How Did The Simpsons Influence Pop Culture

With a pink donut and a cola in hand, a kid sits down with their family. The TV is flashing yellow as an episode of their favorite show plays, the volume blasting. The main character is driving a car, screaming, “Hey kids, always recycle... TO THE EXTREME!” The family on the couch giggles with delight. They are having a blast. They are enjoying themselves. They are watching The Simpsons. The Simpsons is an animated classic that has been running for decades. It began with a simple comic about rabbits and has evolved into the well-received primetime show that is known as today. From its popular guest stars, to its never-ending merchandise, The Simpsons is everywhere. Over a quarter of a century, The Simpsons has largely influenced pop culture with its rich and entertaining history. All shows begin with a humble idea, and The Simpsons is no exception. Matt Groening, the series’ creator, was working on a simple comic called “Life in Hell”, about a rabbit family (De La Roca 1). In 1987, he was set to pitch an idea to Jim Brooks, an executive at the Fox network, about a group of short animated sketches to be played during the newly created Tracey Ullman Show (De La Roca 1), and was going to use his rabbit comic, but decided against it (Fox would gain the rights of whatever he created). Before the meeting, he drew a crude, yellow-hued family,

It started as a small bundle of shorts used as bumpers for a sketch show, grew to a thirty minute series, and has finally evolved into a movie, theme park rides, and merchandise. Many fans have stayed loyal to the show because of its running gags and depiction of the working-class American family. There have been many guest stars and awards, as well as a world record. An animated classic, The Simpsons will forever be a part of the silver screen history that will be told for generations to