The Simpsons says goodbye to beloved character Barry Duffman after 30 years

The Simpsons has officially retired longtime fan-favourite character Duffman, the boisterous Duff Beer mascot known for his signature catchphrase, “Oh yeah!”

After appearing on the hit cartoon for nearly 30 years, Duffman’s departure took place during the January 4 episode titled Seperance, a parody of the Apple TV+ series Severance.

In the episode, Duffman, who is voiced by Hank Azaria, announces to Homer and Marge that his days as Duff Beer’s chief spokesperson are over, revealing that he’ll now go by his real name, Barry Duffman.

“The Duff Corporation has, uh, retired that character forever,” Duffman says in the episode.

“All the old forms of advertising are now passé. Corporate spokesmen, print ads, TV spots. Today’s kids can’t even sing the jingles.”

Duffman tried to offer Homer a job at a corporation called EOD before eventually “deprogramming” himself from the company.

Recognisable by his superhero-inspired costume complete with a red cape, mirrored sunglasses, and a belt adorned with Duff beer cans, Duffman first appeared in the Season 9 premiere, The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson, which aired on September 21, 1997.

Over nearly three decades, he became one of the show’s most iconic recurring figures, embodying the over-the-top world of the fictional Duff Beer brand.

At the end of the episode, Duffman was wearing business attire signalling the mascot character was gone for good.

Fans have reacted strongly to the beloved character’s retirement on social media following the episode.

“End of the era. He shall be missed,” one viewer wrote on X.

Another added, “No more ‘Oh yeah!’ echoes through Springfield...we’ll miss you Duffman.”

Hank Azaria, who also voices Moe Szyslak, Chief Wiggum, Superintendent Chalmers, Comic Book Guy, and Snake Jailbird, is expected to continue in those roles.