The Simpsons

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The Simpsons
Genre Animated television series
Comedy
Picture format 480i (SDTV)
Running time 20–23 minutes
Creator(s) Matt Groening
Developer(s) James L. Brooks
Matt Groening
Sam Simon
Executive producer(s) Al Jean
James L. Brooks
Matt Groening
Sam Simon
Voices of Dan Castellaneta
Julie Kavner
Nancy Cartwright
Yeardley Smith
Hank Azaria
Harry Shearer
(Complete list)
Country of origin
Language(s) English
Original channel Fox
Original run December 17, 1989–present
(renewed through 2007–2008)
No. of episodes 394 (List of episodes)
Official website
IMDb profile
TV.com summary

The Simpsons is an American television program that is an animated comedy. The comedy takes place in the fake (make-believe) town of Springfield. It started on December 17, 1989 and so far 394 episodes have aired over 18 seasons. As of March 20, 2006, the show has been renewed for a 19th season, due to be aired in 2007–2008. At the end of the 18th season will be the 400th episode. A feature-length movie is currently being produced, to be released on July 27, 2007, in order to celebrate The Simpsons franchise.

[edit] About the show

The television show The Simpsons was originally shown as short segments on The Tracy Ullman Show. Then Fox decided to give them their own show in 1989.

[edit] The Simpson family

  • Homer Simpson, the father, who is lazy and works at a power plant
  • Marge Simpson, the mother, a housewife
  • Bart Simpson, the 10-year old son, who gets in trouble
  • Lisa Simpson, the 8-year old daughter, who is very smart
  • Maggie Simpson, the baby girl, who can talk, but has only once
  • "Grandpa" Abe Simpson, the father of Homer Simpson
  • Patty and Selma Bouvier, Marge's sisters.
  • Santa's Little Helper, the family dog, a former racing greyhound.
  • Snowballs (I-III), pet cats

[edit] Other characters

Some of the many different characters who appeared on the show include:

  • Monty Burns, Homer's greedy, evil boss
  • Waylon Smithers, Monty Burns' assistant
  • Moe Szyslak, a grumpy bartender
  • Barney Gumble, one of Homer's friends, an alcoholic
  • Kent Brockman, a television news anchor
  • Mayor Quimby, the corrupt mayor of Springfield
  • Lenny and Carl, two of Homer's coworkers.
  • Krusty The Klown, TV star and host of a popular Children's/Comedy/Variety show who smokes and drinks a lot.
  • Doctor Hibbert, family doctor
  • Ned Flanders, the Simpsons' religious devout neighbour
    • Ned has two shy children, Rod and Todd. His wife Maude died at an auto race.
  • Milhouse Van Houten, Bart's nerdy best friend
    • His parents, Kirk and Luann, are divorced.
  • Nelson Muntz, school bully
  • Comic Book Guy, comic book store owner, known for his snide comments ("Worst Episode Ever!")
  • Apu, convenience store owner
    • Apu and his wife Manjula have eight infant children.
  • Seymour Skinner, principal of the school
  • Chief Wiggum, inept chief of police
    • Chief Wiggum's son, Ralph, is a stupid classmate of Lisa.
  • Jasper, friend of Grandpa's
  • Captain McAllister, sea captain
  • Otto Mann, who drives the school bus
  • Bumblebee Man, Spanish-speaking TV actor
  • Itchy and Scratchy, cartoon cat and mouse who are a spoof on Tom and Jerry
  • Troy McClure, out of work actor "who you might remember from such movies as..."
    • He was once married to Selma.
  • Snake, robber and criminal.
  • Old Gill, a salesman who has bad luck.
  • Side Show Bob, Krusty the Klowns assistant, married to Selma once, who has tried to kill Bart several times, and went to prison.