Homer and Marge Simpson are one of the most enduring couples on television thanks to 26 seasons of The Simpsons. But the happy days of the iconic duo may numbered.

There are full spoilers ahead! Stop reading now if you don’t want to know what’s in store for Homer and Marge in Season 27 of The Simpsons!

“In the [season 27] premiere, it’s discovered after all the years Homer has narcolepsy and it’s an incredible strain on the marriage. Homer and Marge legally separate,” explained The Simpsons showrunner and executive producer Al Jean.

This is far from the first time that Homer and Marge’s relationship has hit the rocks. Remember when Marge was tempted to stray by Jacques the bowling instructor in season 1? Or the time that Homer moved out of the house to live with a gay couple in season 14? That one made the cover of TV Guide. Season 20 had the revelation that Homer and Marge were accidentally divorced years before. And there are numerous other examples from the show’s quarter-century run.

For the latest Homer and Marge storyline, Homer is getting a new love interest: a pharmacist voiced by Girls star Lena Dunham. The costars of Girls will also make cameo appearances in the episode.

Should we blame Lena Dunham’s character for this storyline? The producers of The Simpsons clearly want Homer to have actual romantic feelings for a woman who isn’t his wife, and giving Homer a legal separation from Marge makes that affair more socially acceptable.

But don’t panic Simpsons fans. This show has never been about permanent change to the main characters. Homer and Marge will likely be back together by the end of the episode.

Nerdist readers, what do you think about The Simpsons’ latest storyline? You can call Moe’s Tavern, but leave your comments below!

[HT: Variety]