The Simpsons (1989)

The Simpsons started strong and only improved. By season two, Matt Groening had found a confidence that made the show feel inevitable. Cape Feare is one of the finest episodes in animated television history.

You can watch The Simpsons for pure entertainment or for something more meaningful. Either way you win. Matt Groening's ability to layer complexity into seemingly simple stories is remarkable. the Golden Age seasons three through eight is evidence of a master.

I did not expect The Simpsons to make me cry but here we are. Last Exit to Springfield hit me completely off guard. Marge Simpson is written with such care that the emotional moments land with full weight.

The Simpsons pushed the boundaries of what animated storytelling could do. The exploration of suburban life satire was groundbreaking for its medium. I still think about Homer Simpson's arc regularly.

The Simpsons shows its age in places but the core of what made it special remains. the Golden Age seasons three through eight is still funny and Lisa Simpson is still endearing. Some references land flat now but the heart is intact.

Ask anyone to name the best animated shows ever made and The Simpsons will be on every list. Marge Simpson is one of animation's great characters. The suburban life satire theme gives it lasting relevance.

The Simpsons manages to be both laugh-out-loud funny and genuinely insightful. the celebrity guest formula gives the show a comedic engine that never gets old. Matt Groening understood that smart humour and broad comedy can coexist.

More people should watch The Simpsons. It never got the cultural attention it deserved while it was airing. the Golden Age seasons three through eight is genuinely brilliant and the the dysfunctional but loving family exploration is more sophisticated than most prestige live-action drama.

The Simpsons is one of those shows you can't believe was made for children. The themes of American culture critique are handled with more depth than most adult dramas. Matt Groening's vision is unmistakable.

The Simpsons has a few weak episodes scattered through its run but the high points more than compensate. Marge Simpson's storyline is beautifully handled. Matt Groening had a rare clarity of vision for the whole series.