- The Simpsons take over the NFL in a real-time animated Monday Night Football game on Dec. 9. Players in the game will be transformed into animated characters, including Bart and Homer.
You’re not imaging things if you tune into tonight’s Monday Night Football game and Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow looks like Bart Simpson or Dallas Cowboys QB Cooper Rush looks like Homer. The Simpsons are taking over the game.
On the heels of SpongeBob SquarePants and crew calling the Super Bowl earlier this year, Springfield’s favorite family will take to the field in what’s being called a Funday Football edition of MNF.
Sure, if you’re a traditionalist, you can watch this matchup of two teams unlikely to make the playoffs with their human players (both have just a 2% chance of making the post-season). But if you’d prefer to travel to Atoms Stadium in Springfield to see the game transformed in real-time, here’s how to do so.
Why are The Simpsons on Monday Night Football?
Every now and then, the NFL likes to have a little fun. To celebrate the series’ longevity, the NFL and Disney are teaming up to offer an alternative broadcast featuring characters from the long-running show.
Is The Simpsons MNF game being shown in real time?
Yep. Players in the game will be transformed into animated characters, including Bart and Homer, in real-time. New tracking technology will use the NFL’s Next Gen Stats and other tools to create dynamic player and character models, including the mannerisms and limb movements you’ll see in the regular game.
What Simpsons characters can I expect to see?
Bart will head up the Bengals, while Homer leads the Cowboys, with both taking the field on key plays. Meanwhile, Marge and Lisa will interview players during the game, and Maggie will fly the SkyCam. Krusty, Nelson, Milhouse and Ralph join Bart with the Bengals; while Carl, Barney, Lenny and Moe will be with Homer and the Cowboys.
Hank Azaria, Nancy Cartwright, Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner and Yeardley Smith will voice the characters
Has the NFL done this before?
Once, but not with The Simpsons. Last year, Disney transformed the matchup of the Atlanta Falcons and the Jacksonville Jaguars into a Toy Story-themed game. London’s Wembley stadium was transformed into Andy’s room.
Which NFL teams are playing on Monday? And what channels are airing the games?
As always, the home team is listed second.
Monday, Dec. 9
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8:15 p.m. ET
Watch on ABC and ESPN, if you want to watch the human version of the game
Watch on ESPN+ or Disney+ if you prefer the Simpsons-ized version of the game.
How can I watch Monday’s NFL game for free—even if I am out of market?
The best way to watch any sort of network programming for free on a big screen is with a good HD antenna. To ensure you’re getting the most reliable signal, be sure to test the antenna in multiple locations in your home.
You’ll be able to watch the live game with human players on ABC over the air. If you want to see The Simpsons play, though, you’re going to need a streaming subscription.
Can I stream The Simpsons MNF live online if I don’t have a cable subscription?
Yes, but only on two streaming services
Disney+
Disney’s bundle of Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $17 per month for all three combined (or $30 per month for no ads on Hulu).
Including Live TV in the bundle bumps the price to $77 per month ($90 with no ads).
ESPN+
If you don’t have a Disney+ subscription and don’t want to buy the company’s bundle, a standalone subscription to ESPN+ will run you $12 per month. There is not, at the moment, any sort of free trial for the service.
Can I watch the Monday’s game on other streaming services?
Yes, but you won’t be able to see the Simpsons-ized version of the game – just the traditional one.
Hulu with Live TV
The free trial on this service lasts three days. Afterward, it will cost you $77 per month.
YouTubeTV
After a free trial, you can expect monthly charges of $73.
Sling TV
Dish Network’s Sling has a lower-tiered “Orange” plan that will run you $40 per month. Adding the more comprehensive “Blue” plan bumps the cost to $55 per month. The seven-day free trial has disappeared, unfortunately.
DirecTV Stream
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service will run you $80 per month and up after the free trial option. (The package that includes NFL Network will run you $99 per month.)
Fubo TV
This sports-focused cord-cutting service carries broadcast networks in most markets. There’s a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly charges of $80 and up, depending on the channels you choose.
Can I watch The Simpsons MNF on Amazon?
Nope. This is a Disney exclusive, since the company owns the brand–and the rights to Monday Night Football.
Does the NFL offer any viewing packages to watch The Simpsons MNF game?
It does!
NFL+
Watch live local and out of market games and (with the premium subscription) replays. You’re looking at a $50 charge per season. ($100 for premium.)
