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THE SIMPSONS · SEASON 16 · EPISODE 17

The Simpsons S16E17 The Heartbroke Kid

★ 8.6 · ESSENTIAL May 1, 2005 30 MIN FOX 6 GUEST STARS
Still from The Simpsons S16E17: The Heartbroke Kid

The episode in brief

Bart becomes addicted to junk food when a new vending machine is installed at Springfield Elementary. His steady diet of processed foods leads to a massive weight gain and health issues. When he's unable to stick to his prescribed low-fat diet, the Simpsons stage an intervention and ship Bart off to "Serenity Ranch - A Forced Starvation Facility," headed up by former food addict Tab Spangler. While Spangler tries to help Bart overcome his obsession, Homer and Marge turn their home into a hostel for German travelers in order to pay for the costly Serenity Ranch.

FAN DESK VERDICT An all-timer. This is the episode you show someone to explain why The Simpsons matters — clear the evening and watch it properly.

Snapshots

2 STILLs
STILLS VIA TMDB

Who’s in it

GUEST STARS
SERIES REGULARS

Behind the camera

DIRECTED BY Steven Dean Moore
WRITTEN BY Ian Maxtone-Graham

Where it sits in the season

TAP A BAR TO JUMP

Where to watch S16E17

US · NOVEMBER 2026
AVAILABILITY IS FOR THE SHOW; NOT EVERY SERVICE CARRIES EVERY EPISODE · LINKS MAY EARN US POPCORN MONEY
8.6
THE FAN VERDICT
Canon. Required viewing for the fan card.

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S16E17 FAQ

When did The Simpsons S16E17 air?

The Simpsons S16E17 (“The Heartbroke Kid”) first aired on May 1, 2005.

Where can I watch The Simpsons S16E17?

In the US, The Simpsons season 16 — including this episode — is available on FX, Hulu, Disney+, fuboTV, DirecTV On Demand, Spectrum On Demand, YouTube TV, FOX One Amazon Channel, Hulu on Disney+, Amazon, Fandango at Home, and AppleTV.

Who guest stars in The Simpsons S16E17?

Guest stars include Albert Brooks (Tab Spangler / Jacques (voice)), Karl Wiedergott (Additional Voices (voice)), Marcia Wallace (Edna Krabappel (voice)), Pamela Hayden (Additional Voices (voice)), and Russi Taylor (Additional Voices (voice)).

Who directed and wrote The Simpsons S16E17?

The Simpsons S16E17 (“The Heartbroke Kid”) was directed by Steven Dean Moore and written by Ian Maxtone-Graham.

Is The Simpsons S16E17 a good episode?

Fans rate The Simpsons S16E17 (“The Heartbroke Kid”) 8.6/10, which puts it in the essential tier for The Simpsons.

EPISODE FACTS
SEASONSeason 16
EPISODES16E17
AIREDMay 1, 2005
NETWORKFOX
RUNTIME30 min
DIRECTORSteven Dean Moore
WRITERSIan Maxtone-Graham
FAN RATING★ 8.6
TMDB★ 6.7 · 29 votes
VERDICTESSENTIAL
WHERE TO WATCH
Watch on FX→ Watch on Hulu→ Watch on Disney+→ Watch on fuboTV→ Watch on DirecTV On Demand→ Watch on Spectrum On Demand→ Watch on YouTube TV→ Watch on FOX One Amazon Channel→ Watch on FX→ Watch on Hulu on Disney+→
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