The Rise and Fall of Principal Seymour Skinner

In this episode of The Simpsons Theory, we look at how The Simpsons have changed Principal Seymour Skinner of Springfield Elementary over the years. From the Golden Age of being a complex foe and friend of Bart to the Simpsons' punchbag. We look at full episodes of The Simpsons to piece together clues to accompany our analysis. However, there will also be discussions on whether or not the newer episodes of Season 34 have been able to save Principal Skinner.
Subscribe to watch more videos on The Simpsons (created by Matt Groening). We specialize in videos, essays and topics that'll appeal from the casual viewer to diehard fans alike. We also look at the funniest Simpsons moments from Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie. As well as other Simpsons characters from Springfield.
Written by: Murray Furguson
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[@danielshaffer-green5684]

I would love to see a deep dive into Moe's character, specifically regarding how he has become a lot more unethical and miserable as the series has gone on.

[@shannonreeder1237]

I hope he's on deck or coming soon surely

[@hullinstruments]

I'd love to hear the history of Moe's noose. How many times it appeared, how many times he nearly used it, and finally... When will the writers put him out of his misery.

[@joecurran2811]

​@@hullinstruments You can't a cartoon character killing themselves. Young kids watch this.

[@cedricfowler3465]

I forgot Principal Skinner's voice was a lot deeper and authoritative in the early seasons. The voice acting had gravitas and a quiet dignity to it the later seasons Skinner doesn''t have.

[@SMToonAsia]

Say what you want about Skinner but the man knows how to steam a good ham.

[@jtdollarfitness3048]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@astro-aaron]

Skinner wanted to make sure his students didn’t mess around. And made sure no one messed with his students.

[@JoshRazauskas]

The moment that he went downhill was when they split him form Edna before she passed away. I used to love his character? It’s so sad. As you pointed out though Lydia he does seem to be on the road to recovery. We’ll have to wait and see what happens.

[@TheTraubenstein]

It would've been more meaningful if she died while with skinner. There were so many episodes in many seasons showing their relationship. Ned had Maude. he was raising his kids alone the best he could while grieving. I never liked that switch.

[@JoshRazauskas]

@@TheTraubenstein Yeah same

[@SomeGuyParadise]

Something weird about the modern Simpsons is that Superintendent Chalmers frequently says words that sound like "Skinner" is his yelling-at-Skinner voice, such as "sinner" or "skin him." Maybe Chalmers obtained this quirk because of how Skinner became more of an embarrassment and yell-worthy as a result.

[@javiersantanaaviles5885]

Skinner was once a character that I could admire because he was a soldier to the bone that wasn´t scare to do what he had to do to keep the Springfield elementary in order, but now, he is simply just a walking joke

[@MrJamaigar]

Yeah... He's almost as pathetic as others like Kirk Vanhouten, Gil Gunderson, etc. A pathetic mommy's boy, whose own mother treats like a joke, ironically.

[@grapeshot]

He's like some not living never giving up guy.

[@christophergraham5531]

Poor Skinner, he became a joke.

[@ryanwernecki-jones7868]

I agree but 34 seasons you can’t get everything right it. Especially if it’s not Entirely linear, it’s hard to think of stories I know this is controversial but Disney had saved it

[@christophergraham5531]

@@ryanwernecki-jones7868 I suppose that’s true but the writers could have a least done something to not make him a complete joke before that point.

[@daniapfel9673]

Yeah

[@ryanwernecki-jones7868]

@@christophergraham5531 maybe but I think they found it difficult Cus of the real life death of Edna and the actor quit I just think it was difficult but I see your point

[@simpsonsfanatic777]

What were they thinking when they ruined his relationship with Edna?

[@Crow_Smith]

I think they wanted a reason to give her to Ned - without considering the rest. Or realized he was too Flanderized while trying to un-Flanderize Ned, so decided to switch them. But yeah it was a really stupid idea - though we'd still have had to see one of our boy lose her eventually. ):

[@itsallyv238]

I personally think that it was a really good idea since Ned and Edna’s relationship was so good and I didn’t really like Edna and Skinner’s relationship so I thought it was a good call

[@monkeymoses]

He is byfar one of the best characters in the entire show

[@Cooler442]

Agreed

[@bilbo3108]

Was

[@qwertyrobbo101]

I think one of the meta issues with Skinner is the way the series uses a floating timeline, and have moved the Simpsons through the decades, so now Skinner being a Vietnam vet doesn't line up as he'd be too old, so the producers have had to down play this side of his character and in turn its cut his knees out from under him

[@Interfaune]

Yeah, they should just change it to Afghanistan and make Abe a Vietnam vet, then they can go on for a while with that.

