Homer gets into great shape and is really excited, but when McCarthy leaves to train another client, he starts over-eating again and ultimately this leads to the film's failure.

The episode was written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, who are "obsessed" fans of the show,[1] and directed by Lance Kramer.

"Homer the Whopper" has received mixed reviews from television critics and acquired a Nielsen rating of 4.3 in its original broadcast.

The final version includes shots of Homer in both his fit and overweight states, confusing the audience and ruining their enjoyment.

Although the premiere is a disaster, the executives offer to let Comic Book Guy direct a sequel as long as he gives the film a good review.

"[4] Rogen also noted that the plot mirrors the situation he was in while working on the film The Green Hornet, when he had to lose weight and do physical training for his role.

[1] Show runner Al Jean commented that the writers tried not to repeat the comic book film theme from the "Radioactive Man" episode.

[9] In its original American broadcast in the United States on September 27, 2009,[8][10] "Homer The Whopper" was watched in 8.31 million homes and acquired a 4.3 Nielsen rating/12 share.

Overall, Canning thought "Homer The Whopper" was a good start to the twenty-first season, and although the plot may not be very original, the writers added "freshness to the proceedings.

Club's Emily VanDerWerff did not think the script was as good as Gervais', but commented that Rogen and Goldberg "managed to make a mostly amusing season premiere."