The Simpsons
Originally created by cartoonist Matt Groening, "Our Favorite Family," has graced the small screen in one form or another for over 20 years. The Simpson family first appeared on television as the subjects of interstitial "shorts" on The Tracey Ullman Show in April of 1987. The Simpsons remained a staple on The Tracey Ullman Show for three seasons until they premiered in their own half-hour series, on December 17, 1989. With the help of Jim Brooks and Sam Simon, Matt Groening's cartoon family turned into an instant success.
Set in Springfield, the average American town, the show focuses on the antics and everyday adventures of the Simpson family; Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie, as well as a virtual cast of thousands. Since the beginning, the series has been a pop culture icon, attracting hundreds of celebrities to guest star. The show has also made name for itself in its fearless satirical take on politics, media and American life in general.
Currently in its 21st season, The Simpsons has piled up over 440 episodes, over 20 Emmy Awards, a handful of music albums, countless endorsements and merchandise, and even made the jump to the silver screen in the summer of 2007 with The Simpsons Movie. And according to Matt Groening, "There is no end in sight."
Hank Azaria | Man at Duff Beer Sign | |
Dan Castellaneta | Homer Simpson | |
Harry Shearer | Radio Announcer | |
Nancy Cartwright | Bart Simpson | |
Yeardley Smith | Lisa Simpson | |
Julie Kavner | Marge Simpson | |
Pamela Hayden | Laurie | |
Tress MacNeille | Woman at Ticket Office | |
Maggie Roswell | All is well | |
Russi Taylor | Martin Prince | |
Phil Hartman | Troy McClure | |
Marcia Wallace | Edna Krabappel | |
Doris Grau | Lunchlady Doris | |
Frank Welker | Monkey | |
R. Lee Ermey | Colonel Leslie Hapablap | |
Glenn Close | Mona Simpson | |
Joe Mantegna | Fat Tony | |
Paul Anka | Paul Anka | |
Ron Brooks | Pedestrian in the 'Real World' | |
Joan Kenley | Woman on Phone | |
Dennis Bailey | Pedestrian in the 'Real World' | |
Trish Doolan | Pedestrian in the 'Real World' | |
Josh Weinstein | Santa in Bart's Fantasy | |
Marsha Waterbury | Pedestrian in the 'Real World' | |
Donald Sutherland | Hollis Hurlbut |
While Mr. Burns is hospitalized, an investigation into his shooter begins; although Smithers initially suspects himself, a trace of Simpson DNA narrows down the list of possible culprits.
While Mr. Burns is hospitalized, an investigation into his shooter begins; although Smithers initially suspects himself, a trace of Simpson DNA narrows down the list of possible culprits.
A Hollywood film crew shoots an adaptation of the "Radioactive Man" comics in Springfield, with Rainier Wolfcastle in the title role and a reluctant Milhouse as his sidekick, Fallout Boy.
A Hollywood film crew shoots an adaptation of the "Radioactive Man" comics in Springfield, with Rainier Wolfcastle in the title role and a reluctant Milhouse as his sidekick, Fallout Boy.
Marge and Homer lose custody of the kids, who are sent to live at the Flanders' house.
Marge and Homer lose custody of the kids, who are sent to live at the Flanders' house.
Bart casually sells his soul to Milhouse for $5 but soon regrets it; Moe converts his dank bar into a family restaurant.
Bart casually sells his soul to Milhouse for $5 but soon regrets it; Moe converts his dank bar into a family restaurant.
A trip to a local petting zoo convinces Lisa to give up meat, despite excessive pressure to convince her not to do so.
A trip to a local petting zoo convinces Lisa to give up meat, despite excessive pressure to convince her not to do so.
A lightning storm causes giant advertising mascots to come to life; The children are terrorized by Groundskeeper Willie in their dreams; Homer finds himself trapped in another dimension.
A lightning storm causes giant advertising mascots to come to life; The children are terrorized by Groundskeeper Willie in their dreams; Homer finds himself trapped in another dimension.
Homer intentionally gains more weight in order to qualify for disability and work from home, but soon realizes that being morbidly obese comes with its own problems.
After faking his own death, Homer is reunited with his mother, who harbors a deep secret.
Sideshow Bob escapes from prison to hijack a TV screen at an air show and demands that all television stations immediately go off the air, or else he will detonate an atomic bomb.
Troy McClure hosts a retrospective of the Simpson family's first eight years on television, including early shorts, classic highlights and never-before-seen outtakes.
Marge's relationship with Bart is strained when he is caught shoplifting before Christmas.
Homer starts a bowling team with Moe, Apu and Otto, but Mr. Burns insists on joining after learning that the team was funded with his money; Springfield Elementary introduces uniforms.
Former President George Bush and his wife, Barbara, move into the Simpsons' neighborhood and soon clash with Bart and Homer.
After buying a Chanel suit at a bargain price, Marge is invited to a country club by a former schoolmate, where she desperately tries to fit in with its upper class clientele.
Krusty the Clown is left almost broke after Bart inadvertently rats him out to the IRS, forcing Krusty to take drastic action.
While researching for an essay, Lisa discovers that Springfield's founding father was actually a murderous thief.
When Smithers is forced to take a vacation, he appoints Homer as his temporary replacement.
Bart and Lisa meet a vagabond who claims to be the creator of Itchy from "Itchy and Scratchy."
Washed-up movie star Troy McClure starts dating Selma in an attempt to silence bizarre rumors about his personal life and resuscitate his career.
Bart makes a fake driver's license and takes Milhouse, Martin, and Nelson on a huge road trip; Lisa spends time with Homer at the power plant.
A series of vignettes showcasing a day in the life of various Springfield residents.
After surviving multiple assassination attempts by Mr. Burns to inherit a cache of artwork they stole from the Nazis, Grampa teams up with Bart to recover the paintings.
Anti-immigration fever sweeps Springfield, which threatens to lead to the deportation of Apu, until Homer decides to reject the mob mentality and help him become a legal citizen.
Homer takes Bart and Lisa to a music festival in an attempt to prove his coolness, but ends up embarrassing them after being hired to participate in the festival's freak show.
After realizing how unpopular she is, a disillusioned Lisa sees the vacation to Ned Flanders' beach house as an opportunity to reinvent herself.