36 Years Ago Today, This Classic Simpsons Episode Started Two Of The Show’s Biggest Traditions

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Today marks the 36th anniversary of an early Simpsons episode that helped establish many of the show’s long-running traditions. The Simpsons has had an incredible run, growing from a humble Christmas special into a 37-season phenomenon with no end in sight. Over the years, the show has developed familiar elements that fans now expect, and it all began with a single episode.

Today marks the 36th anniversary of “Bart the Genius,” the second episode of The Simpsons. This episode introduced several elements that would become iconic to the show, including the opening sequence with Bart writing on the chalkboard, the very first couch gag, and Bart’s famous catchphrase, “Eat my shorts!” – a line that would later become hugely popular on merchandise. It was a truly packed and important episode.

The Simpsons First Had Its Opening 36 Years Ago Today

“Bart the Genius” was the second episode of The Simpsons, but it felt like the true beginning of the show. While the first episode aired first, “Bart the Genius” was the first one created in the style that fans would come to expect. It was a particularly important episode because it established the show’s format and focused heavily on Bart, setting the tone for everything that followed.

In the early days of The Simpsons, Bart was a central character, appearing in many episodes and driving much of the plot. The episode “Bart the Genius” is a great example of this, showcasing his mischievous side through antics like cheating at Scrabble and playfully vandalizing the school. He gets into trouble when Martin reveals his misdeeds. This episode is memorable as it features Bart’s first-ever use of the now-iconic phrase “Eat my shorts,” which he says in response to Martin explaining why he told on him, and the story unfolds from that moment.

I remember watching Bart and Martin get on each other’s nerves during their aptitude tests. It escalated to the point where Bart swapped tests with Martin! Surprisingly, everyone thought Bart was the genius, and he played along with it for most of the episode. Of course, it couldn’t last, and everything fell apart by the end. That’s when things really shifted between Bart and Homer. Bart confessed to cheating on the test, and Homer, understandably, was furious and threatened him – it set the stage for a lot of their future interactions.

The Simpsons Started Its Biggest Traditions 36 Years Ago Today

When The Simpsons first began, it was quite different from the show it is today – almost unrecognizable, in fact. However, certain elements have remained consistent throughout its run. While some seasons briefly replaced the famous couch gag to allow for longer stories, both the couch gag and the chalkboard gag have become beloved and iconic parts of the show that fans still enjoy.

You know, it’s funny thinking about “Eat my shorts” today! When The Simpsons first blew up, Bart was the guy – he was the one everyone loved and the show really built around. They put him on everything – shirts, toys, you name it! It was a huge part of the show’s early success. But over the years, The Simpsons has changed, and honestly, that rebellious Bart isn’t quite as central to things anymore. It’s cool to look back and remember how big that phrase was, though!

Bart still loves to cause trouble, and he and his dad still clash sometimes, but their relationship isn’t as intense as it used to be. The show has changed a lot over the years, but those early, mischievous storylines were essential for building the lasting traditions that fans continue to enjoy nearly 40 years later – and that show no signs of stopping anytime soon.

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2026-01-14 23:45