[@Sly88Frye]

I always thought was how intimidating Skinner was by Chalmers and how unlucky was how he would end up going to the most embarrassing things right in front of him was just so funny. Something that it appears they have forgotten about for some time, but you know what it is interesting that they decide to finally give him some backbone and for him to for once actually stand up against the superintendent pretty cool that Gary has respect for Seymour after that

[@DanielLopez-cy2tq]

Skinner has always been one of my favorites. I always feel bad for him like moe.

[@blackroseinbloom]

I wish the writers would’ve killed off Agnes seasons ago. Had she died then Skinner been forced to deal with the reality that he was alone years ago, it would’ve opened up more storylines and growth as a character. I get why she’s still around but it’s tough knowing Skinner is just a joke for being the biggest pushover since he was born.

[@LowellLucasJr.]

Who was glad to see Skinner take on Chalmers?! That was such a relief much like Patty and Selma finally captured MacGuyver!

[@anodyneghost]

He really seems like one of those side characters they don't know what to do with anymore. There are several of those at this point. I wonder if a spinoff following some other Springfield residents would help that?

[@Britt4770]

This made me realize how much I appreciate his character. Can you do an episode talking about Bart and Maggie's relationship? I always see Bart and Lisa, Lisa and Maggie, but never the youngest and oldest 🧐.

[@michaelfragoso6572]

Wish they made an episode where Skinner finally stands up moves out of Agnes house

[@billynahar9861]

Honestly I wish they would kill off Agnes and let Skinner grow from there. She’s such an annoying / boring one dimensional character, and the “Skinner mama’s boy” has dragged on for way too long.

[@disneyboy3030]

I actually have an idea to hint that there is a tragic reason for this that she hides under that façade.

[@cammy85]

It was nice to see Skinner finally stand up to Chalmers. I have to remember to make notes of the key episodes you mention. I watched that particular episode right after this. One thing to note is that was very little of the faamily in that episode. Bart was in there more than anyone and the family wasn't there until the tail end.

[@AJPierson]

I think The principal and the pauper is a decent episode. The major problem is the ending disregards the reveal and status quo, and the characters pretend this episode never happened.

[@LowellLucasJr.]

The principal and the Pauper episode of really slapped fans in the face. It hurts even harder when even Skinner's voice actor commented that it's gonna upset a lot of fans. Sure the writer thought this would be a fun spoof and to goof on fans who took the seriously, but in the end it ended up making them look like a jerk.

[@beargreen1]

Skinner had a great rise and had a sad fall after a bit, but it seems that he is starting to get his groove back.

[@Caolan114]

Marge: I don't want my son to turn Into that! *Pointing at Skinner and his mother* Skinner: What? a wall?

[@lanternsown3525]

Seymour Skinner is a one of a kind character and leader.

[@SilverSaiyanAce]

I'd say "The Principal and the Pauper" is cannon since Lisa references it in a normal episode later (normal as in not a parody, or Side story like "Tree House of Horror" or "A Serious Flanders"

[@pureorangeness]

But she references it in an episode which does the same non-canon thing to keep continuity (where Lisa’s cat Snowball II dies and is replaced by an identical cat she calls Snowball II to keep things simple), so I think it’s just another meta-joke about how they screw with continuity for the sake of the plot

[@SilverSaiyanAce]

@@pureorangeness yes but It's still technically cannon within the shows universe as it did happen and is just ignored by the characters unlike the other stuff I mentioned which is blatantly non-cannon

[@SilverSaiyanAce]

@@pureorangeness it's like who shot Mr burns It did happen but didn't change the status quo and is mentioned to often

[@Idran]

@@SilverSaiyanAce honestly, all canon really is in any show or book or game or whatever is "the stuff that the writers will keep in mind when writing for it" so if the writers won't ever seriously reference something that happened, is it really canon in any sense that matters?

[@SilverSaiyanAce]

@@Idran yeah I know that but still I see it as cannon until retconed

[@TheLastOfTheRealOnes94]

I think the next deep dive should be Gil Gunderson he's someone who definitely doesn't know when to quit 😂

[@adamcolson5819]

When I was a kid skinner walking in and out of the water was the scariest shit I ever seen gave me nightmares

[@grapeshot]

Mom that sailor suit is too small now.

[@QueenOfFandoms]

Skinner and Edna were so cute together and I'll never forgive the writers for ruining that storyline.

[@hyperstarlightgaming5605]

Great video! Skinner is such a complex and great character, thank you for highlighting this :D

[@theworldsgreatestlover]

Skinner is one of my absolute favourite characters on the show. Makes me really sad thinking about what they did with his character later on

[@saikoormike]

Hey you've hit 200k since I've last watched! Congrats!

[@TheSimpsonsTheory]

Thank you

[@dylanbahret6511]

Great video, late upload I thought I missed it. Keep up the great work and have a wonderful rest of the week

[@mikerotch7606]

I wouldn’t bad mouth Skinner, I’ve heard he’s a ex green-beret…

[@KUUSproductions]

Thanks! I always enjoy your videos!

