There are two types of people in the world: those that love The Simpsons and those that hate The Simpsons. I am happy to say that I am the former. There is not a single episode that I haven’t seen.  The show is the longest running animated series in America. This leads me to believe most of you are just like me.

The Simpson family made their TV debut on the The Tracey Ullman Show on April 19, 1987. In 1989, the family was moved to FOX and became a half-hour series. The creator of the show, Matt Groening , developed a cast of wacky characters centered around a dysfunctional family, the Simpsons.

The Simpsons have received numerous awards including 25 Emmys, Peabody Awards and even a star on the Walk of Fame.

But this is not why we tune in week after week, is it?  We tune in to see what trouble Bart might get into, if Mr. Burns is going to hatch some evil plan, or what antics Homer is up to.

The show’s main characters are the Simpsons: Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie. The show has so many minor characters and guest stars, you could never name them all. Since the beginning of the show, audiences have tuned in to see the couch gag and read what Bart is writing on the chalk board. I admit I have paused it from time to time just to read the whole line.

This family has had a profound effect on modern culture whether, you like it or not. Phrases such as the word “D’oh,” now appear in the Oxford and Webster Dictionaries.  Many other phrases and terms have appeared in newsprint and other media not related to the show. Marge has even appeared on the cover of Playboy. The Simpsons also paved the way for may other animated hits such as Family Guy, American Dad, King of the Hill and South Park.  South Park even had a episode that gave credit to The Simpsons entitled, “The Simpsons Already Did It.”  This show has influenced many other live action shows as well.

I could go on forever about the show, but it would be unfair not to mention the merchandise from the show.  The Simpsons has spawned a full length movie (I have it), numerous video games (I have 3), toys, board games, clothes and novelty items. My cousin actually had a Bart Simpson shirt he wore under a baseball uniform for years. He swore it was lucky.

The Simpsons may not be your cup of tea, but you can’t deny its effects on modern culture and television.  This show will always be a significant part of America’s television heritage and the animation community. If you’re looking for me on Sunday night, chances are you’ll find me in front of the tube watching The Simpsons.