The Simpsons

Televisions most influential animated family and the series that changed comedy forever.

There are few families more iconic than Marge, Homer, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie Simpson. For more than three decades, The Simpsons has transformed situational comedy and animation for television through its satirical and dark humor, attention to contemporary cultural issues, and ability to adapt to shifting media landscapes. Entering popular culture as parody and satire of the traditional and predictable sitcom, The Simpsons brought a comedic, critical awareness that disrupted television norms and made it a pop culture sensation. The shows unique structure and approach allowed historically taboo subjects such as religion, racism, sexism, homophobia, and labor relations to air on network television for the first time. The longevity of The Simpsons, its transcendence into internet meme culture, and its inspiration of now-ubiquitous satirical animated programs, self-referential sitcoms, and comedy news reflect the immense legacy of this program while cementing its place as a television milestone.