Day of the Jackanapes

Kelsey Grammer as Sideshow Bob
Gary Coleman as himself

"Day of the Jackanapes" is the thirteenth episode of The Simpsons' twelfth season. It first aired on the Fox network in the United States on February 18, 2001. In the episode, Krusty announces his retirement due to interference from network executives and the growing popularity of the game show Me Wantee. But when Krusty reveals to Sideshow Bob that all of the episodes featuring him have been erased, Sideshow Bob uses Bart to try and murder Krusty during his farewell show.

"Day of the Jackanapes" was written by Al Jean and directed by Michael Marcantel and features recurring guest star Kelsey Grammer as Sideshow Bob, as well as Gary Coleman as himself. It features references to Johnny Carson, Bookends and Terminator 2: Judgment Day, among other things. It would also feature a parody of the song "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah", but because the series' staff were not able to clear the rights for the song in time for the episode's broadcast, the song remained unreleased until 2007. In its original broadcast, the episode was seen by approximately 9 million viewers, finishing in 34th place in the ratings the week it aired. Following its broadcast, the episode received positive reviews from critics.

When the popular game show Me Wantee! steals ratings from The Krusty the Clown Show, Krusty, annoyed with the network executives, announces his fifth—and final—retirement. During an interview with Kent Brockman, he says he is tired of doing his show, and admits to taping Judge Judy over all his old shows featuring Sideshow Bob. Upon hearing this on TV, Bob vows revenge and plots to kill Krusty. Bob is released from prison and applies for a job at Springfield Elementary as an assistant janitor. However, Principal Skinner decides to make him the morning announcer. Over the announcements, he asks Bart to meet him in the abandoned tool shed. Sideshow Bob hypnotizes Bart, and programs him to smash a statue of Krusty at a local Krusty Burger location.