In the ever-shifting landscape of television, few shows have demonstrated the staying power and cultural impact of The Simpsons. Debuting on December 17, 1989, with a Christmas special that was never meant to be the series premiere, the animated sitcom has become a global phenomenon, spawning catchphrases, merchandising empires, and countless imitators. But as the show celebrates its 35th anniversary and approaches an astonishing 800 episodes, questions linger about its enduring relevance and creative vitality.
The Golden Era and Beyond
For many fans, The Simpsons’ legacy was cemented during its first decade on the air, a period often referred to as the “golden era.” Classic episodes like “Marge vs. the Monorail,” “Last Exit to Springfield,” and “Homer’s Enemy” showcased the show’s biting satire, emotional depth, and willingness to subvert sitcom conventions. “At the time, we didn’t feel like we were in a golden era,” reveals Al Jean, a writer since the first season and the current showrunner. “We were just trying not to get fired.”
As the series progressed, however, criticisms began to mount. Some argued that the characters had become caricatures of themselves, with Homer’s buffoonery and Bart’s rebelliousness eclipsing their more nuanced traits. Others pointed to increasingly outlandish plotlines and a reliance on celebrity guest stars as evidence of a show running on creative fumes. “With the quest for harder laughs, there’s too much of The Simpsons for [character exaggeration] never to have happened,” admits Jon Vitti, a key writer during the early years.
Ratings Decline and Streaming Dominance
The Simpsons’ ratings have undeniably declined since its heyday, when episodes routinely drew tens of millions of viewers. But as Jean points out, this reflects broader trends in television consumption. “The ratings for all of television have declined,” he notes. “Relative to that, we’ve done well – and we do extremely well on Disney+, which is where we live now with streaming.”
People will often point to a ratings decline. Well, the ratings for all of television have declined.
– Al Jean, Executive Producer
Creative Risks and Critical Acclaim
While later seasons of The Simpsons may not have achieved the same critical consensus as the early years, the show has continued to take creative risks and earn accolades. Since the supposed end of the golden era, the series has won numerous Emmy Awards, earned an Oscar nomination for a theatrical short, and spawned a successful feature film. “I can point to many reasons that I could say: it’s been good continuously,” asserts Jean.
For some fans, like Lydia Hicks, creator of the popular YouTube channel The Simpsons Theory, the show is even experiencing a modern renaissance. “I think the criticism is unfair when it comes from someone who hasn’t seen the show for a while,” she argues. “I do believe that The Simpsons, especially since season 31, has entered a new golden age.” Hicks points to experimental episodes like the anime-inspired “Treehouse of Horror XXXII” segment and the fourth wall-breaking “Bart the Bad Guy” as evidence of the show’s enduring willingness to innovate.
Generational Divide and Changing Tastes
As The Simpsons spans generations, opinions on its quality often depend on when viewers first discovered the show. “My 13-year-old nephew loves the newer episodes because he finds the references more relatable,” shares Hicks. “He also finds the animation more digital and modern – and I guess more attractive. I think he’s put off by the more clunky hand-drawn style, which is something I find nostalgic.”
This generational divide reflects the challenge of appealing to both longtime fans and new audiences. While older viewers may yearn for the more grounded storytelling of the early seasons, younger generations are drawn to the faster pace, denser pop culture references, and slicker animation of recent years. Balancing these competing preferences is an ongoing challenge for the show’s creative team.
The Future of Springfield
As The Simpsons marches towards its 800th episode and beyond, the question of how long it can continue looms large. The recent departure of veteran voice actor Pamela Hayden, who portrayed characters like Milhouse and Jimbo, serves as a poignant reminder that even the most iconic elements of the show are not immortal.
Yet for all the doubts and criticisms, The Simpsons remains a cultural touchstone and a source of comfort for millions of fans around the world. Its influence can be seen in nearly every animated series that has followed in its wake, and its characters have become indelible parts of the pop culture lexicon. As long as there are new stories to tell and a willing audience to hear them, the residents of Springfield will keep on living their imperfectly perfect lives.
I’m not objective, but I think it’s still a really good show.
– Al Jean, Executive Producer
In the end, perhaps the most remarkable thing about The Simpsons is not its longevity or its accolades, but its ability to evolve and remain relevant in a world that looks very different than it did in 1989. As the series celebrates 35 years of laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments, fans old and new can take comfort in knowing that the dysfunctional denizens of 742 Evergreen Terrace will be with us for years to come, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, we can always find something to “D’oh!” about.
