Characters (from L-R) Lisa, Bart, Homer, Marge and Maggie stand by a cake at the 20th anniversary party for the television series "The Simpsons" in Santa Monica, California October 18, 2009. [CCTV via Agencies]

Authorities said Sunday that the story was a hoax concocted to land a reality television show, and the boy's parents, Richard and Mayumi Heene, will likely face felony charges.

"Such a perfect 'Simpsons' episode," commented documentarian Morgan Spurlock, who serves as director of "The Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special in 3-D on Ice," which will air in January. "All of that playing out in real time was so unbelievable. But it's America. It was American news at its best. We run with something without having all the facts. We turn it into a big lead story. That's what it's all about."

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