Nearly everything The Simpsons does at this point is a TV milestone, since few other series’ characters have similarly remained both present and relevant during that same decades-long stretch. For its gobsmacking 800th episode, the animated comedy pays tribute to Philadelphia-born entertainment icons such as Kevin Bacon, The Roots, and Abbott Elementary’s Quinta Brunson. The ep also honors another huge Pennsylvania-based TV show,The Pitt, with guest stars Taylor Dearden, Noah Wyle and Katherine LaNasa.
Several of The Pitt’s cast members were on-hand for an episode screening, a Q&A, and an award presentation at the 2026 SCAD TVfest, which CinemaBlend’s Laura Hurley was also present for. Amidst focus on the medical drama’s success, Laura excitedly noted Taylor Dearden joining the lengthy list of high-profile Simpsons guest stars for such an iconic episode, and the actress said it was a total pinch-me sitch, saying:
