www.cracked.com/article_44221_an-oral-history-of-not-it-the-stephen-king-treehouse-of-horror-parody-that-required-a-whole-simpsons-episode-to-tell.html). *[Cracked.com](/source/Cracked.com)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20241113150424/https://www.cracked.com/article_44221_an-oral-history-of-not-it-the-stephen-king-treehouse-of-horror-parody-that-required-a-whole-simpsons-episode-to-tell.html) from the original on November 13, 2024. Retrieved January 5, 2025. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Boyle, Michael (December 7, 2024). ["Stephen King Refused To Cameo In A Simpsons Episode That Paid Tribute To Him"](https://web.archive.org/web/20241208150949/https://www.slashfilm.com/1723968/stephen-king-the-simpsons-refused-cameo-tribute-episode/). *[\Film](/source/%5CFilm)*. Archived from [the original](https://www.slashfilm.com/1723968/stephen-king-the-simpsons-refused-cameo-tribute-episode/) on December 8, 2024. Retrieved January 5, 2025. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** [Selman, Matt \[@mattselman\]](/source/Matt_Selman) (October 24, 2022). ["Teenage Mr Largo has a metal logo version of "Souza" @TheSimpsons https://t.co/gJzMyYJcwY"](https://twitter.com/mattselman/status/1584334745218916352) ([Tweet](/source/Tweet_(social_media))). Retrieved January 16, 2023 – via [Twitter](/source/Twitter). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Schaefer, Jake [@jschaefermusic] (October 24, 2022). ["S34: E5 Not It @TheSimpsons "Rock You Like a Hurricane" @scorpions @mattselman @dcguzzler @CesarWeGetIt https://t.co/1lSoQMCVA9"](https://twitter.com/jschaefermusic/status/1584604566061924357) ([Tweet](/source/Tweet_(social_media))). Retrieved January 16, 2023 – via [Twitter](/source/Twitter). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Mazariegos, Cesar [@CesarWeGetIt] (October 24, 2022). [""Please don't tell anyone how I live." vibes Love the touches our @TheSimpsons background artists did here, particularly the sinking boat painting. Shout out to friends of the show, @cypresshill 🤘 #NotIt https://t.co/gVWrUu231I"](https://twitter.com/CesarWeGetIt/status/1584384149376274432) ([Tweet](/source/Tweet_(social_media))). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20221029184733/https://twitter.com/cesarwegetit/status/1584384149376274432) from the original on October 29, 2022. Retrieved January 16, 2023 – via [Twitter](/source/Twitter). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** [Selman, Matt \[@mattselman\]](/source/Matt_Selman) (October 24, 2022). ["The wall art of sad, alternative future Homer @TheSimpsons (his boat painting is sinking) https://t.co/djP59UUGkr"](https://twitter.com/mattselman/status/1584382024818663424) ([Tweet](/source/Tweet_(social_media))). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20221029183503/https://twitter.com/mattselman/status/1584382024818663424) from the original on October 29, 2022. Retrieved January 16, 2023 – via [Twitter](/source/Twitter). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Salem, Mitch (October 25, 2022). ["SHOWBUZZDAILY's Sunday 10.23.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED"](https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-sunday-10-23-2022-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html). *Showbuzz Daily*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20221025142045/https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-sunday-10-23-2022-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html) from the original on October 25, 2022. Retrieved December 27, 2022. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** [Sokol, Tony](/source/Tony_Sokol) (October 24, 2022). ["The Simpsons Clowns Around with Stephen King in "Not It""](https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/the-simpsons-clowns-around-with-stephen-king-in-not-it/). *[Den of Geek](/source/Den_of_Geek)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230605141434/https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/the-simpsons-clowns-around-with-stephen-king-in-not-it/) from the original on June 5, 2023. Retrieved December 27, 2022. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Swigonski, Matthew (October 24, 2022). ["Review: The Simpsons "Not It""](https://www.bubbleblabber.com/review-the-simpsons-not-it/). *Bubbleblabber*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20221225024748/https://www.bubbleblabber.com/review-the-simpsons-not-it/) from the original on December 25, 2022. Retrieved December 27, 2022. ## External links Wikiquote has quotations related to ***["Not It"](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/The_Simpsons/Season_34#Not_It)***. - [The Simpsons portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:The_Simpsons) - ["Not It"](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22464956/) at [IMDb](/source/IMDb_(identifier)) v t e The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror Episodes I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII XIII XIV XV XVI XVII XVIII XIX XX XXI XXII XXIII XXIV XXV XXVI XXVII XXVIII XXIX XXX XXXI XXXII XXXIII XXXIV XXXV XXXVI Related CyberWorld Kang and Kodos Night of the Living Treehouse of Horror Episodes "Halloween of Horror" "Thanksgiving of Horror" "Not