On December 17, 1989, television history was made when The Simpsons premiered on Fox as a full-length animated series. The debut episode, titled Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire, introduced audiences to the Simpson family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie—and set the stage for what would become one of the most influential shows of all time. Before this, The Simpsons had started as short sketches on The Tracey Ullman Show in 1987, gaining enough popularity to earn its own time slot.
The premiere episode was a Christmas special with a heartwarming yet humorous storyline. Homer struggles to provide gifts for his family after learning he won’t receive his Christmas bonus. In a desperate attempt to save the holiday, he bets on a greyhound race and ends up bringing home the family’s new pet, Santa’s Little Helper. The episode’s mix of wit, satire, and genuine emotion resonated with viewers, earning it two Emmy nominations and laying the foundation for the show’s iconic style.
At the time, animated shows in prime time were rare, and The Simpsons broke new ground as the first of its kind since The Flintstones in the 1960s. The show’s sharp humor and social commentary set it apart, appealing to both kids and adults. It also became a cornerstone for the Fox network, which was still new and striving to compete with bigger players like ABC, NBC, and CBS. The Simpsons helped solidify Fox’s reputation as a home for edgy, innovative programming.
Over the decades, The Simpsons has become the longest-running scripted prime-time series in U.S. history, with over 750 episodes as of 2024. It has introduced countless memorable moments, characters, and catchphrases—like Homer’s exasperated “D’oh!”—that have become part of everyday culture. The show’s influence extends far beyond television, inspiring countless other animated series and even shaping how society reflects on itself through humor.
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What began as a modest animated special has grown into a global phenomenon, beloved by generations of fans. On this day in history, The Simpsons proved that an animated family from Springfield could change the television landscape forever.