List of The Simpsons episodes
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The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. It is a satirical depiction of a dysfunctional middle-class American lifestyle starring the eponymous family: Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. Set in the town of Springfield, the show lampoons both American culture and the human condition.[1] The family was conceived by Groening shortly before a pitch for a series of animated shorts with producer James L. Brooks. Groening named each character (other than Bart) after members of his own family. The shorts became part of the Fox series The Tracey Ullman Show on April 19, 1987.[1][2] After a three-season run, the sketch was developed into a half-hour primetime hit show.[3]
The show holds several American television longevity records. It is the longest-running primetime animated series and longest-running sitcom in the United States.[4] With its 21st season (2009–10), the series surpassed Gunsmoke (which had 20 seasons) to claim the spot as the longest-running American primetime scripted television series, and later also surpassed Gunsmoke (which had 635 episodes) for episode count in this category, starting with the 29th-season episode "Forgive and Regret" on April 29, 2018.
Episodes of The Simpsons have won dozens of awards, including 31 Emmys (ten for Outstanding Animated Program), 30 Annies, and a Peabody.[5] The Simpsons Movie, a feature-length film, was released in theaters worldwide on July 26 and 27, 2007, and grossed US$526.2 million worldwide.[6] The first 20 seasons are available on DVD in regions 1, 2, and 4, with the twentieth season released on both DVD and Blu-ray in 2010 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the series. On April 8, 2015, showrunner Al Jean announced that there would be no more DVD or Blu-ray releases, shifting focus to digital distribution,[7] although this was later reversed on July 22, 2017.[8] Almost two years later, on July 20, 2019, it was announced that Season 19 would be released on December 3, 2019, on DVD.[9]
On March 3, 2021, The Simpsons was renewed for seasons 33 and 34.[10] On February 19, 2012, The Simpsons reached its 500th episode in the 23rd season.[11] It reached its 600th episode on October 16, 2016, in its 28th season. On March 21, 2021, The Simpsons reached its 700th episode[12] in its 32nd season.
On January 26, 2023, The Simpsons was renewed for seasons 35 and 36.[13]
As of May 19, 2024,[update] 768 episodes of The Simpsons have aired, concluding the thirty-fifth season.
Series overview
[edit]- Seasons 1–11 are ranked by households (in millions).
- Seasons 12–33 are ranked by total viewers (in millions).
Season | Episodes | Originally aired | Households / viewers | Rank | Rating | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
First aired | Last aired | ||||||
1 | 13 | December 17, 1989 | May 13, 1990 | 13.4m h.[n1][15] | 30 | 14.5 | |
2 | 22 | October 11, 1990 | July 11, 1991 | 12.2m h.[n1][n2] | 38[16] | 8.0 | |
3 | 24 | September 19, 1991 | August 27, 1992 | 12.0m h.[n1][n3] | 33[17] | — | |
4 | 22 | September 24, 1992 | May 13, 1993 | 12.1m h.[n1][18] | 30 | 13.0 | |
5 | 22 | September 30, 1993 | May 19, 1994 | 10.5m h.[n1][n4] | 53[19] | — | |
6 | 25 | September 4, 1994 | May 21, 1995 | 9.0m h.[n1][20] | 67[20] | — | |
7 | 25 | September 17, 1995 | May 19, 1996 | 8.0m h.[n1][21] | 75[21] | — | |
8 | 25 | October 27, 1996 | May 18, 1997 | 8.6m h.[22] | 53[22] | — | |
9 | 25 | September 21, 1997 | May 17, 1998 | 9.1m h.[23] | 30 | 9.2 | |
10 | 23 | August 23, 1998 | May 16, 1999 | 7.9m h.[24] | 46[24] | — | |
11 | 22 | September 26, 1999 | May 21, 2000 | 8.2m h.[25] | 44[25] | — | |
