When ratings for The Itchy & Scratchy Show begin to drop, Krusty the Clown and network executives decide the show needs a "new, hip" character to regain younger viewers.
: Through soulless corporate focus groups, they develop Poochie , a "wisecracking hip-hop surfer dog" with "attitude".
: After Homer’s failed attempt to "save" the character by rewriting his lines, the studio kills off Poochie off-screen with a clumsy, hand-drawn slide stating: "Poochie died on the way back to his home planet" . Historical Significance & Meta Commentary
"The Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie Show" (Season 8, Episode 14) is one of the most significant episodes in The Simpsons history, serving as a biting, self-referential critique of the television industry and its own longevity.
This episode was specifically timed to celebrate The Simpsons surpassing The Flintstones as the longest-running American animated series.
: As a direct meta-joke, a character named Roy —a random teenager with no explanation—temporarily moves into the Simpsons' house. He was created to mock a real network executive's suggestion that the writers should add a new character to "liven up" the show.
: This episode features the first time Comic Book Guy utters his iconic catchphrase, " Worst episode ever ," satirizing the hyper-critical nature of online fans. The Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie Show - IMDb