The opening couch gag was designed by 'Spiker Monster', a Venezuelan artist and Simpsons enthusiast.
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.
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.