Issue Date: May 7, 2009
City: Los Angeles, CA

In 1989, the world was introduced to a “yellow cartoon family” from the town of Springfield.  Over thirty years later, the show is the longest-running animated program and primetime television series in American history.

The show is a satire of the “typical” American family.  Homer is a dim-witted and clumsy family man who gets no respect from his boss or his children.  Marge is an under-appreciated housewife who does everything for her family, but never hears a thank you.  Bart is a rebellious ten-year-old boy who follows his own rules.  Lisa is a brainy middle-child who is overlooked by her teachers and her parents.  Maggie is a baby who sucks on her pacifier and never speaks. 

The show’s content often upsets parent groups who believe the television family portrays bad role models for children.  However, when students from Greenwood, South Carolina, were allowed to name their new school, they named it Springfield Elementary.  Parents protested.  Bart responded to the controversy by saying, “...at least they didn’t name it Beavis and Butt-Head Elementary.”  A hit with fans and entertainment critics alike, the show has now earned a total of twenty-four Emmy Awards, five Writers Guild of America Awards, and also a Peabody Award for “stinging social satire.”