The Simpsons: television's most famous family

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Matt Groening first imagined his yellow family for shorts on the Tracey Ullman Show in 1987, before the move to Fox in 1989 and more than 800 episodes across 37 seasons. This profile details the household's five members, from Lisa's saxophone to Maggie's mischievous silence, then Springfield's gallery: Ned Flanders, Mr. Burns, Krusty and Apu with his "Thank you, come again!". It also recalls the show's influence on South Park and Family Guy. An overview to help you understand that longevity.

For more than three decades, The Simpsons has become a genuine icon of popular culture. Created by Matt Groening, this animated series tells the life of a typical American family, but with a touch of satirical humour that has captivated viewers all over the world. Let's explore together the fascinating history of this show, its emblematic characters, and the unequalled impact it has had on popular culture and the world of television.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 This article profiles the family and its world. To find out how many seasons the show has, where to watch it and where to start, see our dedicated guide.

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The history and creation of The Simpsons

The series The Simpsons was first broadcast in 1989 on the American network Fox, but it had already won audiences over a few years earlier. Matt Groening first devised this fictional family for a series of short episodes shown on The Tracey Ullman Show in 1987. Inspired by his own family, Groening named the main characters after his relatives and created the fictional town of Springfield to represent an average American town, with all its quirks and its colourful residents.

Since its beginnings, The Simpsons has become the longest-running American scripted prime-time series in history, with more than 800 episodes across more than 37 seasons. The show revolutionised the world of animation and is recognised for its biting humour, its criticism of society, and its ability to tackle current affairs while remaining entertaining and accessible. It has also influenced many other adult animated series, such as South Park and Family Guy, which followed its model of social satire.

🖱️ Groening sketched the whole family in a few minutes in the lobby of the Fox studios, in 1987; if a mouse is what you sketch with, our Simpsons mouse pads give it a nice smooth surface on your desk.

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The main characters of The Simpsons

Every member of the family gets a detailed profile: Homer, the father; Marge, the mother; Bart, the terror of a son; and Lisa, the gifted one.

The Simpson family is made up of five main characters, each with their own personality and distinctive traits:

• Homer Simpson: The father of the family, Homer works at the Springfield nuclear power plant. Though often lazy, clumsy and sometimes irresponsible, he is incredibly endearing thanks to his humour and his knack for ending up in outlandish situations. His love of donuts, Duff beer and his signature line "D'oh!" have made him one of the most recognisable characters on television. Homer is a caricature of the "average family man", but his heart is always turned towards his family.
• Marge Simpson: Marge is the caring mother and the voice of reason in the family. Known for her iconic blue hairstyle and her unshakeable patience, she tries to keep harmony within her family, despite the escapades of her husband and children. Marge is also a complex character, often torn between her own dreams and her devotion to her family, which makes her all the more endearing.
• Bart Simpson: The eldest of the children, Bart is a mischievous and prankish boy. Known for famous lines such as "Ay Caramba!" and "Eat my shorts!", Bart is often caught up in misdeeds and adventures that leave his family embarrassed. Yet despite his rebellious behaviour, Bart has a sensitive side and shows sincere love for his family, especially for his sister Lisa.
• Lisa Simpson: The family's intellectual daughter, Lisa is a brilliant pupil, blessed with insatiable curiosity and often ahead of her time. Passionate about ecology, social justice and music, she loves playing the saxophone and is forever in search of knowledge. Her intelligence and her ideals make her a contrasting character alongside the rest of her family, bringing deeper reflections and social issues into the show.
• Maggie Simpson: The youngest member of the family, Maggie is a silent baby but often more cunning than she looks. Though she does not speak, her gestures and her expressions make her adorable, and she has repeatedly shown signs of surprising intelligence. Maggie is also an enigmatic character, and some scenes hint that she might have a far more complex personality.

🛍️ Lisa is passionate about the environment; you can do your bit at the checkout too, where our Simpsons tote bags replace disposable bags every time you go shopping.

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The supporting characters and the town of Springfield

Beyond the Simpson family, the show is packed with memorable supporting characters. Each of the residents of Springfield has their own unique features, together forming a living and eccentric community. Among the most famous:

• Ned Flanders: The Simpsons' ultra-religious and optimistic neighbour, often in conflict with Homer because of their opposing personalities. Despite their differences, Ned is a kind-hearted character and a loyal friend.
• Mr. Burns: The miserly and merciless owner of the nuclear power plant where Homer works. The embodiment of greed and power, Mr. Burns is a recurring antagonist of the show.
• Krusty the Clown: The television clown adored by children, who nonetheless leads a cynical life behind the scenes. Krusty represents the gap between the public image and the reality of many celebrities.
• Apu Nahasapeemapetilon: The manager of the Kwik-E-Mart, known for his line "Thank you, come again!" Apu is a character who embodies the diversity of Springfield, even if he has also raised debates about stereotypes in the media.

These characters, along with many others, help create the rich and varied world of Springfield. Each episode often features one or more supporting characters, adding depth to the show and exploring various aspects of community life, from the role of religion to neighbourly relations.

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The impact of The Simpsons on popular culture

Since its creation, The Simpsons has had a considerable impact on popular culture. The show is recognised for its satirical humour, which criticises various aspects of society, such as politics, education, the family and capitalism. It has also "predicted" numerous real events and inventions, such as the election of Donald Trump to the presidency and the rise of smartphones, which has earned the show an almost prophetic reputation.

📱 The show “predicted” the rise of smartphones, and the prophecy ended up in your pocket: if it’s a Samsung that lives there, our Simpsons Samsung cases cushion its falls.

The Simpsons has also popularised numerous expressions and references, such as Homer's "D'oh!" or "Eat my shorts!". What is more, the show has influenced countless other programmes and paved the way for a new era of adult animated comedies, proving that animation could be a powerful medium for tackling serious subjects with humour.

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The Simpsons today

Despite the passing years, The Simpsons remains popular and continues to draw a wide audience. The show has evolved with its times, tackling new subjects and weaving in modern references to stay in step with current trends. Although some fans feel the show's quality has fluctuated, The Simpsons remains a pillar of television and continues to prompt reflection on social issues, proving its relevance and its longevity.

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Summary table

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FAQ

• Who created The Simpsons?
  Cartoonist Matt Groening, whose show has been broadcast since 1989 on the American network Fox.
• How many seasons does the show have?
  More than 800 episodes across 37 seasons at the time of writing — a longevity record for a prime-time scripted series.
• Who are the members of the Simpson family?
  Homer and Marge, the parents, and their three children: Bart, Lisa and baby Maggie (plus grandfather Abraham).
• Where is the show set?
  In the fictional town of Springfield, whose American state is deliberately never revealed.

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Conclusion

The Simpsons is far more than a mere television series; it has become an institution in popular culture. With endearing characters, satirical scripts and a unique ability to tackle social issues with humour and intelligence, the show has captivated generations of viewers. Whether for Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie, or all the residents of Springfield, The Simpsons continues to entertain and to make us think, proving that it is here to stay. Its stories and its lines remain anchored in the collective memory, ensuring that the impact of The Simpsons will carry on well beyond the screen.

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