The Simpsons: 10 Potential Ways It Could End
9. Grandpa Or Santa's Little Helper Dies
The Ending:
One of the series' most in-danger characters, either Grandpa Simpson or Santa's Little Helper, passes away, and the final episode is an emotional farewell to them.
Why They Could Use It:
Given the number of running jokes about Grandpa's longevity in particular, his demise would be a way to make the end of the show feel "real", as it would signal a sure change in the family dynamic. Plus, a funeral for him or Santa's Little Helper would in effect double as a memorial service of sorts for the show itself, and a ton of self-referential dialogue could be employed to that effect.
Why They Might Not:
The writers might not want to end the show on such a downer, given how miserable the series' hardcore fans will already feel. They might opt for the uplifting route instead, rather than linger on death.