High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! "The Itchy Scratchy Poochie Show" is the fourteenth episode of the eighth season of The Simpsons, which originally aired February 9, 1997. In the episode, The Itchy Scratchy Show attempts to regain viewers by introducing a hip new character named Poochie, who will be voiced by Homer. The episode is largely self-referential and satirizes the world of television production, fans of The Simpsons and the series itself. It was written by David S. Cohen, and directed by Steven Dean Moore.Alex Rocco guest starred as Roger Meyers, Jr. for the third and final time, and Phil Hartman guest stars as Troy McClure. Poochie would become a minor recurring character and Comic Book Guy`s catchphrase, "worst episode ever" is introduced in this episode. With "The Itchy Scratchy Poochie Show", the show`s 167th, The Simpsons surpassed The Flintstones in the number of episodes produced for a prime-time animated series.