As it happens in most cartoon shows, the characters in The Simpsons never age, and yet there are many inconsistencies in how old they are. Such is the case of Ned Flanders, whose age has changed a couple of times throughout the series, and it’s unknown how old he actually is. Created by Matt Groening, The Simpsons began as a series of animated shorts in The Tracey Ullman Show, debuting in 1987. After three seasons, it was developed into a half-hour prime time show, officially premiering in 1989.

Since then, The Simpsons has been unstoppable, with 31 seasons and a 32nd one already confirmed, one animated film (with a second one in development), various comic books, video games, and more. The series follows the daily adventures of the title family along with those of some of the most notable citizens of Springfield, including the Simpsons’ neighbor, Ned Flanders. The always positive and smiley Ned is a recurring character in the series and has become a fan favorite thanks to his speech patterns and for being the complete opposite to Homer.

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The series has explored Ned’s personal life multiple times, revealing he was the son of “freaky beatniks” who put him through the University of Minnesota Spankalogical Protocol in order to discipline him. It’s thanks to these moments that viewers can have an idea of what Ned’s age is – but it can be tricky, as there’s one episode that reveals a completely different number.

The Simpsons: How Old Is Ned Flanders?

Ned Flanders looking up in the sky in The Simpsons

The first clue to Ned’s age can be found in season 8’s episode “Hurricane Neddy”, where a flashback shows him as a kid 30 years earlier. That would mean he’s around the same age as Marge and Homer (that is, 36-38). However, in season 10’s episode “Viva Ned Flanders”, it’s revealed that Ned is a senior citizen and is actually 60 years old. His secret to a youthful appearance? “clean living, chewing thoroughly, and a daily dose of vitamin church”. Of course, this revelation doesn’t make sense when remembering the flashback in “Hurricane Neddy” – if he was 60, he would have been 30 when his parents took him to the psychiatrist.

Ned’s age changed again in season 26’s episode “Walking Big & Tall”, when he was once more shown as a child 30 years ago. In fact, he was in the same scene with Homer and Marge as children, and they were all around the same age. Whether a mistake from the writers, who might have forgotten about the first flashback when they decided to make Ned a senior citizen, or an intentional mystery, Ned’s age remains unknown and will most likely keep changing in order to fit with the story they want to tell, as has happened with many other characters in The Simpsons.

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