12 | 21 | November 1, 2000 | May 20, 2001 | 14.7m viewers[26] | 21[26] | — | |
13 | 22 | November 6, 2001 | May 22, 2002 | 12.4m viewers[27] | 30[27] | — | |
14 | 22 | November 3, 2002 | May 18, 2003 | 13.4m viewers[28] | 25[28] | — | |
15 | 22 | November 2, 2003 | May 23, 2004 | 10.6m viewers[29] | 42[29] | — | |
16 | 21 | November 7, 2004 | May 15, 2005 | 9.6m viewers[30] | 52[30] | — | |
17 | 22 | September 11, 2005 | May 21, 2006 | 9.1m viewers[31] | 62[31] | 3.2 | |
18 | 22 | September 10, 2006 | May 20, 2007 | 8.6m viewers[32] | 60[32] | 4.1 | |
19 | 20 | September 23, 2007 | May 18, 2008 | 8.0m viewers[33] | 87[33] | — | |
20 | 21 | September 28, 2008 | May 17, 2009 | 6.9m viewers[34] | 77[34] | — | |
21 | 23 | September 27, 2009 | May 23, 2010 | 7.2m viewers[35] | 61[35] | 3.4 | |
22 | 22 | September 26, 2010 | May 22, 2011 | 7.3m viewers[36] | 65[36] | 3.3 | |
23 | 22 | September 25, 2011 | May 20, 2012 | 7.0m viewers[37] | 69[37] | 3.3 | |
24 | 22 | September 30, 2012 | May 19, 2013 | 6.3m viewers[38] | 70[38] | 2.9 | |
25 | 22 | September 29, 2013 | May 18, 2014 | 5.6m viewers[39] | 81[39] | — | |
26 | 22 | September 28, 2014 | May 17, 2015 | 5.6m viewers[40] | 100[40] | 2.6 | |
27 | 22 | September 27, 2015 | May 22, 2016 | 4.7m viewers[41] | 102[41] | 2.1 | |
28 | 22 | September 25, 2016 | May 21, 2017 | 4.8m viewers[42] | 92[42] | 2.1 | |
29 | 21 | October 1, 2017 | May 20, 2018 | 4.1m viewers[43] | 122[43] | 1.7 | |
30 | 23 | September 30, 2018 | May 12, 2019 | 3.7m viewers[44] | 126[44] | 1.4 | |
31 | 22 | September 29, 2019 | May 17, 2020 | 3.0m viewers[45] | 103[45] | 1.1 | |
32 | 22 | September 27, 2020 | May 23, 2021 | 2.4m viewers[46] | 117[46] | 0.8 | |
33 | 22 | September 26, 2021 | May 22, 2022 | 2.3m viewers[47] | 98[47] | 0.7 | |
34 | 22 | September 25, 2022 | May 21, 2023 | 2.1m viewers[48] | 98 | 0.65 | |
35 | 18 | October 1, 2023 | May 19, 2024 | 1.99m viewers[49] | 106 | 0.58 | |
36 | TBA | September 29, 2024 | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |
Notes
[edit]- Until the 1996–97 television season, ratings were calculated over 30 weeks from September to mid-April. Episodes that aired after mid-April were not part of the overall average and ranking.[50]
- Season one had approximately 13.4 million viewing households.[15] Season two dropped 9%,[51] resulting in an average of approximately 12.2 million viewing households.
- Season three had an average rating of 13.0 points.[17] For the 1991–92 season, each point represented 921,000 viewing households,[52] resulting in a total average of approximately 12.0 million viewing households.
- Season four had approximately 12.1 million viewing households.[18] Season five dropped 13%,[53] resulting in an average of approximately 10.5 million viewing households.
List of episodes
[edit]Seasons 1–20 (1989–2009)
[edit]Seasons 21–present (2009–)
[edit]Film
[edit]The Simpsons Movie
[edit]Shorts
[edit]The Tracey Ullman Show
[edit]Theatrical
[edit]Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date |
---|---|---|---|
The Longest Daycare | David Silverman | James L. Brooks, Matt Groening, Al Jean, David Mirkin, Joel H. Cohen & Michael Price | July 13, 2012 |
Playdate with Destiny | David Silverman | Al Jean, Tom Gammill, Max Pross, James L. Brooks, Matt Groening, Michael Price, Matt Selman & David Silverman | March 6, 2020 |
Disney+
[edit]The Simpsons Disney+ shorts are a series of short promotional films based on the television series The Simpsons produced for Disney+. As of 2024, eight short films have been produced, beginning with The Force Awakens from Its Nap (2021), with its latest short being May the 12th Be with You (2024).
