The opening couch gag was designed by 'Spiker Monster', a Venezuelan artist and Simpsons enthusiast.
This season began and ended with Broadway-inspired musical episodes. The first episode of the season was "The Star of the Backstage," guest starring Kristen Bell, and this episode guest starred Hugh Jackman.
The elementary school aged characters are shown as teenagers having a house party at the Simpsons. They are forced to hide when Homer and Marge enter and sit on the couch.