The longest-running primetime animated series in history and the longest-running sitcom currently on primetime television, The Simpsons is also a cultural institution. Now in its 17th season, THE SIMPSONS has an extremely loyal and dedicated fan base worldwide. Intelligently written, subversively humorous and delightfully witty, the show pokes fun at itself and everything in its wake.
The critically praised series has been bestowed with numerous honors, including a Peabody Award, 21 Emmy® Awards, 21 Annie Awards, four Genesis Awards, eight International Monitor Awards and six Environmental Media Awards. THE SIMPSONS currently holds the Guinness Book of World Records titles for Longest-running Primetime Animated Television Series and Most Guest Stars Featured in a Television Series. Recognized as a pop culture icon; “Homer Simpson’s” annoyed grunt – “D’oh!” – is an official word in the Oxford English Dictionary, and THE SIMPSONS has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On May 1, 2005, America’s most colorful family celebrated an unprecedented 350 episodes.
Guest stars paying Springfield a visit this season include Alec Baldwin, William H. Macy, Ricky Gervais, Terry Bradshaw, Lily Tomlin, former basketball great Dennis Rodman, Michael York, boxer Joe Frazier, Kelsey Grammer returning as “Sideshow Bob” and, to the delight of “Patty” and “Selma,” Richard Dean Anderson. Later in the season, Frances McDormand, Rob Reiner and famed Yankee pitcher Randy Johnson turn up to throw a curve ball on THE SIMPSONS.
The Simpsons reside in the town of Springfield. “Homer” works as a safety inspector at the local nuclear power plant, “Marge” tries to keep the peace in her family, “Bart” is the mischievous 10-year-old hellion, 8-year-old “Lisa” is the intelligent, saxophone-playing, vegetarian member of the family, and baby “Maggie” conveys emotions via pacifier sucks. Viewers also have come to know and love the rich, and sometimes quirky, universe of characters that inhabit Springfield.
Giving voice to the Simpsons and other Springfield citizens are Dan Castellaneta as “Homer,” “Krusty,” “Grampa,” “Barney,” “Mayor Quimby” and “Groundskeeper Willie,” Julie Kavner as “Marge,” “Patty,” and “Selma,” Nancy Cartwright as “Bart,” “Nelson” and “Ralph Wiggum,” Yeardley Smith as “Lisa,” Hank Azaria as “Moe,” “Apu,” “Chief Wiggum,” “Professor Frink,” “Comic Book Guy” and “Dr. Nick Rivera” and Harry Shearer as “Mr. Burns,” “Smithers,” “Ned Flanders,” “Principal Skinner,” “Reverend Lovejoy” and “Kent Brockman.”
August 16, 2005 marked the debut of “The Simpsons Season Six DVD Collection,” following the record-breaking Season One, Season Two, Season Three, Season Four and Season Five DVD releases.
THE SIMPSONS, created by cartoonist Matt Groening, first appeared in 1987 as a series of 30-second shorts produced by Groening for the series The Tracey Ullman Show. Soon they had their own series, premiering as a half-hour Christmas special on Dececember 17, 1989, and then as a regular series on January 14, 1990.
James L. Brooks, Matt Groening and Al Jean are the executive producers. Film Roman is the animation house.