For decades, The Simpsons has been a staple on Sunday nights at 8:00 PM on Fox, but now it can add another accolade to its list of achievements — being named the Best Sitcom of All Time. If you grew up watching the show, this may come as no surprise, as the rest of the world has simply caught up to what fans have known all along.
Recently, Collider ranked the sixty greatest sitcoms of all time, and while beloved shows like 3rd Rock from the Sun, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Friends, and Maude made the list, The Simpsons claimed the top spot. The iconic series, which celebrated its 800th episode in Season 37, has become the longest-running scripted primetime series in TV history.
Originally airing in April 1987 as a segment on The Tracy Ullman Show before becoming its own standalone series on Fox in December 1989, The Simpsons was created by Matt Groening and is set in the fictional town of Springfield. The show follows the antics of the dysfunctional Simpson family, including beer-loving dad Homer, homemaker Marge, underachiever Bart, genius Lisa, and pacifier-sucking baby Maggie, along with their pets Santa’s Little Helper and Snowball II.
Throughout its run, The Simpsons has become known for its celebrity guest appearances, with stars like Michael Jackson, Dustin Hoffman, Michelle Pfeiffer, Lisa Kudrow, Meryl Streep, and Patrick Stewart all lending their voices to various characters. While the show may have had its ups and downs over the years, its legacy is undeniable, with thirty-seven Emmy Awards and eight People’s Choice Awards to its name.
As the first 36 seasons of The Simpsons are available to stream on Disney+, it’s easy for both longtime fans and new viewers alike to enjoy the iconic series. So, whether you’re revisiting classic episodes or discovering the show for the first time, The Simpsons continues to be a cultural touchstone that has stood the test of time.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.