36 Years Ago Today, TV’s Greatest Sitcom First Premiered (And It’s Still Going Strong)

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Many sitcoms feel like they’re constantly at risk of being cancelled, which can lead to storylines being stretched out for years. How I Met Your Mother famously kept viewers guessing about Ted Mosby’s future love life for nine seasons, but eventually sped things up, realizing the story itself was more important than the ultimate reveal. Other shows recognize when they’re losing steam. The Office, for example, kept things lively with ongoing pranks and silly moments, but even those beloved characters eventually reached a satisfying conclusion. Ultimately, all sitcoms have to come to an end.

Despite current TV trends, one show continues to thrive by constantly moving forward. It’s remarkable that it will be entering its 36th year in 2025, especially in today’s television environment. Although it has a slight edge over other comedies, it consistently outperforms them with its clever writing and consistently funny moments.

It’s Been Almost Four Decades Since TV Changed Forever

Variety shows were incredibly popular in the past, offering audiences lots of different kinds of entertainment. One of the best was The Tracey Ullman Show, and much of its success came from producer James L. Brooks, who wasn’t afraid to try new things. In 1987, Brooks contacted cartoonist Matt Groening, known for his comic strip Life in Hell, and asked him to create animated shorts for the show. Groening quickly agreed and created the Simpson family, which first appeared on television on April 19, 1987. It took a couple of years for others in the industry to recognize the potential, but eventually Fox decided to develop Groening’s idea into a full series called The Simpsons.

The very first episode of The Simpsons, titled “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire,” originally aired on December 17, 1989, and centers around the family’s Christmas shopping. Homer is disappointed when he doesn’t receive his yearly bonus, meaning he can’t afford many gifts. He and Bart try to win money at a dog race by betting on Santa’s Little Helper, but the dog loses. Despite this setback, Bart suggests they keep the dog as a pet, which brightens Homer’s spirits. This initial episode isn’t flashy, but it immediately establishes the show’s central focus: the importance of family, a theme that remains central to The Simpsons’ success even now.

The Simpsons Still Hasn’t Lost Its Fastball

Since its debut on December 17, 1989, The Simpsons has aired over 800 episodes, and the show is continuing with even more to come. Although Matt Groening isn’t as directly involved in the show’s daily production as he used to be – he’s passed those responsibilities to other creative teams – he still contributes by helping with scripts and working as a producer. He’s even appeared as himself on the show four times, most recently in the latest season. Because he’s still actively working on The Simpsons, it’s likely hard for Groening to fully appreciate the show’s enormous impact on popular culture.

It’s no surprise that The Simpsons influenced other animated comedies like Family Guy, which also remains popular on Fox. But the show’s impact goes far beyond television. Homer and the characters of Springfield are featured in theme parks, on tons of merchandise, and even starred in a highly successful movie. A sequel is planned, and some fans think that might be the final chapter for the franchise. If so, it would be an incredible ending for a show that began as a simple short.

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2025-12-17 21:41