Overview
- In the Jan. 4 episode, Barry Duffman tells the family the mascot is "retired forever," and he appears in civilian clothing by the end of the story.
- The installment parodies Apple TV+'s Severance and includes Duffman's attempt to recruit Homer to a fictional firm called EOD (Enthusiasm on Demand).
- A spokesperson offered no definitive confirmation of permanence, quipping, "Duffman says a lot of things. Oh yeah!" when asked about the character's future.
- Voiced by Hank Azaria, Duffman first appeared in 1997’s "The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson" and has recurred over nearly three decades.
- Coverage links the development to other recent cast changes, including the confirmed death of Alice Glick, while some fans speculate about longer-term plans ahead of a 2027 film and renewals through Season 40.