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.
The Simpsons S16E17 (“The Heartbroke Kid”) first aired on May 1, 2005.
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.
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)).
The Simpsons S16E17 (“The Heartbroke Kid”) was directed by Steven Dean Moore and written by Ian Maxtone-Graham.
Fans rate The Simpsons S16E17 (“The Heartbroke Kid”) 8.6/10, which puts it in the essential tier for The Simpsons.