33 Years Ago Today, This Classic Simpsons Episode Finally Did Something Fans Thought Might Never Happen

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For decades, The Simpsons has chronicled life in Springfield, producing many memorable episodes that fans still love. While the show remains funny, many consider its earlier seasons to be a “golden age,” especially for those who weren’t even watching at the time. Thirty-three years ago, a particularly beloved episode aired, expanding on the history of the Simpson family and surprising viewers with an unexpected twist.

I remember watching “Lisa’s First Word,” the tenth episode from The Simpsons’ fourth season, when it first aired in 1992. The episode was really clever, jumping between what was happening with the family now and flashbacks to the past. In the present, Homer and Marge were desperate to hear Maggie say her first word – it was a running gag that she hadn’t said anything yet! While they waited, Homer and Marge reminisced about Lisa’s first word. The flashbacks showed a lot of tension between Lisa and Bart when they were younger, but we also saw them eventually make up. It turned out Lisa’s first word was actually “Bart,” which was a sweet moment, even though they were still bickering in the present day.

The episode ends with Homer wishing Maggie would remain a baby forever, hoping she never learns to talk or grow up. As he puts her to bed, viewers are surprised and touched to hear Maggie clearly say “Daddy,” though Homer can’t hear it. This is especially notable because Bart usually calls Homer by his first name, making Maggie’s moment even more special. Although this scene marks the first time we hear Maggie speak, it wasn’t the first time the show has depicted her attempting to talk.

The Times Maggie Spoke

It’s funny, but Maggie Simpson has actually spoken a surprising amount since she said her first word way back in season four! I think we’ve heard her the most during the annual Treehouse of Horror Halloween specials. Those episodes aren’t really part of the show’s normal storyline, which is perfect because it lets Maggie say some absolutely hilarious things she’d never say otherwise. My favorite moment? Definitely when she buried an axe in Groundskeeper Willie in the fifth Treehouse of Horror! And get this – James Earl Jones did her voice! She just calmly said, “This is indeed a strange universe.” It still cracks me up!

Recently, Maggie Simpson was voiced by a new famous actor in the latest Treehouse of Horror episode. Although Hank Azaria didn’t reprise the role, Viola Davis stepped in and hilariously portrayed a future filled with endless duplicates of Maggie. This segment isn’t part of the show’s main storyline, but it highlights the many different versions of Maggie that have appeared throughout the Treehouse of Horror series.

There’s still a chance Maggie might speak in the future episodes The Simpsons has become known for. The show often jumps ahead in time to show Bart, Lisa, and Maggie as adults, sometimes with families. While some of these future storylines have avoided giving Maggie a voice, it remains a possibility that she’ll finally say something in one of them.

It’s highly likely Maggie Simpson will speak again sometime in the future. With The Simpsons confirmed to continue for at least three more seasons – up to season forty – we can expect plenty more episodes. Given the show’s long run, it’s fascinating to consider how many seasons it will ultimately have, but its place as a hugely influential animated series in North America is secure.

Isn’t this anniversary just wonderful? I’m so excited about it, and I’d love to hear your thoughts too! Let’s chat all about it over on the ComicBook Forum – come join the discussion!

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2025-12-04 00:16