“The Simpsons” Season 19 Premiere Is Almost Here

The Simpsons are going to Chicago! Well, at least Homer is — by private jet —in Sunday night’s Season 19 premiere, titled “He Loves To Fly and He D’ohs.”

Chicago may be called the Second City, but it’s got to be at least the dozenth one the Simpsons have visited during their long run on FOX. But, after the long wait, at least Matt Groening and company get it right, by paying tribute to Chitown’s sports teams and landmarks as Homer and his unlikely dinner date Mr. Burns tour the Windy City. (You know, what Chicago really needs is a few more nicknames.)

The episode also features the voices of Stephen Colbert, who plays a life coach, and Lionel Richie, who as you’ve probably already seen in the previews, performs an in-flight version of his hit “Say You, Say Me” with alternate lyrics about beer. Even if you’re not a Richie fan — and if you’re not, may we recommend “Dancing on the Ceiling”? — you won’t want to miss it. But if you do, we’ll recap the episode here on Monday morning. So there’s that.