Breaking into television’s one of the hardest things a person can do creatively. It’s a cutthroat industry that requires tremendous will and even more patience. However, despite there being many ways to do so, there’s one generally agreed upon no-no for aspiring television writers that nearly everyone follows: never ever write a The Simpsons spec script. The why of this changes from person to person, but the general idea is no one outside of the show’s actual creative team seems to truly understand what it takes to create a worthy story for America’s favorite family… however, that didn’t stop Judd Apatow from trying.

Back when the famed producer was trying to get his foot in the door, he did what everyone has since been told not to: he wrote a Simpsons spec script (though, to be fair, when he did so, the show hadn’t become the mythical beast it is now). But, in a shocking twist of fate, the episode is now going to be made into a canon story titled “Bart’s New Friend”, focusing on a hypnotized Homer reverting to childhood behavior and refusing to grow up. Speaking with TV Guide, Apatow said, “I have always been fascinated with how difficult it is to grow up.” The script won’t be made as-is though. “It’s a pretty rough script,” said Apatow. “When I reread it I wasn’t exactly glowing with pride… [but] putting [the creative team’s] brilliant spin on something I wrote back when I was a dreamer, was one of the greatest days of my life. These are legends!”

And there you have it folks: never be afraid to dream big. Apatow was an unknown when he wrote his spec, but now he’s one of Hollywood’s most sought after director/producers. So just remember that the next time someone says there’s a right way and wrong way to do something.

“Bart’s New Friend” airs January 11th on Fox.

[HT: TV Guide]