Let’s start with the assumption that almost nobody playing this game, is anything less than a huge Simpsons fan. Yes. I know you are out there, those of the “I really don’t watch the show…I just like the game,” variety…or even those of you would argue that “The Simpsons is good, but it doesn’t stack up to Deep Space Nine!” But, I suspect you are in the minority.
However, once again, a pair of well-known media critics have written a book about the top 100 television shows of all time, and “The Simpsons” comes out on top!
The numbers speak for themselve. But surprisingly, the notion that “The Simpsons” is the “longest running television series” isn’t even close to being true. While our favorite show is in fact, the longest-running animated American series,the longest running American sitcom and the longest running scripted prime-time series, it’s 27-year run doesn’t even come close to the 68-year run of “Meet the Press.”
But, “The Simpsons” is a heck of a lot funnier…unless you count the times that Sarah Palin was on “Meet the Press.”
So, what makes “The Simpsons” so enduring? What keeps a show fresh well beyond the “expiration date” that most viewers would expect?
There are a lot of reasons… Let’s Take a Look!
Warning: What follows is an “opinion piece,” designed to offer my opinion, and solicit yours. Just like the show itself, it may be deemed controversial in nature in some topics, and in no way should be construed to represent the opinions of “the management.” It is also a LOT of words for some of you who don’t really like to read. So, if allowing someone their opinion, while you offer yours is not your cup of tea…then go back to tapping robots. OK?
In my opinion, the reason “The Simpsons” continues to remain fresh, topical, and consistently good, starts at the top. And I mean the top of the top (since the show’s inception as part of a short subject feature on the “Tracey Ullman Show”) namely, co-creator and producer, James L. Brooks.
Brooks has the kind of short, but amazing pedigree that includes some of my very favorite movies and television shows of all time, both as a writer and producer. It is short by some Hollywood standards with a little over 35 credits as producer, and an equal number as writer, but laden with some of the most beloved, “game-changer” productions from their time.
If you want to hear an amazing interview with Brooks (and aren’t afraid of the language used in the WTF podcast with Marc Maron), you can listen to a great recap of the origination and insider info on some of the best of the best (The Simpsons, Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, The Tracey Ullman Show, Terms of Endearment, As Good as It Gets, Jerry McGuire) as well as his favorite show that didn’t make it past one season (The Critic). Be warned…it is two hours long. But, would be great way to pass the time while you are making room for your SciFi stuff in your Springfield. But through it all, you sense Brooke’s intelligence, courage to do something different, and absolute joy in the creative process.
In my opinion, it is that last bit that keeps the Simpsons amazing, funny and bitingly current after almost three decades. He still loves doing it.
What is most amazing to me, is that since its inception, The Simpsons has remained controversial while being almost completely innocuous. It remains political, without fully stating a partisan view. It remains an “equal opportunity insulter,” in a way that makes us laugh at the system, while pointing out the shortcomings of leadership.
If you take politics seriously, you are likely to get your dander up at some point, no matter which side of the spectrum you fall, because for the most part, the show remains neutral in taking a specific side to an issue. It just points out the ludicrous nature of the “controversy.”
There have been countless classic examples of this throughout the history of the show, going back as far as President Bush the elder’s re-election campaign in 1992, stating that “The next value I speak of must be forever cast in stone. I speak of decency, the moral courage to say what is right and condemn what’s wrong, and we need a nation closer to the Waltons than the Simpsons. An America that rejects the incivility, the tide of incivility and the tide of intolerance”
Ironic, right? Given to the de-evolution of politics, into a generalized, inarticulate shouting match, this seems old fashioned, and sweet. As does “The Simpsons” reply in a couch gag when Bart replies to the speech they are watching on TV, “Hey, we’re just like the Waltons. We’re praying for an end to The Depression too!”
