Are we witnessing the conclusion of “The Simpsons”?

Not exactly: The beloved animated show released what was dubbed its “final episode” on Sunday night, but it was actually a clever way to kick off the premiere of Season 36.

The episode, named “Bart’s Birthday,” was presented as a “Fox special presentation.” It began with animated celebrities arriving at the “Dolby-Mucinex Theater” for the event, which was hosted by Conan O’Brien.

“It’s a privilege to be here with you all for the series finale of ‘The Simpsons’,” said O’Brien, addressing the crowd alongside animated figures of stars who have guest-starred on the show, such as Seth Rogen and Mr. T. “I believe I’m the right person for this occasion because I’ve hosted the last episode of three of my own shows, and counting.”

He then continued the humorous eulogy for the iconic Fox sitcom.

“Few are aware, but Fox has been attempting to wrap it up for years,” O’Brien’s character commented. “When the very first episode premiered in 1989, viewers unanimously agreed: It wasn’t as funny as it once was. Fox executives, not used to receiving any form of backlash, quickly succumbed to public demand and chose to end ‘The Simpsons’ in 1990.”

O’Brien’s animated character shared clips from what he claimed were never-aired attempts at a series finale before unveiling the “final” episode, developed using artificial intelligence. This included various dramatic conclusions for the storyline, like Moe’s bar being closed and Mr. Burns’ demise.

At the end of the episode, Bart gains awareness and realizes his birthday signifies he will turn 11. (Bart has been 10 since the series began.) He refuses to accept this, prompting Homer to strangle him, resulting in a glitch that resets the show. Everything then returns to normal, and the “series finale” is erased.

“The Simpsons” continues to hold the title of America’s longest-running animated series, sitcom, and scripted primetime show. Its premiere aired on Jan. 14, 1990.

While its popularity has waned since its peak in the 1990s, it still enjoys a reputation for occasionally eerily predicting future events, according to its fans.