All of the shorts were directed by longtime Simpsons director David Silverman and produced by Gracie Films and 20th Television Animation.
Background
[edit]The Simpsons originated in animated shorts that aired as a recurring segment on the variety television series The Tracey Ullman Show for three seasons, before the characters spun off into The Simpsons, their own half-hour prime-time show.
Following the release of The Simpsons Movie, two theatrical shorts featuring Maggie Simpson were produced: The Longest Daycare (2012), released with Ice Age: Continental Drift, and Playdate with Destiny (2020), released with Onward.
When The Simpsons was added to Disney+, co-creator and executive producer James L. Brooks suggested the creation of a series of short films in which the Simpsons would "invade the rest of Disney+" as a way to promote The Simpsons and reach viewers who may not have been familiar with the series.[54]
Shorts
[edit]<onlyinclude>{{#invoke:Episode table|main |background = #fada00 |title = 14 |director = 11 |writer = 22 |airdate = 12 |airdateT = Original release date |episodes =
The Force Awakens from Its NapDavid SilvermanJoel H. Cohen, Al Jean & Michael PriceMay 4, 2021 The Good, the Bart, and the LokiDavid SilvermanElisabeth Kiernan Averick, Jessica Conrad, John Frink, Al Jean & Jeff WestbrookJuly 7, 2021 PlusaversaryDavid SilvermanJoel H. Cohen, Jessica Conrad, Al Jean, Loni Steele Sosthand & Dan VebberNovember 12, 2021 When Billie Met LisaDavid SilvermanElisabeth Kiernan Averick, Broti Gupta, Al Jean, Cesar Mazariegos & David MirkinApril 22, 2022 Welcome to the ClubDavid SilvermanJ. Stewart Burns, Joel H. Cohen, Al Jean, Christine Nangle & Loni Steele SosthandSeptember 8, 2022 The Simpsons Meet the Bocellis in 'Feliz Navidad'David SilvermanJoel H. Cohen, Al Jean, Ryan Koh & David MirkinDecember 15, 2022 Rogue Not Quite OneDavid SilvermanAl Jean, Ryan Koh, Loni Steele Sosthand, Dan Vebber & Jeff WestbrookMay 4, 2023 May the 12th Be with YouDavid SilvermanJoel H. Cohen, Al Jean, Ryan Koh, David Mirkin & Jeff WestbrookMay 10, 2024
The Force Awakens from Its Nap
[edit]The Force Awakens from Its Nap was released on May 4, 2021, on Disney+ in celebration of Star Wars Day.[55][56]
The Good, the Bart, and the Loki
[edit]The Good, the Bart, and the Loki is the second promotional short, after The Force Awakens from Its Nap (2021), that ties in with Disney+'s brands and titles. The Good, the Bart, and the Loki is directed by David Silverman and celebrates the Marvel Cinematic Universe, particularly its television series Loki, with Tom Hiddleston reprising his role as Loki. The short was released on July 7, 2021, on Disney+, alongside the fifth episode of Loki.[57][54]
Plusaversary
[edit]Plusaversary debuted on Disney+ for its second anniversary in 2021 and is the third promotional short produced for Disney+.[58] The short was directed by David Silverman and released on November 12, 2021 – Disney+ Day.[59][60] In the short film, there is a Disney+ party at Moe's Tavern and everyone is invited except Homer.[61]
When Billie Met Lisa
[edit]When Billie Met Lisa is the fourth promotional short produced for Disney+.[62] Like the previous shorts, it was directed by David Silverman and released on April 22, 2022.[63]
Welcome to the Club
[edit]Welcome to the Club is the fifth Simpsons short produced for Disney+. It was released in celebration of Disney+ Day on September 8, 2022. In the short, Lisa enters a castle in order to become recognized as an official Disney Princess, only to be persuaded through song by many classic Disney villains, to become a villain instead.