There are simply too many instances of political and social humor in the show to mention in any one article. One could write an entire book on the subject. But, some of the hottest issues of our time have been featured, along with some of the best-known pop and cultural icons of the era. It’s almost a badge of honor to be skewered. Don’t believe me? Take a look at the huge list of celebrities who have braved running the gauntlet of being “Simpsonized.”
Gun control? Gay rights? The inability for Congress to be anything but ridiculous and broken? It’s all in there…but with a simple bluntness that makes us laugh, rather than wince.
This WIKI article lays out some of the most controversial and topical episodes.
In an article from the “AV Club” a longstanding TV/Media site, their article, “How The Simpsons mastered the art of neutral political satire“ really hits the topic squarely between the eyes. It’s a good read, but also has a ton of clips from the show as examples.
If you think that the “hold your nose and pull the lever” is a new concept to this Presidential election, take a look at this short…and then grimace along with the reality of where we are today. That’s right…the show was lampooning the limitations of the two-party system, clear back in the Dole/Clinton/Perot days.
The Simpsons is edgy, silly, and painfully honest. And some would say, has been a “predictor of the future” in ways that would have conspiracy theorists burbling with excitement and flow charts! (this video is kinda over the top…)
The most amazing thing that continues to keep the show fresh, is the ability to laugh at itself, poke fun of popular culture and communications, while having a consistent running battle with the very network that has been its home for almost three decades.
The show lampoons Fox tirelessly and unmercifully. I can only imagine what Brooks and company have in store with the recent Roger Ayers debacle. Biting the hand that feeds them (Rupert Murdoch) has been a standard since the first season. But, even more “accepted as the norm” is the fact that the show makes fun of television, news broadcasters, kids shows, and yes…even MOBILE GAMING…with the same sort of pointed irreverence.
On a personal aside; there is an irony to being a TSTO blogger, and being called out for “not loving the game enough,” or “being too hard on EA,” when the very game we play, is based upon a show who continually “keeps it real,” by not being afraid to call out those who stand to prosper the most for lazy or poor leadership and programming. But, I digress…
In my opinion (and this is so far…just that), this show, is part of the bedrock that makes democracy great. It is the ability to entertain, while holding those in power accountable, with an almost constant push to force us to look at ourselves and our own sense of prejudice and hypocrisy. In short…taking from one of my favorite Brooks movie, “As Good As It Gets,” the Simpsons makes me want to be a better person.
We are able to laugh at our own shortcomings, while learning to be tolerant and forgiving of those that are different than we are. Do I want to be Smithers? No. But, who doesn’t appreciate his unbridled devotion? Homer? Same thing…while making an ass of himself, his devotion to Marge is almost never in question (even when being tempted by Lurleen or Mandy). We would all like the scruples of Lisa (until there is a boy involved) and ultimately, even Bart has a heart of gold (plate) that keeps you loving the little scamp.
While the Simpsons characters are broadly painted in personality, it is the subtleness and humanity that keeps us watching.
For me, one of the constants for almost half of my lifetime (and I suspect the whole of some of your lives) has been knowing that the Simpsons will be here to keep us honest, self-reflecting, and laughing. What greater gift can we ask of a television show?
Meet the Press? Pfffffftttttttttttttt…. I haven’t watched it more than a handful of times in my entire life (which is shorter than the 67-year run). But, I wouldn’t miss an episode of The Simpsons. Ever.
So…NOW IT’S YOUR TURN? One of the Best? or Best Show EVER?
Too political? Not political enough? Do you watch, or did you stop watching after the “Golden Era” before Season 9?
Let us know…you know we LOVE to hear your thoughts and opinions!
Just adding my 2 cents….your posts always make me laugh,,I for 1,,love your opinions!! Been watching The Simpson’s forever,,,since it started. Get upset when sports or politics bumps it off…(or whatever that’s called). Catch the reruns most days. Thinking about it,,its been around so long now it’s just a part of every day life now! Was going to say I wouldn’t exactly say it’s my #1 favorite…but I’d be supremely pi55ed if something happened to that Sunday nite line-up!!
Thanks, Tiff! The world is a better place when you are laughing…right?
