The first episode closed out Season 6, as Mr. Burns managed to piss off just about every resident of Springfield by stealing oil, blocking … The Simpsons, have 29 seasons under their belt, totaling 639 episodes; as well as having a movie. To date, the series has aired 640 episodes … It doesn’t make sense – much like a film festival being hosted in Springfield – but it didn’t have to, because the timing, set-up, and execution is all absolutely flawless. Because that’s what The Simpsons does, and why it's one of the best Simpsons episode ever: it makes you laugh, it makes you cry, and, just sometimes, you can relate to it on a level that other shows daren’t even attempt to reach, let alone pull off with as much grace as The Simpsons does in "Homer Badman.". Ok, maybe not that last bit. The series moved from 8:00 p.m. on Sunday nights to the same time on Thursdays, where it competed with The Cosby … That includes what works, what doesn’t work, and even a certain Treehouse of Horror that ranks up there with some of the best Simpsons episodes … Marathon" is currently underway on FXX! But this is more than merely a benchmark. Why it’s one of the best: Ideally, this should have served as the series finale to The Simpsons.A meta deconstruction of everything that was good (and bad) … The Simpsons are known for their spoofs on pop culture and this season 8 episode is one of the best. 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Here, it was just another moment before an even bigger and better joke. With the show's 500th episode airing this Sunday, we take a look back at the animated Springfield family's best efforts. It says a lot that this is an episode you can re-visit at any time, whether you’re watching the whole thing or just fancy a quick 20-second dip, and you’re going to be rolling around on the floor in fits of laughter, guaranteed. “The Simpsons” premiered on December 17, 1989, to the biggest ratings Fox had ever seen at that point. Why it’s one of the best: Homer Badman deals in serious issues – such as sexual assault and alarmist media coverage – and wraps it all up into a package worthy of being on any 'best of' list, Simpsons or otherwise. Share Tweet Submit Pin. The episode: The Simpsons decide to go on a vacation to the newly-opened Itchy and Scratchy Land theme park. The episode: Homer becomes union leader at the Power Plant and leads a strike to push through better benefits for the workers. Thank you for signing up to GamesRadar+. Covering the hottest movie and TV topics that fans want. Mulder and Scully travel to Springfield when Homer claims he saw an alien in the woods and nobody in town believes him. Crossover episodes are usually a bad idea, but The Simpsons’ crossover with The X-Files was hugely satisfying for fans of both shows. The episode aired in 1997 and was removed from syndication for a while in the wake of 9/11. If that sounds like too much of a time commitment, or you're struggling with which ones to watch, start here. This episode in particular gets and gathers fame from the fact that it involves the king of pop, you might have just guessed right, it’s none other than Michael Jackson. From Bob’s hilariously drawn-out rake gag to Homer’s inability to grasp his new identity as Homer Thompson, “Cape Feare” is filled with classic Simpsons moments that’ll never get old. Each joke set-up quite easily could’ve been the high point for many a different comedy series. Lisa is allergic to her new environment, Bart is in the remedial program in school and Marge feels useless in their new self-cleaning house).But what makes th… Many of The Simpsons original writers were heavily involved with the show during these seasons. Over 12 days, the cable network will air all 552 episodes of the long-running series with no breaks. The series was created by writer and cartoonist Matt Groening, with producers James L. Brooks and Sam Simon. D'oh! In this case, he becomes a … Why it’s one of the best: It was the best of times, it was the blurst of times. These seasons contained the most original storylines, drawn from the heart of the writers. A one-stop shop for all things video games. The Simpsons: 10 Best Treehouse Of Horror Episodes ... With the exception of the first season of the show, every year has seen a new Halloween special from the Springfield family. However, Marge uncovers the history of Lanley’s monorail scams on the eve of the maiden voyage of Springfield’s monorail – conducted by none other than Homer. Dark humour is most prevalent in first segment ‘Hex and the City’, which sees Homer be cursed by a gypsy. Future US, Inc. 