The Simpsons Meet the Bocellis in "Feliz Navidad"
[edit]The Simpsons Meet the Bocellis in "Feliz Navidad" is the sixth Simpsons short produced for Disney+. It was released on December 15, 2022. In the short, The Simpsons family celebrate Christmas, alongside Andrea Bocelli, and his family, Matteo Bocelli and Virginia Bocelli.
Rogue Not Quite One
[edit]Rogue Not Quite One is the seventh short produced for Disney+. It was released on May 4, 2023, in celebration of Star Wars Day and Disney's 100th anniversary.
May the 12th Be with You
[edit]May the 12th Be with You is the eighth short produced for Disney+. It was released on May 10, 2024 in honor of both Star Wars Day and Mother's Day. In the short, Marge and Maggie goes on a day trip with several other Disney+ mothers and children to a planetary playground known as "Disney Playground Planet".
Untitled Simpsons Halloween Short
[edit]A new Halloween themed short will be the ninth short produced for Disney+. It will be released on October 02, 2024.
See also
[edit]- The Simpsons shorts, recurring segment on The Tracey Ullman Show which preced the Simpsons television series
- The Longest Daycare, 2012 short originally released theatrically
- Playdate with Destiny, 2020 short originally released theatrically
- "Te Deseo Lo Mejor," 2021 music video featuring the Bad Bunny song of the same name
- The Simpsons | Balenciaga, 2021 short produced with fashion house Balenciaga
References
[edit]- ^ a b The Simpsons: America's First Family (television documentary). BBC. 2000. Later released on the 2001 DVD The Simpsons – The Complete First Season by 20th Century Fox.
- ^ Groening, Matt (February 14, 2003). "Fresh Air". NPR (Interview). Interviewed by Bianculli, David. Philadelphia: WHYY. Archived from the original on December 13, 2007. Retrieved July 30, 2012.
- ^ Gerard, Jeremy (February 21, 1990). "Bad Language, Hurt Feelings and Success". The New York Times. Archived from the original on August 2, 2012. Retrieved July 30, 2012.
- ^ Owen, Rob (January 21, 2003). "TV Notes: 'Simpsons' breaks record with contract renewal Archived January 2, 2011, at the Wayback Machine". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
- ^ "The Simpsons – Synopsis". Fox Flash. Archived from the original on April 27, 2012. Retrieved August 2, 2012.
- ^ "The Simpsons Movie". Box Office Mojo. Archived from the original on October 8, 2012. Retrieved April 8, 2009.
- ^ "Fox to End 'The Simpsons' Seasonal DVD Production". The Hollywood Reporter. April 9, 2015. Archived from the original on April 12, 2015. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
- ^ "The Simpsons to bring back DVDs". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on July 26, 2017. Retrieved July 27, 2017.
- ^ "The Simpsons Will Finally Release Season 19 on DVD, Helping Out Purist Collectors". Variety. July 20, 2019. Archived from the original on July 21, 2019. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (March 3, 2021). "'The Simpsons' Renewed For Seasons 33 & 34 By Fox". Deadline. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
- ^ Snierson, Dan (January 30, 2012). "WikiLeaks' Julian Assange to guest on 'The Simpsons' Archived July 28, 2012, at the Wayback Machine". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
- ^ Hipes, Patrick (July 22, 2020). "Fox Sets Fall Premiere Dates For The Simpsons, Family Guy, Bob's Burgers, Bless The Harts". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 22, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
- ^ Petski, Denise; Andreeva, Nellie (January 26, 2023). "The Simpsons, Family Guy & Bob's Burgers Renewed For Two Additional Seasons Through 2024–25". Deadline Hollywood.