I try to stay light, in between verbal smacks… All good!
One of the best for sure, in my opinion “Friends” is the best show ever.
I’ll be there for you 🙂
I mean, it’s alright I guess…
.
.
.
I’m kidding. It’s easily my favourite show ever. I admit the show isn’t as good as it used to be (granted I was too young to enjoy most of the earlier seasons as they were being aired – six cheers for DVDs!), but I still find enjoyment from “newer” episodes. Seasons 8 and 9 are my favourite seasons, although I still enjoy almost every episode before and after that. Proud to say I own Seasons 1-17, 20, & The Movie on DVD 🙂
Side note: Wish they kept releasing physical copies of all the seasons – I don’t like incomplete collections, nor do I like digital copies =/
Season 6, 7 and 8 are my absolute favourites.
I dunno, “I Married Dora” may be the best show ever.
Fellow marries his “illegal” housekeeper so she can stay in the country and take care of his children.
Then it was pointed out to the Network “suits” that this is a felony and the show was cancelled.
The last episode was truly the best EVER last episode. The family is at the airport gate (long time ago this occurred), waves goodbye as dad gets on the plane. Dad comes back to the family.
What happened?
We’ve been cancelled!
The plane?
No, the show!
And the entire cast turns and waves to the audience and shouts out their goodbyes
Never heard of it.
Didn’t last long enough for anyone to hear of it.
Is the that plot for the Nanny? I am now googling this…..their are so many great shows and so many great scenes in great shows….
As always, great post, Patric!
My two cents. Not the greatest show of all time. But one of the greatest 10 shows. As a lot of folks commented, I started watching when young during my school days. Often satirical not often understanding the jokes. But I always look forward to what Bart writes on the whiteboard and couch sequence. Now in my 30s, with kids, I no longer watch the show. Partly because show is broadcast at a funny time, 7pm on Sundays when most of us are having dinners or just outside. Occasionally I catch it out of pure luck and don’t find it funny anymore. I have other shows which are more my cup of tea like American Dad but guess some of us just move on. That said, it’s quite a feat for a sitcom to sustain its run for 27 years at a time when some shows get canned just after 1 season. TSTO kind of rekindled my passion but I play more because of how fresh content is rolled out.
Interesting! So you actually got rekindled on the Simpsons BECAUSE of the game? Take that into account, EA/Gracie/FOX! TSTO is relevant!
What do you think of Futurama?
Good read Patric.
I lean pretty far right with my politics. That doesn’t mean I go to meetings in Dracula’s Castle. I almost always enjoy the ridiculously over the top parodies of the right on the Simpsons. Homer in the gun shop is one of my favorites. Republican headquarters I immediately bought for my town.
I think some of these make more fun at the way the left sees the right than it makes fun of the right itself. Did that make sense?
The show takes a lot of jabs at the left too usually through Lisa.
As far as best show ever? Probably marooned on a desert island with a way to watch tv of course, yes. If I had say the first 10 yrs worth of episodes I would be happy. I don’t enjoy the more recent ones as much but I don’t hate them. This game and more so this blog has got me back to watching them.
Interesting! Another push-pull back to watching because of the game.
I have given up labels in politics for years. There is enough blame to go around on both sides…and I’m not a fan of being told what color tie to wear! LOL!
Most of the worst things that have happened in Congress have been bipartisan, back room deals. So…I stopped “leaning” because the results made me dizzy!
As a kid I never got any of the political humor. I mean I got the humor but I didn’t understand it the same way I do now. When you’re a kid you haven’t learned all the stereotypes and labels. You don’t know what it means to be “left” or “right.” I remember watching that episode where homer gets a gun when I was little and just laughing at it because Homer was being so stupid. It never occurred to me that “This is how right wingers are!” As a kid you see a joke just as a joke. I think adults get offended so much easier because they’ve developed such a strong identity to their politics and process every joke through that filter.
