1991 – The Launch Of “The Simpsons”
The Simpsons is an animated television sitcom from the United States that features the fictional Simpson family, created by Matt Groening. Groening came up with the characters while in the lobby of James L. Brooks’s office, naming them after his own family members, with “Bart” being a substitute for his own name. The family first appeared as short segments on The Tracey Ullman Show on April 19, 1987. After three seasons, these segments were transformed into a half-hour prime-time show, which premiered on December 17, 1989. The series quickly became a hit for Fox, making history as the first Fox show to reach the top 30 ratings during a season in 1990.
From its inception, the show sparked controversy and frequently made headlines. In its early years, some parents viewed Bart as a negative influence on children, leading to some public schools in the U.S. banning The Simpsons merchandise and apparel. In January 1992, then-President George H. W. Bush criticized the show during his re-election campaign, stating that efforts would be made to promote American families that resembled the Waltons rather than the Simpsons. In 2002, the Rio de Janeiro tourist board nearly pursued legal action against the show for its portrayal of the city.
A feature-length film titled The Simpsons Movie premiered in theaters around the world on July 26 and 27, 2007. Previous attempts to create a film adaptation had stalled due to script length and crew issues. However, producers Brooks, Groening, Al Jean, Mike Scully, and Richard Sakai began work on the film in 2001, brainstorming multiple plot ideas. Groening’s concept was eventually selected for development. The script underwent over a hundred revisions, with changes continuing even after animation began in 2006. The film proved to be a box office success and received positive reviews.
The Simpsons has become the longest-running sitcom in America, as well as the longest-running animated program in the country. In 2009, it surpassed Gunsmoke to become the longest-running scripted series on American primetime television. Since its debut on December 17, 1989, the show has aired 770 episodes, with its 35th season starting on October 1, 2023.