The season was ordered with the previous season in October 2011 after negotiating a new deal with the cast. Six episodes were holdovers from the previous season, and one continued to be held until next season. Executive producer
Al Jean continued his role as primary showrunner, a role he had since the
thirteenth season. Executive producer
Matt Selman was also the showrunner for several episodes, a role he performed since the
twenty-third season. Commenting on the series' longevity in its twenty-fifth season, Jean stated that the writer continue to generate ideas based on their own present-day lives as well as their childhoods in addition to current events. This season featured the final performances by
Marcia Wallace as
Edna Krabappel prior to her death. In honor of her, the character was retired. It also featured the final episodes written by
Don Payne prior to his death. As a tribute to both, Edna Krabappel and Payne were shown with halos and angel wings in the opening sequence for "
White Christmas Blues." In addition, it featured the final episode written by
Billy Kimball and
Ian Maxtone-Graham before their departure from the series. To promote the season, Jean stated that a recurring character would be dying. After the death of Wallace, Jean clarified that her death was not related to his prior statement. However, the episode featuring this event was held back and aired as the premiere of the
twenty-sixth season. For the 550th episode, the setting takes place mostly in a
Lego world and is primarily composed of 3-D animation. Production for the episode took two years, and producers needed approval from
The Lego Group. ==Reception==