It’s true satire where hypocrisy is highlighted no matter which side of the political fence you are.
Another great UK show till death us do part was that keep it in the family in the US?
I am one of the minority who doesn’t really watch the Simpsons…
I first saw it on the Tracey Ullman show and loved it and used to watch it whenever I could. But many years of being a student without a TV and than with limited TV channels meant I missed most of the early seasons. So now I will watch it here and there and always enjoy it but I don’t go out of my way to watch. But there are very, very few TV shows that you can dip into here and there and still enjoy – and watch in any order and still follow what’s happening.
As for the being the Best. Show. Ever…? I guess the way I would describe it is it is like comparing the enduring love for your family to the intensity of falling in love. The love for your family is always there (hopefully) but is not as intense as falling in love. But that intensity isn’t always sustained whereas the love for your family continues. You may feel more passionate about various shows here and there but that tends to be relatively short-lived while the enjoyment the Simpsons gives is constant. It might never make top spot at any one point in time but is always in your top 10…
Probably not expressing it very well but it made sense in my head. Obviously time for more coffee
😄😄😄
Actually…your “love analogy” is one of the best I have seen on this topic. I agree. So much of people’s raving about the “best show” is actually based on “The best NEW show,” and not the ability to endure in the “relationship.”
I remember when “Lost” first came out. Everyone was so enamored of the the “Hot Quirky New Girl.” But by the time it was over, after a fairly short run, we were all screaming, “THEY’RE DEAD!!! How can they not know they’re dead?”
The Simpsons is an old first love…you are almost always happy to see it…even if it doesn’t age all that great!
Lost was the best show ever and then seasons 4 and afterwards happened and it brutally killed it.
I knew they were dead in the middle of season 2. But, I kept watching, because the cast was so damn attractive!
They weren’t dead Patric. You didn’t understand the plot. Season 6 flashbacks was the afterlife but everything else happened.
Uhm…sorry. You are wrong.
After the crash they were always in limbo. Dead. Waiting fir the final crossing over.
There are a ton of interviews on this.
Patric
http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/lost/news/a557960/lost-showrunners-explain-ending-they-were-not-dead-the-whole-time/
The creators say they weren’t dead and i believe them.
Regardless the ending was crap and was always going to be because the show could never answer all the freaking questions and a quote from Vince Giligan the creator of breaking bad talking about the finale
“The best season finale’s tie up all loose ends”
Interesting…because I read several other interviews that agreed that they “probably were.” Let’s be honest about it…if they WEREN’T dead, then it was the most convoluted, fustercluck ending of all time. All of them being brought together in the church…and seeing those that had “passed” made sense if they were in purgatory the entire time. If they weren’t…then they might as well just make it an acid trip from the perspective of the good doctor. Horrible. Period.
When I read the fans version of how the island was basically in a unique time/space, and that all of the characters were “resolving issues that wouldn’t allow them to pass over”- this sounds far more like purgatory than a simple vortex. After all…if they were truly alive, and succeeded in taking care of their issues from their past lives, the final chapters would have been a rescue, and all of them living happily ever after- instead of the church scene. The issue here isn’t whether they were alive or dead, but more of a determination of the terms “Death” and “Life.” All of us in this here/now are connected to an external “us” that is outside of space/time. Are we more alive in our dreams than we are in our “tapping lives?” LOL!
Here is another good (long) read…that explains a lot. But, is also riddled with ambiguity, because it admits to “purgatory” which can’t happen without death, or at least a Near Death Experience. All of the characters were having a shared NDE? Pfffftttt….
http://screenrant.com/lost-finale-explanation-kofi-61464/
On the other hand… I think that Breaking Bad may very well be one of the best final episodes of a series of all time. I still have it DVR’d…and watch it from time to time. GREAT writing. Do you watch “Better Call Saul?” It is as good, if not better than BB in my opinion.
I love better call Saul
Basically the ending as I understand it is that everything happened, at the end of season 6 Ben stayed with Hurley on the island while the rest left on the plane.