- ^ Brooks, Tim; Marsh, Earle (2007). The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946–Present (Ninth ed.). Ballantine Books. pp. 1692–1695. ISBN 978-0-345-49773-4.
- ^ a b "Nielsen's top 50 shows". USA Today. April 18, 1990. p. 3D.
- ^ "Nielsen ratings". The Tampa Tribune. April 17, 1991. p. 4.
- ^ a b Gable, Donna (April 15, 1992). "CBS' historic jump". USA Today. p. 3D.
- ^ a b "Year-end ratings". Deseret News. April 22, 1993. p. C6.
- ^ "Nielsen ratings". The Tampa Tribune. Associated Press. April 21, 1994. p. 4.
- ^ a b Pierce, Scott D. (April 19, 1995). "They're not laughing at CBS after drop from 1st to worst". Deseret News. p. C6.
- ^ a b "NBC lands 6 series in season's top 10". Daily Breeze. May 26, 1996. p. D3.
- ^ a b Moses, Robert; Rowen, Beth (1997). The 1998 A & E Entertainment Almanac. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. pp. 496–515. ISBN 978-0-395-88277-1.
- ^ "Final Ratings for '97–'98 TV Season". San Francisco Chronicle. May 25, 1998. p. E4.
- ^ a b "Nielsen rankings for 1998–99". San Francisco Chronicle. May 28, 1999. p. C5.
- ^ a b "Nielsen rankings for 1999–2000". San Francisco Chronicle. May 26, 2000. p. C17.
- ^ a b "The Bitter End". Entertainment Weekly. June 1, 2001. Archived from the original on July 18, 2012. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
- ^ a b "How did your favorite show rate?". USA Today. May 28, 2002. Archived from the original on February 22, 2017. Retrieved September 10, 2011.
- ^ a b Sepinwall, Alan; Seitz, Matt Zoller (May 29, 2003). "Nielsen numbers". The Star-Ledger. p. 31.
- ^ a b "Season to date program ratings". ABC Medianet. June 2, 2004. Archived from the original on February 8, 2007. Retrieved September 10, 2011.
- ^ a b "Season program ratings". ABC Medianet. June 1, 2005. Archived from the original on March 10, 2007. Retrieved September 10, 2011.
- ^ a b "Season program ratings". ABC Medianet. May 31, 2006. Archived from the original on March 10, 2007. Retrieved September 10, 2011.
- ^ a b "2006-07 primetime wrap". The Hollywood Reporter. May 25, 2007. Archived from the original on January 29, 2010. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
- ^ a b "Season program ratings". ABC Medianet. May 28, 2008. Archived from the original on April 13, 2010. Retrieved September 10, 2011.
- ^ a b "Season program ratings". ABC Medianet. May 19, 2009. Archived from the original on June 23, 2009. Retrieved September 10, 2011.
- ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (May 27, 2010). "Full Series Rankings For The 2009–10 Broadcast Season". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 13, 2012. Retrieved September 10, 2011.
- ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (May 27, 2011). "Full 2010–11 TV Season Series Rankings". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on October 8, 2012. Retrieved September 10, 2011.
- ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (May 24, 2012). "Full 2011–2012 TV Season Series Rankings". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 24, 2014. Retrieved May 25, 2012.
- ^ a b Dominic Patten (May 23, 2013). "Full 2012–2013 TV Season Series Rankings". deadline. Archived from the original on October 16, 2017. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
- ^ a b "Primetime TV Series 2013 Ratings & Rankings – Full List". Deadline Hollywood. May 22, 2014. Archived from the original on May 25, 2014. Retrieved August 3, 2014.
- ^ a b "Full 2014–15 Series Rankings". Deadline Hollywood. May 22, 2015. Archived from the original on May 22, 2015. Retrieved May 22, 2015.
