The Simpsons leaves fans shocked and confused after airing unexpected 'series finale' episode

Fans of The Simpsons were left blindsided after an episode released on Sunday was described as the show's 'series finale'.

For 35 years, Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie have been bringing comfort and laughs to viewers, providing seemingly endless entertainment over more than 760 episodes.

The highly-anticipated 36th season of the show began on Sunday (September 29), and promised some good antics with the title 'Bart's Birthday'.

However, it wasn't long before viewers had the wind knocked out of their sails, when it was declared on the show that the episode was the 'series finale'.

The announcement came from none other than Conan O'Brien, a former Simpsons writer who was recreated on the show as one of the recognizable animated yellow characters.

O'Brien's character was hosting a ceremony on the show, and said: "It’s such an honor to be with you all for the series finale of The Simpsons."

Completely breaking the fourth wall, the character continued: "Well, it’s true. Fox has decided to end The Simpsons...

"Not many people know this, but Fox has been trying to end it for years."

O'Brien appeared to introduce the finale (Fox)

This news left fans shocked and horrified, with many flooding to Twitter to share their concerns.

"The Simpsons series finale is proof the world is ending," one fan wrote.

Another horrified viewer added: "IS THIS ACTUALLY THE SIMPSONS SERIES FINALE????"

Well, is it?

The answer, you'll be glad to know, is no.

After declaring the show was coming to an end, O'Brien's character offered up clips which he claimed were from previously unaired series finale attempts.

He then presented the 'finale' episode, which was written using AI.

In a desperate bid to ensure the show couldn't go on, the artificial intelligence presented storylines including Mr. Burns dying.

However, at the end of the 'finale', Bart became self-aware and realized that celebrating his birthday meant that, for the first time in 35 years, he'd be getting older.

O'Brien claimed Fox had been trying to end the show 'for years' (Fox)

A lot of people will be able to relate to the fact that this absolutely horrified Bart, so he began to refuse and Homer ended up strangling him, as he so often does.

But this time, the show glitched and reset, bringing everything back to normal and assuring fans that The Simpsons isn't coming to an end, after all.

Viewers have praised the sudden twist, with one fan commenting: "OK so it wasn't the finale. The premise was that it was the finale but it was written by AI, Bart became self aware and broke it.

"It was a good episode. If you haven't seen The Simpsons because you thought it wasn't good give this episode a shot."

With season 36 only just beginning, there's a lot more of The Simpsons to come yet!