The rest of them lived their life and died naturally or however normal can be
The flashbacks in season 6 were what happened to them when they died and they all met up in the afterlife.
Regardless it was a dumb ending and after the quality drop off during season 4, we all knew it was going to be.
season finale’s are very difficult to pull off because you have to satisfy everyone.
Better call Saul is fantastic and while it’s a bit slow at times, I really love the boardroom lawyer side of it and find it fascinating.
Talking about a love affair with a show…
.nobody remembers MASH?
It’s funny…it ran a long time and was great for a while. But really suffered with changes in primary actors. IMHO.
Nope I honestly didn’t like the simpsons much before playing this haven’t watched an episode of the Simpsons in many years ( just had to google what station and time it airs) Honestly wish Netflix or such could get the rights so I can binge watch all seasons as there’s a lot of characters I have no clue who they are ( this site is so helpful with that)
Thanks for your honesty!
I would love it if Netflix got the rights ❤️
I love the Simpsons. I nearly always enjoy watching it, though there have been episodes that fell short. In that sort of run, they can’t all be winners.
I can agree with most points about why it is the best show of them all in an objective way. Its level of cultural influence is undeniable, and the sheer volume of the work is impressive. However, it is not my personal favorite show. I would list it among my top ten, but it’s not among the shows that I repeatedly watch and kind of obsess over. Some of my favorite shows didn’t last very long, and some are among the longest runners on television. (And I’m not talking about news shows, either. That should really be a different category when we talk about how long a show has been running, I think.)
Anyway, I get that something being my personal favorite doesn’t make it the best, but I also have trouble saying something is the best when it’s not my personal favorite. And again, I really like the show. I like the show the same way I like hamburgers, which I like a lot and enjoy regularly. I just don’t quite like it the same way I like pizza or pasta, which are my favorite. If that makes sense.
Well…I think it all comes down to how often you eat hamburgers compared to pizza…right? 27 years of the same diet does make it more of a challenge to be interesting. Good analogy!
Simpsons is second best to me. The best animated show ever is Invader Zim by Jhonen Vasquez. It was aired on Nickelodeon and released on dvd. Unfortunately I don’t think the dvds are for sale anymore but the episodes are available on a very famous video website. If you haven’t seen it already I definitely recommend it. First episode is called The Nightmare Begins.
Spongebob and rugrats too, people forget Nikolodean used to be a powerhouse.
people blame spongebob for what nickelodeon has become since nickelodeon put all their focus on spongebob
People blame Hannah Montana what Disney has become.
Thanks for the great read, Patric! I’ve enjoyed following the story of you and the addicts, and I think that your writing so far has been fantastic. I’ve only been around in tsto for about a year and don’t post much, but I’m a regular reader at tstoaddicts and obsessed with tsto.
It’s interesting for me to hear your perspective on the Simpsons tv show and other addicts’ stories about how the show was a big part of their experience growing up. I wasn’t a big Simpsons fan when I started playing tsto, but I really, really enjoyed the game. I’m a New Zealander and I imagine the Simpsons is probably played on tv less over here than in the US (although it’s still pretty popular). Also, the Simpsons began before I was born, so I grew up more in the era of family guy and more recent cartoons.
The funny thing is, when I started playing tsto and frequenting this site, I started watching out for the tv show more as well. I loved seeing buildings and characters from my town in their episodes. Then I started following their stories, and I realised that the Simpsons is a really, really good show. The Simpsons appeals to a lot of different people; I especially love your comment that it is both “controversial and innocuous”. I’m a big fan of South Park (not everyone’s cup of tea) and their episode ‘simpsons already did it’. Even as someone who didn’t grow up with the Simpsons and only started watching it because of the incredible game that is tsto, I can tell that it’s been an extremely influential show, in terms of its impact on other satirical shows, cartoons, on public opinion and on modern entertainment. It manages to tackle controversial issues both provocatively and gracefully, and has my respect for that. That’s also why it’s able to appeal to people all over the world of different ages and cultures and why its influence has been so far-reaching. Duffmanjake commented below that the Simpsons came out when he was in elementary school and was a mainstay of entertainment for students when he was in college. It’s pretty cool that almost 20 years later and in different continents, the show is still having an impact today on college students, like me.
