Meet the man who gets paid £5,000 a year to watch every episode of his favourite show – and the role includes free doughnuts (because it’s what Homer would have wanted).
Alexander Townley, 26, from Nottingham, found the “dream job” after his brother tagged him in an advert on social media.
The ad was looking for the UK’s biggest Simpsons superfan to watch and analyse episodes for predictions of the future – something the show is known for.
For as long as he can remember, Alexander has been obsessed with the show created by cartoonist and animator Matt Groening.
He particularly likes that the characters relate to real life.
“Around 10 people shared the post with me because all my friends and family know about my unhealthy obsession with the show,” he told Jam Press.
“I’m a die-hard Simpsons fan and watching it for money is something I’ve always dreamt of.
“As part of my job, I am asked to critically analyse each episode and I get to stuff my face with free vegan donuts that they send me every week – who wouldn’t love that?
“I’ve always found The Simpsons to be absolutely fascinating; the reason it has stood the test of time is because it’s a reflection on society and based on stereotypes!
“For example, a fat American dad with a trophy wife and kids, a police officer with a pig nose and a school principal with annoyingly good posture.”
While getting paid to watch TV may sound like the world’s easiest job, Alexander says there’s a lot more to it – with the superfan watching up to 30 episodes in one day.
He also has a day job as a supervisor in a café.
Alexander said: “It’s not as simple as just watching a few episodes and chilling out on the sofa.
“I have to sit with a notepad and pen and have to write every little detail down, even the opening credits with the chalkboard sequence and couch gag.
“There’s even been weeks where I’ve watched up to 30 episodes in a day, several days in a row, and that really is mentally draining.
“It’s got to the point now where I’ll put something else on just to break the cycle a bit and I’ll subconsciously start analysing that too!”
With 717 episodes to get through, he’s got his hands full – having started the job in mid-January.
At the moment, he’s on season 18 of 33.
He’s tasked with looking out for anytime the future is referenced (The Simpsons is known for its predictions) especially technology and sports links, and stand-out storylines.
The findings will be fed back to his employer, PlatinCasino.co.uk.
As for his favourite character, despite being compared to Homer Simpson, Alexander prefers some of the less central figures.
He said: “Ah, it’s like picking a favourite child!
“Groundskeeper Willie for his Scottish outbursts, Homer, especially in the earlier seasons, just because he’s a bit of a muppet really isn’t he!
“Otto because he’s a rocker and a stoner, Professor Frink because he’ll make you laugh, he’ll make you think…
“And of course, everyone’s favourite, Hans Moleman.”
The 26-year-old finds it even harder trying to decide on his best-loved episode.
Alexander said: “I’m a bit of a Simpsons elitist and I can guarantee the best episodes were between seasons two and nine.
“One would be season 6, episode 16 called ‘Homie The Clown’.
“Fun fact: Krusty was originally meant to be Homer’s secret identity but the writers scrapped that idea and that’s why they look so similar!
“Oh and season 7, episode 24: ‘Homerpalooza’. Homer lives my rock ‘n’ roll fantasy and goes on tour with some of my favourite bands of all time, including the Smashing Pumpkins, Sonic Youth and Cypress Hill.
“It doesn’t get more 90s than that!”
When it come to his personal life, none of Alexander’s friends are surprised that he landed the gig.
He said: “At first no one believed me.
“But then I started receiving doughnuts in the mail and people started seeing less of me because I’m always at home watching The Simpsons.
“Some of my mates are jealous but still happy for me.”
While the real life Homer often ropes his mates in to watch the show with him, he’s also looking for his very own Marge.
He said: “Believe it or not ladies, I am single.
“My ex had never seen The Simpsons, I remember on one of our first dates I got my El Barto tattoo out and she had no idea what it was referencing!
“If there’s any Simpsons honeys out there hit me up!”
The Simpsons have been known for strange coincidences and predictions, like Donald Trump becoming president of the United States, Super Bowl winners and even the construction of London’s Shard building.
Alexander has noticed a few new things. He is keeping his findings secret for now, but there is one episode that relates back to his own life.
He said: “There’s been a few times where I’ve seen characters like Marge sit and analyse TV programmes such as ‘Itchy And Scratchy’ with a notepad and pen and I’ve been like, wait what the f*** that’s literally what I’m doing right now’.”
The Simpsons superfan has a request for the show’s creator too.
Alexander added: “I know for a fact that the Simpsons creators know about this job, so if you’re reading this, Mr Groening, I’d love to feature in an episode based around this crazy job!
“I’ve never been to America either so if they could fly me out there and I could work with them that’d be amazing.
“It’s a bit cheeky I know, but I’ll never get the opportunity to ask ever again – so why not?”
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