[@Animated-History]

Flanderization has become a common occurrence

[@MTTT19]

Awesome video! I hope one day he'll finally stand up to his mother. Speaking of which, I'd love to see a video on Agnes Skinner.

[@tenebrousoul9368]

Ahoy hoy, neighborinos! Deep dive the Bee Man

[@conastycorleone5261]

💯💯💯 needs dat

[@LowellLucasJr.]

Skinner is still a respectable man and overgrown momma's boy we love. Sure he's a Weenie...but he's our Weenie! I still give him credit whenever he gets into his Green Bureau mode! At that point, he's more determined than a Terminator, Tougher than Flying Hellfish and willing fight anyone who messed with his hairline!

[@TobyOliverHenryFan]

It's not embarrassing that Reverent Lovejoy plays with train, but it's weird that he is playing in the basement. Like really couldn't have he found a better place?

[@TobyOliverHenryFan]

But I must say his layout is abysmal! Like common only a tunnel and Buns' Power Plant. How plain!

[@TobyOliverHenryFan]

Also is the reverend's name Tim? I heard his wife call him that once.

[@xaviong257459]

He might be a weenie, but he’s a weenie you can be proud of.

[@LowellLucasJr.]

Can we get a video on the history of Itchy and Scratchy? Also including its creator, his no-good son, and its relationship with the Krusty the Clown show?

[@TheHonoredMadman]

Another great one. A moe video like thos would be great but would probably be pretty long and require alot of rewatching but he's another great iconic character who would be great for one of these

[@jojowalker6560]

That was pretty good you sumed up everything about Skinner didn't realize he lost it that bad after watching this 😂 my favorite episode was when him and chief wiggum had a side episode together.

[@TheLiteralTitanic]

Not ONE mention of Steamed Hams in a Skinner video! Amazing!

[@Caolan114]

When he's drinking with Homer and Chalmers Is there and he says "There's something I've wanted to say to you for years! ... am I a good principal?"

[@PartnershipsForYou]

Ahh, Lydia serving us some more steamed hams!

[@potato1341]

Hearing skinner say "son of a bitch" gave me whiplash, I was half paying attention to the vid cause I was on a game but that took me right back in

[@manoftheusajones5147]

Every 1, Whatever you do, do NOT change a Character's Backstory!

[@rickkaine2580]

I just re-subscribed And BTW Congrats for 203K Subscribers!

[@MonkeiKing]

You've just made me realise why its not the same its 2d now the characters outside of the Simpson are interchangeable watered down versions of themselves. I haven't even started the episode in still on the intro but the time he chased down bart was terrifying as a kid

[@Polycomical]

Disco Stu needs a video from you! And the element to focus on is how if these trends continue...Ayyyyy!

[@ryanwernecki-jones7868]

Hello Lydia thanks for the content

[@ryanwernecki-jones7868]

It sounds like we both from south east England if only we could meet up and knew your last name so I could find eachother and talk Simpsons

[@rodan9773]

How about a Deep Dive in to Homer Simpsons character on how he is probably doomed to be a character that learns to br better forgets what he learned just to learn basically the same thing and then forget it again.

[@amitysluzara2022]

Skinner uses to be such a strong 3 dimensional character but nowadays he just isn't the same character anymore unfortunately :(

[@chad9186]

This may sound crazy but maybe someday you can go over Springfields bowling teams

[@Lord_Foxy13]

I don't care what your thoughts on The Principal and the Pauper are... It has what is my opinion is Skinner's best line ever. When he leaves the self-storage on his motorcycle. The kids see him and question his presence and he simply replies: "Up yours Children" while riding off on the highway.

[@carlwapper]

Skinner became a joke to the entire series, and that when the show had jumped the shark!

[@patrickstreetet3085]

I think maybe if you did like a Maggie exclusive episode it could be really interesting. I'm sure you can come up with something more clever than that, but I think Maggie could be a center of a really popular video

[@hullinstruments]

I'd love to hear the history of Moe's noose. How many times it appeared, how many times he nearly used it, and finally... When will the writers put him out of his misery.

[@hullinstruments]

Also... how many times he was going to use it but found someone else hanging from it instead. Surely that's happened a few times

[@Karnage007]

When Flander's becomes principal, is one of my favourite episodes.

[@Jack_Walten32]

THIS WAS POSTED LESS THAN A MINUTE AGO AND HAS 7 VIEWS????!!!

[@SellavinAtoms]

I want to see if you do 1 on Disco stu and the Sea captain because part of me believes that they're father and son and i'm not the only one.

