Chicago Simpsonologist Approves of Homer's Deep Dish Decision

It's become the question du jour for TV personalities. Which is the better style of pizza: Chicago deep dish or New York thin crust?

Comedian and former talk show host Jon Stewart was the first TV personality to weigh in on the tomato sauce-topped topic. Not surprisingly, Stewart whole-heartedly sided with the hometown favorite New York-style variety during a 2013 episode of The Daily Show.

The response from many Chicagoans over his choice?

Now, Homer Simpson is the latest small-screen star to offer his two pepperoni-size cents in this most contentious of contests between competing city cuisine.

During Sunday's episode of The Simpsons, the animated patriarch answered live phone questions from viewers. That's when a caller named George asked the question: "So my question is pizza-related: Do you prefer Chicago deep dish or New York style?"

Homer's response: "Let's see, I prefer Chicago deep dish because I like Italian better than Chinese."

So how did Chicago Simpsons fans react?

(This is only a re-enactment based on wild speculation. Actual reactions by actual Chicagoans may vary.)

Denise Du Vernay—a self-described Simpsonologist and co-writer, along with Karma Waltonen, of The Simpsons in the Classroom: Embiggening the Learning Experience with the Wisdom of Springfield—definitely supported Homer's choice.

"As a high-fat, high-calorie food connoisseur, Homer has made the right decision," said Du Vernay, who is assistant director in the Office of Corporate, Government and Foundation Relations at Saint Xavier University. "In a rare move, he has also chosen the tastier option."

In its nearly 30 years on the air, The Simpsons has continually celebrated the intersection of food and pop culture, whether it's been through Homer's insatiable—and unhealthy—appetite or Lisa's decision to be a vegetarian, Du Vernay says.

Note to Chicago viewers: If you missed Sunday's episode, you can watch it on the Fox TV website or on Hulu. But make sure you choose the East Coast broadcast to hear Homer answer the pizza question.

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