- ^ a b "Full 2015–16 Series Rankings". Deadline Hollywood. May 26, 2016. Archived from the original on November 17, 2020. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
- ^ a b "Final 2016–17 TV Rankings: 'Sunday Night Football' Winning Streak Continues". Deadline Hollywood. May 26, 2017. Archived from the original on May 30, 2017. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
- ^ a b "2017–18 TV Series Ratings Rankings: NFL Football, 'Big Bang' Top Charts". Deadline Hollywood. May 22, 2018. Archived from the original on May 23, 2018. Retrieved May 23, 2018.
- ^ a b de Moraes, Lisa (May 21, 2019). "2018–19 TV Season Ratings: CBS Wraps 11th Season At No. 1 In Total Viewers, NBC Tops Demo; 'Big Bang Theory' Most Watched Series". Deadline. Archived from the original on May 21, 2019. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
- ^ a b "TV Ratings: 7-Day Season Averages for Every 2019–20 Broadcast Series". The Hollywood Reporter. June 4, 2020. Archived from the original on June 6, 2020. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
- ^ a b Porter, Rick (June 8, 2021). "2020-21 TV Ratings: Complete 7-Day Ratings for Broadcast Network Series". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on June 8, 2021.
- ^ a b Porter, Rick (June 9, 2022). "2021-22 TV Ratings: Final Seven-Day Numbers for Every Network Series". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
- ^ "TV Ratings 2022–23: Final Seven-Day Averages for Every Network Series" (Press release). June 7, 2023. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
- ^ "TV Ratings 2023-24: Final Numbers for (Almost) Every Network Series" (Press release). June 11, 2024. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
- ^ Storm, Jonathan (May 31, 1997). "The big three networks took a big ratings hit this season". The Charleston Gazette. p. P6B.
- ^ "Network series take beatings in ratings". Tulsa World. April 23, 1991. p. 2C.
- ^ Williams, Scott (April 17, 1992). "CBS toasts its win of season ratings". St. Petersburg Times. p. 17.
- ^ Jicha, Tom (April 20, 1994). "Home Improvement improves to no. 1 spot". South Florida Sun-Sentinel. p. 1E.
- ^ a b Vary, Adam B. (July 7, 2021). "How 'The Simpsons' Used 'Loki' to Invade the Marvel Cinematic Universe". Variety. Archived from the original on July 7, 2021. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
- ^ Earl, William (May 3, 2021). "'The Simpsons' Meets 'Star Wars' in First Look at Disney Plus Short 'The Force Awakens From Its Nap'". Variety. Archived from the original on May 5, 2021. Retrieved May 5, 2021.
- ^ Evans, Greg (May 3, 2021). "Maggie Simpson Joins Galaxy Far, Far Away In New Disney+ 'Star Wars' Short". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 5, 2021. Retrieved May 5, 2021.
- ^ Ferme, Antonio (June 30, 2021). "Loki and Bart Simpson Team Up in Marvel-'Simpsons' Crossover Short on Disney Plus". Variety. Archived from the original on June 30, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
- ^ "'The Simpsons in Plusaversary' Short to Stream on Disney+ Day". Collider. November 2, 2021. Retrieved November 12, 2021.
- ^ Darwish, Meaghan. "'The Simpsons' to Celebrate Disney+ Day With 'Plusaversary' Special". TV Insider. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
- ^ FandímeSeriálům. "The Simpsons in Plusaversary: Žlutá rodinka dostane další krátký film". FandímeSeriálům.cz. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (November 2, 2021). ""The Simpsons In Plusaversary": Latest Animated Short Out Of Springfield To Premiere On Disney+ Day". Deadline. Retrieved November 12, 2021.
- ^ "Billie Eilish Meets Lisa Simpson In New 'Simpsons' Disney+ Short". Retrieved June 2, 2022.
- ^ "Breaking News - "The Simpsons" Fans Will Be Happier Than Ever When the New Short "When Billie Met Lisa" Premieres April 22, Exclusively on Disney+". TheFutonCritic.com. Retrieved May 6, 2022.