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor, Ever. Why it’s one of the best: God, I love this episode. GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Directors: Rob Oliver, Mike B. Anderson | Stars: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith. “Who Shot Mr. Burns? Homer starts gaining weight more rapidly than usual when he realizes he’s just a few pounds away from qualifying for workers’ comp. Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons. 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. Lover of all things Nintendo, in a tortured love/hate relationship with Crystal Palace, and also possesses an unhealthy knowledge of The Simpsons (which is of no use at parties). There was a problem. One of The Simpsons’ most uncharacteristically dark episodes, “Homer’s Enemy” revolves around a hard-working self-made man who is hired to work at the nuclear plant and is subsequently astounded by the way Homer lives. With a lot to say about obesity, fat-shaming, and the ups and downs of working from home, “King Size Homer” is a primo Simpsons episode. It helps that every part of the trip is so relatable. The first 10 seasons of The Simpsons are often considered by fans as containing the classic episodes of the animated sitcom. Ever. TV Galleries The Simpsons. 11 of 100 90. The episode: A parody of VH1’s Behind the Music, the episode re-imagines the Simpsons as a real-life TV show, complete with behind-the-scenes interviews with Homer (the creator of the show) and his supporting cast. The episode: Homer undergoes trial by public opinion after allegations of sexual assault. RELATED: 5 Reasons Why Hit & Run Is The Best Simpsons Game (& 5 Why It's "The Simpsons Game"). It was 30 years ago, but I still remember the day I saw the first episode of The Simpsons.I was at my friend Jared’s house and he told me about this cartoon he’d recorded of something called FOX. GamesRadar+ is supported by its audience. The Simpsons has had a run that no other show of its kind can match, what with its 25 seasons and 550 episodes (and counting). "The Every.Simpsons.Ever. Worst. That family, of course, became The Simpsons, one of the most beloved and groundbreaking TV series ever to hit the airwaves. That’s the sign of a show at the top of its game. The Simpsons, in its heyday, was something for everyone, yet this episode’s real skill was spinning so many plates at once and not having it all come crashing to the ground. While Homer and Hank hit it off right away, the rest of the Simpson crew is miserable (i.e. Commentary: For the 30th anniversary of The Simpsons, a look back at the funniest, quirkiest and weirdest episodes. Chaos ensues. 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The Simpsons wasted no time slashing into politics and corporate greed: Blinky, the mutant three-eyed fish of this episode, became an enduring image of environmental negligence. “The Shinning” puts Homer in Jack Torrance’s place in a Shining parody, “Time and Punishment” explores thought-provoking themes as Homer keeps unwittingly altering the course of history, and “Nightmare Cafeteria” plays like a regular episode that takes a dark turn into cannibalism. "Good Night" is the first Simpsons short that appeared on The Tracey Ullman Show. Another regular pick for The Simpsons’ best episode, “Last Exit to Springfield” sees Homer elected the head of his workers’ union after Lisa is told she needs braces and Mr. Burns tries to cut his dental plan. Worst. While the segment has a fair bit of slapstick and a number of witty verbal gags, there is a da… Legend has it that when Matt Groening was sitting in James L. Brooks’ waiting room, about to sell away his comic strip to become a TV show, he got cold feet about selling his life’s work and quickly scrawled a family with three kids and when he was called into Brooks’ office, he pitched this family for a TV show instead. Best gaming chair for PS5, PS4, and Xbox: get comfy whatever your console setup, Best card games - find new favorites that won't get lost in the shuffle. If that setup doesn’t make you chuckle, then how about the countless other homemade movies on display which allows half of Springfield to really shine? What other show could mesh The Beatles, Jimmy Hoffa, Batman, and The Grinch into 22 minutes quite so expertly? Not so for The Simpsons. The sixth-season finale of The Simpsons set up the show’s first (and, so far, only) two-part episode. Nine major league All-Stars appear in the episode, which was the first installment of The Simpsons to beat The Cosby Show in the ratings. These Episodes of The Simpsons Have NOT Aged Well. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The 100 Best Simpsons Episodes Since Season 9. GamesRadar+'s Entertainment Writer. Throughout the episode, the Simpsons are all driven to despise their new lives – all except for Homer, who loves his new boss (and is completely oblivious to his out-in-the-open global terrorism). © #1 Stark Raving Dad – Season 3. The episode: In a bid to improve the perception of Springfield, the town decides to put on a film festival. It all ends with Homer getting one over his boss, too. Classic Episode. 10 Pokemon That Can Learn Fire Blast That Aren't Fire-Types, The 10 Best Simpsons Episodes, According To IMDb, quickly scrawled a family with three kids, one of the most beloved and groundbreaking TV series, The Simpsons: 10 Best Games Of All Time, Ranked, D’oh! ... Why it’s one of the best: It doesn’t appear that way at first – or even up until the episode… Votes: 677 It doesn’t take you to one side for a stern lecture, either. Don’t be fooled by the dry-sounding plot. As a result, some of the show's greatest episodes … There’s Man Getting Hit by Football, The Eternal Struggle, and so much more besides that. In this episode, Homer is recruited to work for Hank Scorpio’s Globex Corporation, which means moving out of Springfield. A snake oil salesman named Lyle Lanley pitches a monorail system and wows the town with a musical number. That’s the dream. The Simpsons has produced more than three decades' worth of content, but what are the animated comedy's best episodes according to IMDb? Everything that comes before the final few minutes, where almost all the town gets crammed into Ned’s bunker, is exceptional (“There’s a 4:30 in the morning now?” Bart quips after being forced into early-morning science work with Principal Skinner), but Ned belting out the first few lines of Que Sera Sera elevates it into something even greater. There are extensive historical references as Bobo’s journey is traced from Mr. Burns through the hand… On top of mining a ton of absurd humor out of the premise of Homer leading a workers’ strike, “Last Exit to Springfield” has a lot to say about the balance of power between workers and their corporate overlords. The episode: The end is nigh for Springfield as a comet hurtles towards the town. One of the common picks for The Simpsons’ best ever episode, “Marge vs. the Monorail” begins with Mr. Burns paying a huge fine to the town and Mayor Quimby holding a town meeting to determine what they’ll spend the money on. Grab some popcorn and enjoy some of the Simpsons funniest moments. By Chris Morgan | September 28, 2016 | 2:00pm. Sideshow Bob gets out of prison and terrorizes the Simpson family into witness protection in “Cape Feare,” a spot-on parody of Martin Scorsese’s remake of Cape Fear. RELATED: The Simpsons: 10 Best Games Of All Time, Ranked. Why it’s one of the best: We’ve all had a holiday go very, very wrong – but nothing quite like what goes down in "Itchy and Scratchy Land." These episodes are anthologies comprised of three spooky shorts and it’s very rare that all three are great, but “Treehouse of Horror V” manages it. In the episode’s final moments, Mr. Burns is shot by an unseen assailant. Part One” sets up beefs between various Springfieldians and Mr. Burns. Strap in, because it doesn't end until Labor Day is over. This first aired not long after President George H.W. Which means this list needs a Lisa episode—and not a Lisa episode that's really a Bart episode (''Lisa's First Word'') or a Lisa episode … RELATED: D’oh! here are the best Simpsons episodes... ever! Here is a selection of the 25 best Simpsons episodes ever. Why it’s one of the best: It doesn’t appear that way at first – or even up until the episode’s final act, really – but this episode is a perfect marriage of what makes the (relatively) early years of the show so great as it makes your heart swell while also splitting your sides. The First Simpsons Character to Die Beatrice Simmons in season two’s “Old Money” The First “The Simpsons Are Going to…” Episode … The show has been going on for so long that its steady decline in quality has now lasted for longer than the “golden age” did, but those early seasons contain some of the funniest material ever put on television. 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