[@poppinpatty2507]

They don’t stay young forever no matter how much we want them to, LMAO. Don’t get me wrong, I love my kids, and now I love them living in their own houses, because they are adults, LMAO. Great biography, Lydia, very interesting and fun (loved all the clips from the earlier episodes!)! Keep up the great work and great content👍👍 🍎Ahoy Springfieldians🍎

[@GleppaPigg]

I'm taking a grumpy, and I wipe with my hands to smell the food I ate hours ago 🤤🤤

[@poppinpatty2507]

@@GleppaPigg yuck. To much TMI. everybody knows you can save a lot of money, skipping on toilet paper, every dollar counts when you’re trying to keep your eye on the prize😈🤣👏👍👍🍾oink oink

[@1nto]

baged

[@30chillipalmer]

Good old Armin Tanzarian. 😂😂

[@brandonscott5544]

GREAT THE SIMPSON THEORY SKINNER INTERESTING VIDEO LYDIA 😉❤️

[@TheTraubenstein]

What killed it for me was when during an assembly, a grenade was tossed at his feet causing him to wet himself. This is the same guy who whooped on the Disney lawyers (I know, ironic right?) and had a weird Norman Bates thing going on.

[@BigLee1901]

8:02 Now that I see her in the picture here, is there anymore backstory to Ruth Powers or her daughter? As I can only think of two episodes with her in them.

[@Mike-qz4by]

Armin Tamzarian

[@claymathewselevator8121]

The Road To Cincinnati is a great episode

[@MatildaBuildsStuff]

I think they took a downhill when they broke him up with Edna. They worked so well together as characters, flipping the stereotypes of the average Tv couples. Edna and Ned never reallly made since to me, I mean, Ned is so chastised and calls the reverend over small issues, we’ll she is a free spirit, and liberated woman.

[@debpastore4741]

I love that you love the Simpson's but something is just different about your episodes now😢can you do videos on consperisy theorys?

[@cakes3958]

The biggest change is due to him becoming Super Nintendo Chalmers lackey.

[@createwithimagination1336]

I feel bad for Seymour because his mother mistreated him, yelled at by Superintendent Chalmers, got his heart broken by Edna Krabappel and more. I hope he will find a new girlfriend and become a free man.

[@daniapfel9673]

Poor Seymour

[@UJEvans]

Skinner: it could've been a day, it could've been the rest of my life Bart: and...? Skinner: (sigh) it was only a day Bart: but you've been gone for three months Skinner: (perks up) groovy! (Marches off confidently)

[@daniapfel9673]

I don't know that thanks again Lydia

[@grapeshot]

Yeah who never knew that elephants were carnivorous.

[@wonderrise]

I have never honestly picked up in this before but yea Skinner did go down hill fast

[@mikebrown1906]

We're not to ever talk about the "real" Seymore Skinner according to judge Synder.

[@MR.Bottom-zq4kx]

Where is Üter Zörker, i miss him 😭😭

[@isaaclemmen6500]

Skinner is probably the character most hurt by the floating timeline. Its lead to the vietnam part of his story being phased out, since for him to have it, he would be to old.

[@william5356]

Did you watch the game done changed from the simpsons on hulu.

[@The_Str4nger]

He's an odd fellow, but he steam a good ham.

[@Unfirst.]

Finally someone had to say something about this.

[@austinandhisfriends]

Can you do a rise and fall of krusty the clown?

[@user-kd7im7hs2j]

Personally I believe that the readon Skinner changed is because the series has been on air for too long. The writers cannot use the "Vietnam stuff" nowadays as that would make him older. In the show Skinner is around the age of 40. If nowadays the writers had him have one of his famous Vietnam PTSD flashbacks, panic attacks or fighting moves that would mean that he is around the age of 50 or 60.

[@renamon5658]

Skinnnnnner

[@Mtv-get-off-thee-air]

*snake voice* Uh dude that thumbnail is like totally wrong

[@alicewright4322]

the thumbnail shows an earlier episode (skinner's sense of snow) labelled "NOW" and a later episode (crooks and ladders) as "THEN". if the thesis of the video were strong, there would be no need to invert the chronology in the thumbnail.

[@ddjsoyenby]

agreed 100%

[@matthewhaywood7815]

9:40 those comments were more of a take that to Lawrence summer then pres of Harvard and former treasurer sec who said something like that

[@bemasaberwyn55]

Am I really that out of touch? No, no everyone else is wrong

[@claymathewselevator8121]

Armin’s frozen peas

[@gdw3112]

We need a Gil Gunderson video

[@mayraverdugamarcillo]

Skinner is the best

[@jarodM6]

In my opinion Simpsons when slightly downhill when Apu was removed because of a guy who wrote a book saying how racist the character was. I didn't see anything racist about the character he was a fleshed out, entertaining character that had a lot of memorable moments and some heartfelt scenes

[@disneyboy3030]

Actually it was actor who decided to step down as guilt began to set in but Matt does have plans for him and doesn't plan to remove him. That's why he has been making background appearances until a new actor is casted.