‘The Simpsons’ performed a live broadcast. Here’s what went down…

For the first time in television history, a cartoon went live during this past Sunday’s Simpsons episode. After 27 years on the air, Homer Simpson answered questions from fans for approximately three minutes in the fake “FOX Studios Secret Bunker” at the end of the show. Homer’s opening line was, “To prove that we’re live, on Saturday Night Live last night, Drake was horrible.”

The broadcast relied on advanced motion capture technology, which allowed actor Dan Castellaneta, the voice of Homer Simpson, to answer questions and move his arms and head for animation in real-time. Maggie Simpson assisted in opening the live broadcast by bringing out her blocks to spell out “CALL NOW.” Other characters, including Homer’s children Lisa and Bart, also showed up to talk to the audience.

Characters routinely came out holding up signs and other funny props to keep viewers engaged, including Bender from Futurama with a sign that said, “BRING BACK FUTURAMA (AGAIN).” Homer held up a sign stating that he’s parked in Bill O’Reily’s parking spot.

Some questions included what kind of car Homer drove, his preference between Chicago or New York style pizza, which friend he liked more and his favorite job. He said his car was a hybrid – old and terrible. Pizza preferences included Chicago deep-dish style, and his favorite job was being an astronaut because everybody would do everything for him. Toward the end of the session, Homer stated, “It only lasted three minutes … like eating cheeseburgers and making love.”