In a remarkable milestone, “The Simpsons” celebrates its 800th episode, making it one of the longest-running television series in history. The show’s creators reflect on its journey from humble beginnings as a series of shorts on “The Tracey Ullman Show” to a global cultural phenomenon.
Al Jean, executive producer and former showrunner, expressed his gratitude that the series never adopted a major overarching narrative. He believes this decision contributed significantly to the show’s longevity, allowing it to return to its roots with each episode. Current showrunner Matt Selman acknowledged the unique aspect of the characters remaining ageless, raising questions about their emotional connections to the vast array of events they’ve experienced.
As the series approaches nearly four decades of creative output, creator Matt Groening sees it as both a triumph and a challenge. He has consistently sought to improve the art and presentation of the show, showing a dedication to its visual integrity.
The milestone episode, “Irrational Treasure,” is set to air on Fox, marking this significant achievement. Voice actor Nancy Cartwright originally auditioned for the role of Lisa Simpson but made a successful pitch to voice Bart Simpson instead. Cartwright remarked on how her role has become integral to her identity, noting that many fans remain surprised to learn she voices a male character.
Animator David Silverman contributed to Lisa Simpson’s development, suggesting her role in the band and the introduction of her baritone saxophone as her defining trait. This became a key part of her character, highlighting her as the intelligent child in the family.
The show’s rise to fame included moments of controversy, particularly surrounding Bart Simpson’s character. Groening reflected on the early backlash, noting that it served as a catalyst for the series’ popularity. The team’s decision to target an adult audience set the tone for a wide array of jokes and themes, distinguishing “The Simpsons” from children’s programming.
As the internet emerged, fan criticism also evolved. Groening mentioned the creation of the character “Comic Book Guy” as a reaction to fans dismissing episodes as the “worst ever.” He emphasized his enjoyment of criticism but remarked on the laziness of overly simplistic feedback.
Looking forward, Groening humorously projected that “The Simpsons” will continue well into the future, even claiming the show would be airing a thousand years from now. The series’ infamous ability to seemingly predict the future has become a topic of fascination among fans, though Jean highlighted that these instances are purely coincidental.
Celebrity guest appearances have become a hallmark of the series, with Michael Jackson famously cold-calling Groening to feature in the show. However, U.S. presidents have traditionally avoided Springfield, according to Jean.
Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox has introduced “The Simpsons” to new audiences and facilitated unique content that isn’t included in the episode count. Selman noted that the show’s presence on Disney is a significant opportunity to connect with younger viewers.
Streaming platforms have also afforded the series creative flexibility, allowing longer episodes without the constraints of commercial breaks. Groening noted that while the show structure remains, there’s more room for exploration than ever before.
Through the years, Jean has taken pride in the personal connections viewers have formed with the show, often sharing stories of how it has positively impacted their lives. Silverman echoed similar sentiments, reflecting on his dreams of creating animation that resonates with people.
With no end in sight, Jean indicated plans for at least Season 40 while Groening remains excited about untold stories still waiting to be developed. The team is committed to continuing their creative journey, filled with potential and storytelling.