It was literally the love that dare not speak its name. But after 27 seasons of unrequited love - the worst kept secret in Springfield has finally been revealed - Waylon Smithers is gay.
But the reason why The Simpsons' producers have finally let Smithers be true to his feelings is rather touching.
Rob LaZebnik, who is also a co-executive producer on the long-running series, has a 21-year-old son Johnny, who is gay. He told the New York Post, "I thought 'What better way to tell my son I love him than to write a cartoon about it?"'
Rob's son Johnny, who is currently studying psychology at university, came out when he was a teenager. He told the newspaper that that his father, even asked him for advice on gay issues when writing the episode called The Burns Cage which was broadcast in the United States over the weekend.
"He once sent me an email, and the header was just, 'How does Grindr work?".'
The storyline sees Homer - of all people - on a mission to find Smithers a boyfriend. Mr Burns, Smithers' long-time object of affection, leaves him devastated by not showing an interest.
Star Trek actor George Takei, who is openly gay, also makes a guest appearance as himself.
US site the AV Club was one of numerous outlets to approve of the episode. "The Simpsons handles Smithers' coming out with surprising subtlety," it said.
Although Smithers has hinted at his sexuality in past episodes, this is the first time the nuclear plant workers have openly talked about it.
The Burns Cage will be broadcast on Sky 1 soon.
