I haven’t even figured out how to (cohesively) post my creative slate on here yet, but I already have an update to make on it. As of today (Wednesday, 7th Jan 2026), I’ve completed the 46-page first draft of my The Simpsons spec script, “The Nuclear Family”.

The Simpsons, “The Nuclear Family” Synopsis: When Lisa is wowed by an environmentally-friendly house, Homer tries to impress her by installing a portable nuclear generator. Spec script, Comedy, 24 min, TV, Animation The Simpsons © Matt Groenig & 20th Century FOX

Note: I won’t be posting the script publicly at this time, but I will be showing it around in a few private contexts. I’m posting this here to be able to say that I did, to date-mark it, and to give myself something to link back to as I put together 1. more posts, and 2. more structure for this site. Meanwhile if you want to read it, message me and we’ll talk!

Reflection

I started this one as a writing assignment in late 2024, and while all of the planning documents and a significant chunk of the script itself were created then, the final assignment only required a page count, and at the time it was due I was in the middle of moving house. As of October 2024 I had 25 pages of what would (as of today) prove to be a 46 page script, and it’s only recently that I’ve had the chance to come back around and finish the first draft.

As with most first drafts, there’s a lot about this script that sucks! It’s got pacing problems. It’s got jokes, scenes and entire story beats that need reworking from the ground up. The first act in particular — the part that’s supposed to convince people to keep reading! — spends half of its time worried about whether it’s explained itself properly. But it’s got just a couple of gags I’m really happy with, and I think I’ve captured the heart of early Simpsons plotlines. I won’t need to pull the entire project apart and redo it to have a product I’m happy with; I’ll just need to workshop a few select portions of it.

Next steps

First, this goes alongside my original comedy script, Milking The Man, on a shortlist of pieces to organise local (for-fun) script reads for. They may or may not be public; I’ll take whatever wins I can get. After that I take the observations and feedback, and start thinking about second drafts in earnest.

This won’t happen immediately. There are now 6 other items on my immediate slate and even more in my backlog, all at different stages of writing, pre-production, and in one case post-production, that all need loving nudges to arrive at the respective next stage of their lives. The Nuclear Family now takes a passive position on the list. Once I can organise some cheeky little script readings, I’ll then assess whether to re-promote it to my active slate.

Alright cool posting this now don’t overthink it