Whether they were predicting smartwatches or the current turbulent political landscape, The Simpsons has provided some eerily accurate looks into our future for a good portion of its nearly-thirty year run.

Therefore, it only stands to reason that for all predictions the show has made about the future of our world, they've also taken the time to explore the (potential) future of theirs.

Not only that, but in a cartoon like The Simpsons where characters essentially stay frozen in time for years and years, it's always interesting to ask the question "what would things be like if they were allowed to age?"

The Simpsons has attempted to answer this question for its cast several times over the years, giving us a glimpse as to what could possibly lie ahead for the residents of Springfield (depending on which era the episode was made in.)

To be frank, it's no wonder this is an episode concept that the show's writers have gone back to several times over the years. It opens the door to countless possibilities and meaningful character moments.

Some of these episodes got the job done well enough, some have been lackluster at best, and some should honestly be considered required Simpsons viewing.