Television...

The Simpsons predicted a Trump presidency 16 years ago

"As you know, we've inherited quite a budget crunch from President Trump," President Lisa Simpson said 16 years ago. Photo: Fox

"The story was really about Bart saving Lisa's presidency," episode writer Dan Greaney tells The Washington Post. "Lisa has a problem beyond her ability" - the kind that only Bart can solve.

But how did the series arrive at a President Trump? Do show executives Matt Groening and James L Brooks have a big Ouija board straight from Springfield, USA?

Trump was just the right comedic fit at the time, explains Greaney, noting that they needed a name that sounded absurd.