After 800 episodes, 'The Simpsons' creators look back – and ahead

10 days ago

The Simpsons celebrates 800 episodes and 37 seasons, maintaining its cultural impact without an overarching storyline.
Creators reflect on the show's longevity, with Al Jean noting the importance of episodic storytelling.
Matt Selman discusses the challenge of characters not aging and whether they retain emotional memory of past events.
Matt Groening shares his perfectionism in character design and cinematic improvements over 38 years.
Nancy Cartwright recalls auditioning for Lisa but choosing Bart, a role that has become integral to her identity.
Lisa Simpson's character was defined by her musical talent, suggested during a production meeting.
Early controversy, like Bart being deemed a threat to classrooms, helped boost the show's popularity.
The decision to target adults allowed for a wide range of humor, shaping the show's success.
Groening created Comic Book Guy in response to overly critical online fans.
The show's accidental predictions, like Lisa inheriting the presidency from Trump, became internet legends.
Guest stars, including Michael Jackson, have been a hallmark, though U.S. presidents have consistently declined.
Disney+ has introduced The Simpsons to new generations, with streaming allowing more creative freedom.
The show's impact is personal, with fans crediting it for helping them through tough times.
No end is in sight, with plans to continue to Season 40 and beyond, with new stories still to tell.

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