A  clip from 2019 has resurfaced, and it’s once again ruffling feathers across Upstate New York.

 

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In true Simpsons fashion, this episode, titled D'oh Canada, takes aim at the region in a brutal parody of Sinatra’s “New York, New York.”

But this isn’t just a playful jab—it’s a full-on roast of everything from Rochester’s Kodak collapse to Buffalo’s tailgating culture.

The clip has locals feeling a mix of rage, amusement, and maybe even a bit of pride. Homer’s one-liner,

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Disney- The Simpsons are no stranger to poking Upstate Fun
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“We’re headed to the one place that can never decline because it was never that great: Upstate New York,” cuts deep.

But the real punch comes when he sings about the region's less-than-glamorous features:

“Start watchin' Fox News / Stop watchin' your weight” and “There is no fancy part of it / Upstate New York.”

It's not hard to see why residents might be a little salty.

Many viewers have mistakenly credited the episode to John Frink, a longtime Simpsons writer and native of the Mohawk Valley known for sprinkling Upstate references throughout the show’s history.

Frink’s insider knowledge has made him a fan favorite among Empire State residents, so it was only natural that viewers assumed he was behind this takedown.

But here's the twist: IMDb reveals that Tim Long and Miranda Thompson actually wrote the episode.

The confusion likely stems from Frink's past shout-outs to Upstate New York—whether it’s the Oriskany firehouse, Syracuse’s crumbling roads, or Utica’s “steamed hams.” His distinctive Empire State nods have been so spot-on that fans connected the dots on this one.

Upstate residents have taken to Reddit to respond with a mix of laughs and groans.

“It hurts because it’s true,” one user admitted, while another added, “At least they know we exist!”

Still, some couldn’t resist pointing out the region’s silver linings—if only to ease the sting. As one resident put it, “We’re famous for potholes, hot wings, and Zwiegle’s, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Love it or hate it, the clip proves one thing: Upstate New York may not have the glitz of Manhattan, but it’s still got viral potential.

 

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Wait....is that Mr. Ed in the photo above? What on earth could that talking horse have to do with Upstate New York?

OK...trivia time! Where is the geographic center of New York State? Where are all the lollipop, corn dog, and cotton candy sticks made? Where is the oldest (and shortest) covered bridge in the U.S.? Where is the most visited celebrity grave of all located? Is there really such a thing as a two-story brick outhouse, and if so where the heck is it?

Well, if you answered "Upstate New York" to all of these you are right. And you will definitely enjoy this delicious list of trivia about our region!

Everybody loves a good story, or some head-scratching trivia facts. This list pulls the curtain back on nearly 40 amazing pieces of Upstate New York history you probably didn't know about. Are they earth-shaking? No. Are they interesting? Definitely!

Whatever happened to "that kid" in the Willie Wonka movie? Where was the first grand slam home run in organized baseball hit? Where is the oldest mini-golf in America located? Tell us the story of Binghamton's Kentucky Derby winner! Tell us the story about TV's "Mr. Ed" and his connection to Upstate New York! How could the oldest continuously operating Boy Scout troop be in a tiny Upstate New York village? And what was that controversy over famous singer Kate's Smith's Lake Placid, NY grave all about?

The answer to all of these questions and many more lie in Upstate New York.

Enjoy!

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