It" "Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes" Category v t e The Simpsons episodes Seasons 1–20 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Season 21–present 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 Season 34 "Habeas Tortoise" "One Angry Lisa" "Lisa the Boy Scout" "The King of Nice" "Not It" "Treehouse of Horror XXXIII" "From Beer to Paternity" "Step Brother from the Same Planet" "When Nelson Met Lisa" "Game Done Changed" "Top Goon" "My Life as a Vlog" "The Many Saints of Springfield" "Carl Carlson Rides Again" "Bartless" "Hostile Kirk Place" "Pin Gal" "Fan-ily Feud" "Write Off This Episode" "The Very Hungry Caterpillars" "Clown V. Board of Education" "Homer's Adventures Through the Windshield Glass" See also Treehouse of Horror list The Simpsons episode guides "The Simpsons Guy" Category v t e Stephen King's It Characters Pennywise Bill Denbrough Beverly Marsh Richie Tozier Georgie Denbrough Dick Hallorann Adaptations TV It (1990) Woh (1998) It: Welcome to Derry (2025) "The Pilot" "The Thing in the Dark" "Now You See It" "The Great Swirling Apparatus of Our Planet's Function" "29 Neibolt Street" "In the Name of the Father" "The Black Spot" "Winter Fire" Film It (2017) soundtrack It Chapter Two (2019) soundtrack Parody "Not It" (2022) Related Derry, Maine Insomnia (1994) 11/22/63 (2011) Category v t e Adaptations of works by Stephen King Feature films Cujo (1983) The Dead Zone (1983) Christine (1983) Cat's Eye (1985) Silver Bullet (1985) Tales from the Darkside: The Movie (1990) Graveyard Shift (1990) Needful Things (1993) The Dark Half (1993) Dolores Claiborne (1995) Thinner (1996) The Night Flier (1997) The Green Mile (1999) Hearts in Atlantis (2001) Dreamcatcher (2003) Secret Window (2004) Riding the Bullet (2004) 1408 (2007) No Smoking (2007) The Mist (2007) Dolan's Cadillac (2009) A Good Marriage (2014) Mercy (2014) Cell (2016) The Dark Tower (2017) Gerald's Game (2017) 1922 (2017) In the Tall Grass (2019) Mr. Harrigan's Phone (2022) The Boogeyman (2023) The Life of Chuck (2024) The Monkey (2025) The Long Walk (2025) Carrie Carrie (1976) The Rage: Carrie 2 (1999) Carrie (2002) Carrie (2013) The Shining The Shining (1980) Doctor Sleep (2019) Creepshow Creepshow (1982) Creepshow 2 (1987) Creepshow 3 (2006) Children of the Corn Disciples of the Crow (1983) Children of the Corn (1984) The Final Sacrifice (1992) Urban Harvest (1995) The Gathering (1996) Fields of Terror (1998) Isaac's Return (1999) Revelation (2001) Children of the Corn (2009) Genesis (2011) Runaway (2018) Children of the Corn (2020) Firestarter Firestarter (1984) Rekindled (2002) Firestarter (2022) Trucks Maximum Overdrive (1986) Trucks (1997) Different Seasons Stand by Me (1986) The Shawshank Redemption (1994) Apt Pupil (1998) The Running Man The Running Man (1987) The Running Man (2025) Salem's Lot A Return to Salem's Lot (1987) 'Salem's Lot (2024) Pet Sematary Pet Sematary (1989) Pet Sematary Two (1992) Pet Sematary (2019) Bloodlines (2023) Misery Misery (1990) Julie Ganapathi (2003) The Mangler The Mangler (1995) The Mangler 2 (2002) Reborn (2005) It It (2017) It Chapter Two (2019) TV films, episodes, miniseries "The Word Processor of the Gods" (1984) "Gramma" (1986) "Sorry, Right Number" (1987) Golden Years (1991) The Tommyknockers (1993) The Langoliers (1995) The Shining (1997) Quicksilver Highway (1997) "The Revelations of 'Becka Paulson" (1997) Storm of the Century (1999) Stephen King's Desperation (2006) Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King (2006) Bag of Bones (2011) Big Driver (2014) 11.22.63 (2016) "Chapter Thirty-One: A Night to Remember" (2018) The Outsider (2020) Lisey's Story (2021) Carrie (upcoming, 2026) Salem's Lot Salem's Lot (1979) Salem's Lot (2004) It It (1990) Woh (1998) "Not It" (2022) Sometimes They Come Back Sometimes They Come Back (1991) Sometimes They Come Back... Again (1996) Sometimes They Come Back... for More (1998) The Stand The Stand (1994) The Stand (2020–21) Rose Red Rose Red (2002) The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer (2003) TV series The Dead Zone (2002–2007) Kingdom Hospital (2004) Haven (2010–2015) Under the Dome (2013–2015) The Mist (2017) Mr. Mercedes (2017–2019) Castle Rock (2018–2019) Creepshow (2019–2023) Chapelwaite (2021) The Institute (2025–present) It: Welcome to Derry (2025–present) Stage Misery (1992 play) Dolores Claiborne (2013 opera) The Shining (2016 opera) Carrie Carrie (1988 musical) Scarrie! The Musical (1998 musical parody) Audio Radio The Mist in 3D Binaural Sound (1984) Salem's Lot (1995) Pet Sematary (1997) Secret Window, Secret Garden (2003) Misery (2004) Podcast Strawberry Spring (2021) Comics Creepshow (1982) The Dark Tower (2007–2017) The Stand (2008–2012) The Talisman (2009–2010) Video games The Mist (1985) The Running Man (1989) The Dark Half (1992) Stephen King's F13 (1999) Category *This article incorporates [text](https://simpsonswiki.com/w/index.php?title=Not_It&oldid=1181367) available under the [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) license.* --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Not It](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Not_It) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Not_It?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.