Harry Shearer, voice of Ned Flanders and Mr. Burns, Returns to The Simpsons

This past May, actor Harry Shearer triggered a Simpsons fan meltdown when he announced his departure from the animated sitcom. Shearer provided voices for Ned Flanders, Montgomery Burns, Principal Skinner Dr. Hibbert, Rev. Timothy Lovejoy, Jr., and a handful of other Springfield citizens. The situation could be summed up with a line from Shearer's own Kent Brockman: "Would you say it's time for everyone to panic?" The Internet's answer was a resounding "yes."

Good thing we waited a few weeks before cracking each other's heads open and feasting on the goo inside: In a press release, Fox announced that Shearer would return for The Simpsons' 27th and 28th seasons. As previously reported, the 27th season was in production when Shearer announced his leave. Shearer is not expected to miss any episodes going forward.

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