What a coincidence! (Picture: YouTube)
An episode of The Simpsons thrilled viewers after it aired on the same day as widespread industrial action in the UK – but it was apparently just a coincidence, according to Channel 4.
The channel’s 6pm showing of the US cartoon on Wednesday was Last Exit to Springfield, a season four episode widely regarded as one of the show’s best.
The story sees Homer Simpson go up against Mr Burns to fight for the employees’ dental plan, culminating in a strike at the power plant.
Mr Burns turns off the power to the city in retaliation but the solidarity of the workers eventually forces his hand, and Homer wins back the dental plan.
Meanwhile, Wednesday was described as the country’s biggest day of strike action in a decade, with workers walking out in increasingly bitter disputes over pay, jobs and conditions.
‘Walkout Wednesday’ saw thousands of schools closed for the day because of action by the National Education Union (NEU) and picket lines were mounted outside railway stations, schools, government departments and universities across the country.
Viewers were quick to spot the link between the cartoon and reality, with one writing: ‘On the day of the biggest strike action in a decade, Channel 4 are showing The Simpsons episode, Last Exit to Springfield, where Homer becomes union leader and leads strike action.
‘If this is a coincidence, spooky. If this is planned, bravo schedulers. Either way, great episode.’
Another noted: ‘This evening’s Simpsons episode was the one where Lisa needed braces and Homer was a union leader and the workers at the nuclear power plant went on strike.’
More: Trending
‘Big props to the guy who put on the strike episode of the Simpson’s as the UCU goes on strike,’ another wrote.
After one viewer asked: ‘Did @Channel4 put this strike-themed episode of the simpsons on specifically or is this some divine coincidence,’ the broadcaster confirmed to the PA news agency the timing was simply a coincidence.
The Simpsons is available to watch on All4.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : The Simpsons writer explains truth behind predicting 9/11 conspiracy theory
MORE : The Simpsons writer clears up huge voice blunder in early episode
Viewers loved the coincidence!