Miscellaneous
[edit]Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date |
---|---|---|---|
The Simpsons | Balenciaga | David Silverman | Joel H. Cohen, Al Jean & Michael Price | October 2, 2021 |
Te Deseo Lo Mejor | David Silverman | Joel H. Cohen, Al Jean, Ryan Koh & Christine Nangle | December 24, 2021 |
Specials
[edit]Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Prod. code | Ratings/ Share |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
"Springfield's Most Wanted" | Bill Brown | Jack Parmeter & Bob Bain | September 17, 1995 | SP−9611[1] | 8.4[2] |
In a parody of America's Most Wanted, host John Walsh explores the mystery behind who shot Mr. Burns, laying out the potential clues and identifying the possible suspects. Note: The special aired immediately before the Season 7 premiere of "Who Shot Mr. Burns? (Part Two)." | |||||
"The Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special – In 3-D! On Ice!" | Morgan Spurlock | Jeremy Chilnick & Morgan Spurlock | January 10, 2010 | LABF21 | 13.0[4] |
The film examines the "cultural phenomenon" of The Simpsons and includes interviews with both the cast and some fans of the show.[3] Note: The special aired immediately following "Once Upon a Time in Springfield", was assigned production number LABF21 and technically counts as a component of the 20th production season (and of the 21st broadcast season). It does not, however, count towards the series' official episode count. | |||||
"Springfield of Dreams: The Legend of Homer Simpson" | Morgan Spurlock | Eric Brewster, Jeremy Chilnick & Morgan Spurlock | October 22, 2017 | N/A | N/A |
An hourlong mockumentary in the style of Ken Burns' Baseball, aired on Fox to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the episode "Homer at the Bat", as well as Homer's induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Note: The special was produced by Fox Sports. |
Ratings
[edit]With its first season, The Simpsons became the Fox network's first series to rank among the top thirty highest-rated shows of a television season.[5] Due to this success, Fox decided to switch The Simpsons' timeslot in hopes of higher ratings for the shows airing after it.[6] The series moved from 8:00 p.m. eastern time on Sundays to the same time on Thursdays, where it competed with The Cosby Show, the number-one show at the time.[7]
Many of the producers were against the move, as The Simpsons had been in the top ten while airing on Sunday, and they felt the move would destroy its ratings.[8] Ratings-wise, new episodes of The Cosby Show beat The Simpsons every time during the second season, and The Simpsons eventually fell out of the top ten.[9] At the end of the season, Cosby averaged as the fifth-highest-rated show on television, while The Simpsons was thirty-eighth.[6]
The show continued in its Thursday timeslot until the sixth season, which is when, in 1994, it reverted to its original slot on Sunday. It has remained there ever since.[7][10]
References
[edit]- ^ "Springfield's Most Wanted (1995) Season 7 Episode SP-9611- The Simpsons Cartoon Episode Guide". The Big Cartoon Database. Retrieved February 8, 2023.[dead link]
- ^ Stepanas, Paulius (October 5, 1997). "Simpsons Broadcast History and Ratings: US Season 7". The Australian Simpsons Gazette. Archived from the original on June 22, 2002. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
- ^ Kung, Michelle (July 13, 2009). "Morgan Spurlock Spills the Beans on his Upcoming "Simpsons" Doc". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on November 26, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2009.
- ^ Kissell, Rick (January 11, 2010). "Football powers Fox, 'Simpsons'". Variety. Archived from the original on January 17, 2010. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
season1
was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b Cerone, Daniel (September 5, 1991). "'Simpsons' steals away Cosby viewers". Los Angeles Times. p. 4.
- ^ a b Reiss, Mike (2002). Commentary for "Bart Gets an 'F'", in The Simpsons: The Complete Second Season (DVD). 20th Century Fox.
- ^ Groening, Matt (2002). Commentary for "Bart Gets an 'F'", in The Simpsons: The Complete Second Season (DVD). 20th Century Fox.
- ^ Jean, Al (2003). Commentary for "Homer at the Bat", in The Simpsons: The Complete Third Season (DVD). 20th Century Fox.
- ^ Duffy, Mike (September 3, 1994). "Fifth Season Finds 'The Simpsons' Still Fresh, Funny". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. C–8.
External links
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