Bart declares that he wants to be a nuclear safety inspector like his father, but while he is at the power plant the next day, a janitor tells him that Homer's job does not exist for the current generation.
Through song, the janitor explains the build-up and eventual decline of the middle class, and Lisa raps on how higher standards in education and rising cost of student loans will stop Bart from taking over Homer's position.
The storyline of the episode is inspired by Dani Alexis Ryskamp's article "The Life in The Simpsons Is No Longer Attainable" published by The Atlantic,[1] which was based on a Twitter thread by Erika Chappell.
After the producers reflected on the article, they agreed that Homer belonged to the final generation of people who could have a middle-class lifestyle without a higher education degree, which Bart could not attain.
Former United States Secretary of Labor Robert Reich appeared as himself to explain the economic situation shown in the episode.
[7] Tony Sokol of Den of Geek gave the episode a 4 out of 5 stars stating "The Simpsons have reclaimed their anti-establishment roots.
"[8] Marcus Gibson of Bubbleblabber gave the episode an 7.5/10 stating,"Overall, 'Poorhouse Rock' doesn't have enough songs to be considered a musical, and its themes struggle to match the perkiness of its melody.
The inclusion of a singing Hugh Jackman also makes this season finale a melodic treat for people who enjoyed his harmonious talents.