The Simpsons has long been celebrated for its uncanny ability to predict real-world events—sometimes decades in advance. From foreseeing the presidency of Donald Trump to anticipating major corporate mergers, the animated series seems to have an almost prophetic grasp of the future. But what about its relationship with cryptocurrency? Over the years, The Simpsons has made several playful, satirical, and occasionally insightful references to Bitcoin, NFTs, and blockchain technology. While not all of them were serious predictions, they’ve sparked curiosity among fans and crypto enthusiasts alike.
In this deep dive, we’ll explore the most notable crypto moments in The Simpsons, analyze whether the show is subtly pro-crypto or just poking fun, and uncover how these references reflect broader cultural attitudes toward digital assets.
The Simpsons’ History of Predictive Pop Culture Moments
Before diving into crypto, it’s worth noting why people take The Simpsons predictions so seriously. The show has had a string of eerie coincidences that later became reality:
- In a 1998 episode, Lisa becomes president—decades before Kamala Harris entered the national spotlight wearing a look strikingly similar to Lisa’s signature red dress and blue shoes.
- A 2000 episode depicted Disney acquiring 21st Century Fox—something that actually happened in 2019.
- The design of the London Shard was shown in an episode 14 years before construction began.
These moments have fueled speculation about whether the writers have insider knowledge—or just an extraordinary sense of societal trends.
Now, as blockchain and decentralized finance reshape the global economy, The Simpsons has once again turned its satirical lens on emerging technology.
👉 Discover how pop culture shapes crypto trends and investor sentiment today.
5 Key Cryptocurrency References in The Simpsons
From subtle Easter eggs to full-blown episodes dedicated to digital currencies, here are the most memorable crypto appearances in Springfield history.
1. Ripple (XRP) to $589
One of the most talked-about crypto references occurred during the opening sequence of the 2020 episode “Frinkcoin.” As Bart serves detention, he writes on the chalkboard: “XRP to hit $589 USD by EOY.”
At the time, XRP was trading around $0.20—making the prediction seem absurdly optimistic. Even during the 2021 bull run, XRP never came close to that number, peaking below $2. Today, it remains far from $589.
While clearly intended as satire, the line resonated with the crypto community. It highlighted both the speculative nature of altcoins and the public’s fascination with price targets—no matter how unrealistic.
2. Bart Simpson Becomes an NFT
In the 2023 Treehouse of Horror special, The Simpsons took a sharp look at the NFT market crash. In a dystopian digital world, Homer mints Bart as an NFT and sells him on the blockchain. Marge then ventures into the metaverse to rescue her son—a journey filled with crypto-themed satire.
The episode featured real-world digital art from Beeple, characters from Bored Ape Yacht Club, and even a towering statue of Satoshi Nakamoto. It also mocked low-effort generative PFPs (profile pictures), labeling them “the bottom of the barrel” in digital art.
This segment stood out for its balanced critique: while ridiculing NFT excesses, it also celebrated legitimate digital creativity—an increasingly important distinction in Web3.
👉 See how NFTs are evolving beyond memes and profile pictures.
3. Bitcoin (BTC) Reaches $∞
In the 2021 episode “The King of Nice,” Marge becomes obsessed with stock trading. While watching a fictional financial news segment, viewers catch a glimpse of Bitcoin’s price: $∞.
This cryptic Easter egg ignited debate across social media:
- Bullish interpretation: The show predicts infinite growth for Bitcoin, symbolizing its potential as digital gold.
- Bearish interpretation: The infinity symbol mocks crypto’s perceived lack of intrinsic value—suggesting it’s worth everything or nothing.
Either way, placing Bitcoin at infinity underscores The Simpsons’ talent for layered commentary—funny on the surface, but thought-provoking beneath.
4. Frinkcoin: A Satirical Take on Crypto Education
The episode titled “Frinkcoin” centers around Professor Frink launching his own cryptocurrency after learning about blockchain. He creates a decentralized coin backed by nothing but enthusiasm—mirroring real-world meme coins like Dogecoin or Shiba Inu.
The episode includes a parody educational video narrated by Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory), explaining blockchain basics in simple terms. It highlights benefits like fast transactions and financial inclusion but also warns viewers: “Cryptocurrency: It’s like a slot machine with better graphics.”
This line captures the duality of crypto—innovative yet volatile—and serves as a cautionary tale for new investors.
5. The Mysterious Crypto Barn (1997)
Long before Bitcoin existed, The Simpsons aired an episode in 1997 featuring a shadowy shop called “The Crypto Barn.” It sells “secret codes,” “loads of codes,” and promises “the right password.”
Given that Bitcoin wasn’t created until 2009, this couldn’t have been a direct reference to cryptocurrency. However, the name and theme eerily parallel modern concerns about hacking, private keys, and password security in crypto wallets.
While likely coincidental—since cryptography predates blockchain by decades—the timing adds to the show’s mystique.
Is The Simpsons Pro-Crypto?
Despite multiple crypto references, The Simpsons maintains a neutral stance overall. The show doesn’t outright endorse or condemn digital currencies. Instead, it uses satire to reflect societal ambivalence:
- Pro-crypto signals: Featuring real NFT artists, showcasing blockchain education tools, and imagining future tech.
- Anti-crypto satire: Mocking speculative bubbles, lampooning get-rich-quick schemes, and highlighting scams.
This balanced approach allows viewers to form their own opinions—without pushing an agenda.
👉 Explore how satire influences public perception of emerging technologies like crypto.
Why These References Matter
With over 760 episodes and a global audience spanning generations, The Simpsons plays a unique role in shaping cultural narratives. When it touches on topics like cryptocurrency:
- It normalizes complex ideas like blockchain and decentralization.
- It sparks conversations among casual viewers who might otherwise ignore Web3.
- It reflects mainstream awareness—and skepticism—toward digital assets.
Even if the show never intended to predict crypto trends, its references serve as cultural timestamps, capturing public sentiment at pivotal moments in tech evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Did The Simpsons predict Bitcoin?
No, the show didn’t predict Bitcoin’s creation. However, it did humorously suggest that Bitcoin could reach infinite value—a symbolic nod rather than a literal forecast.
What did The Simpsons say about XRP?
In a 2020 episode intro, Bart wrote “XRP to hit $589 USD by EOY” on a chalkboard. This was widely interpreted as satire, especially since XRP never came close to that price.
Is there a Simpson coin?
Yes—Simpson coin is a meme cryptocurrency inspired by the show. Like most meme coins, it lacks utility and should be approached with caution.
Was ‘Frinkcoin’ based on a real cryptocurrency?
Frinkcoin is fictional but clearly inspired by real-world meme coins and decentralized projects launched without clear use cases.
How accurate are The Simpsons’ predictions?
Many so-called predictions are coincidences or broad social commentaries. While some align with future events, they’re often exaggerated in hindsight.
Are NFTs dead after The Simpsons’ parody?
No—the 2023 NFT parody reflected market fatigue after the 2021 bubble burst. However, NFTs continue evolving in areas like gaming, identity, and digital ownership.
Through humor and hyperbole, The Simpsons offers more than just entertainment—it holds up a mirror to society’s hopes and fears about technology. Its crypto moments may not be prophecies, but they are powerful reflections of our digital age.