So, is the Simpsons my favourite show? Definitely not. But is it the greatest show that I’ve ever seen? … Well, maybe. :p
First, thanks for the kind words. Yes…my connection to the Simpsons is also professional, in a “5 degrees of Kevin Bacon” sort of way.
These are all great points- and you seem to have a lot of people in your camp.
I would love to come to your country someday. It’s on my bucket list, now that I have finally seen most of our country!
Heck yeah! Love this post so much.
I huge reason why I you to Addicts and look forward to what you are going to bring to Addicts!
So happy that you have lost your “crankiness” 😁
You have to understand…the “Crankiness” is almost always directed at EA’s lazy programming…NOT the show! But, thanks!
Like your addition to the banner. Looks a lot like you
How come now Patric’s animation becomes so realistic and handsome!
We had our artist make a cartoon version of him that makes him look more like the rest of the Addicts. 😀
I remember when the movie came out and Burger King had a “Simpsonize” yourself website. I thought Patric’s first design was made by that 🙂
Believe it or not he actually did the design for his original character. So that was all him, freehand.
That simpsonize yourself marketing was with mc Donald here in the U.K.
LOL…too funny! I think you will all get a chance to decide if I live up to either cartoon version today when we do the LIVE broadcast!
What you ,eat you have an option…well you kept that u dear your hat you shrinking violet that you are.
Greatest Show EVER? Well let’s pretend that they don’t make TV except in America (US) and then I would say it’s a strong contender and will be remembered as such when it’s ends.
For me it’s success is it was a major contributor to bringing satire to the mall screen….a realistic view of American life highlighting it’s absurdities and strengths. I do like the fact an English lass saw its potential.
I do link this to Rosanne which had a similar stance and the shows success has allowed a great number of shows to be developed.
I liked US shows especially comedies but always turned over when it got to the last bit where it got all slushy and sentimental and everyone loves each other after all ruined so many shows.
Simpsons don’t do that except to make a point which leads to my main point The Simpsons treats it’s audience as intelligent believes people can distinguish between comment truth opinion and facts. That not everything is a happy ending or even has to end and a lot of shows now benefit from this. Could GOT have been made without the Simpsons or any of the great TV made in the USA over the last 15 years.
Oh before I forget remember the Simpsons platform Game maybe another post on is this the greatest platform game Ever? I say yes as it’s the only one I’ve completed without giving up through boredom.
Has it run out of steam maybe it is still one of the funniest shows on TV and if I get a couple of laughs out of a sitcom that’s a good show rarely do I get a belly laugh but if I do it can be the simpsons that provide it.
Is it the best well here is an idea think of your favourite Simpson episode ever and think of an episode or series of another show that is better…….
For me the one where Bart pretends to be stuck down the well makes me laugh out loud eventide I see it and I can’t think of a better US show of any genre.
In fairness… If you read the article about the book, they do admit to not including foreign TV in the mix. I love Orphan Black currently,,,
I will read the article when I get a brew nd a custard cream later today. There is a lot of TV out there not just UK but all over the world but I accept the US context.
Good post Patric
Thangs!
I must learn to turn off predictive text….Orphan Black is a good show really good themes being explored. My favourite British show (drama) at the moment is Last Tango in Halifax but for a grittier edge look out for Happy Valley both star the great actress Sarah Lancashire and are in my view brilliant.
I really enjoy the Simpsons.
When it premiered I was in elementary school. I remember having to watch it on the sly because my mother was not a fan and tried to censor every bit of media/entertainment that entered our home. At the time the Simpsons was very controversial, but I loved it as a kid even though a large majority of it went over my head.
