‘Simpsons predicting the future again’: Jim Parsons of The Big Bang Theory explains what cryptocurrency actually is

Ever wonder what cryptocurrency is actually all about? Jim Parsons might have the answer.

The Big Bang Theory star did a cameo in The Simpsons earlier this week, in the season 31 episode titled “Frinkcoin”.

In the episode, Lisa Simpson sets out to write a paper about Professor Frink, who tells her he’s developing his own cryptocurrency.

At one point, he introduces “TV’s most beloved scientist, Mr Jim Parsons”.

Parsons, of course, isn’t actually a career scientist, but rather played one for 12 years in The Big Bang Theory, in which he portrayed theoretical physicist Sheldon Cooper.

“People think I’m a nerd, but I’m actually super cool,” says Parsons. “That’s why I’m here to talk about the really cool subject of distributed consensus-based cryptocurrency.”

He then launches into an explanation of the inner workings of cryptocurrency – supported by a song claiming cryptocurrency is the “cash of the future”.

This assertion prompted some to say that The Simpsons could end up predicting the future in that way.

The series has a history of incorporating plotlines that later end up coming true.

Parsons’s explanation is followed by a sardonic disclaimer that reads in part: “Cryptocurrency is a system that does not rely on a non-cryptocurrency central authority, but instead relies on a non-centralised distributed consensus of cryptocurrency ownership.

“Using the word ‘cryptocurrency’ repeatedly when defining cryptocurrency makes it seem like we have a cryptocurrency novice’s understanding of cryptocurrency.

“Well, that is a total pile of cryptocurrency.”