When I was in college several of the local channels ran reruns in syndication, multiple times a day. It was always the show to watch while my friends and I hung out.
Now as an adult I still love the show. I don’t watch as faithfully as I once did. I do share in the opinion that it is not as good now as it once was. However, it is still a great show and still makes me laugh. 27 seasons. If it was garbage it would have been thrown out years ago.
Greatest of all time…?
No. Greatest of all time is an absolute. Nothing in this life is an absolute, except death (maybe). There is too much variety in television shows to compare them all to each other. But is it one of the greatest shows in history…? Absolutely!
At the very least it’s better than Fami… nevermind that’s a whole other debate.
Agreed! Great points.
“If it was garbage it would have been thrown out?
*cough* family guy? Lol
In my opinion the Simpsons is (or at least used to be) one of the best shows out there. It had a huge impact on me growing up, and even after 25 years (Simpsons didn’t air here until ’91), me and my friends still catch ourselves using Simpsons quotes in casual convesation.
Is it the “absolutely best show out there ever”? For me it isn’t.
For one, quality has declined over the past few years. There have been quite a few horrible and outright boring episodes (“Lisa Goes Gaga” for example) lately, something that didn’t happen as much in the first 10 seasons or so.
Secondly, for me it’s impossible to compare TV shows of different genres and pick a winner. Comparing the Simpsons or Futurama to shows like The Wire, Game of Thrones, Band of Brothers, Friends or Star Trek is like comparing the famous “apples to oranges” or asking “which is better: a sports car, a 4×4 or a van?”
Agreed! For the record…I would place the Simpsons in the top 10-15 for the cultural impact. And in the top 30 for consistency. But not close to number one of all time.
Right now, it’s far from being the best but it’s also far from being the worst. And I still like it enough to watch it every week, because whatever some people would say, I feel that something is still there. Is it the family core? Is it the character’s interactions? Is it the fact that there sill is at least one great episode per season? Is it me being a blind idiot? I don’t know and I don’t care. I still like it fine and that’s what’s important to me.
The first few years have been outstanding. It gradually became more and more stupid. The characters became shallow stereotypes. I cannot laugh – not even a single time -watching the new episodes. Casting a light smirk on my face is the max how this show entertains me. Sometimes the content of an episode equals that of a wikipedia page, stating pointless facts in the most uncreative manner. No. This show got waaay to stupid for me. It was hilarious in the beginning, however. All people I know feel the same way about the show. But hey if it works for you, all the better. Different strokes. Control question: Do you think clowns can be funny?
Ok…let me answer that with a question that intrigues me.
Why in the name of basic common sense would you
a. Play a game based on a show you clearly dislike.
B. come to a blog site about the game about the show you dislike???
Do you also wear a baseball hat while screaming at the TV that baseball is stupid???
Or…are you just trolling?
I’m serious. This reply boggles my mind.
Because you asked so nicely:
A) I like the game for various reasons. The gameplay is meh, but I like that they constantly add new stuff. I like to arrange all the items in an aesthetical manner – its relaxing. And I like the colors – awesome when stoned (which happens rarely – unfortunately)
B) Because this site is about the game (mostly). If it was about the show I wouldn’t bother reading it.
C) Watching baseball is totally boring. Playing baseball is fun. If either baseball or the simpsons was running on tv I’d switch channels.
D) not trolling. Just being honest. I was a great fan of the show back in the days, when it actually was funny. So the reason I answered the topic is probably out of disappointment how the show developed.
I hope these answers ease your mind.
Well…as I think someone said…”to each his own?”
For me, the show and the game are both best when they relate to one another. So–it isn’t surprising to me that the best updates relate to the best episodes.
Haven’t tried the “stoned colors” bit…I get high on life. But I am in Oregon…so who knows.
Perhaps you should follow your own advice then:
“So, if allowing someone their opinion, while you offer yours is not your cup of tea…then go back to tapping robots. OK?”
I’m fine with that… I was just curious. It was a pleasant exchange…so I think we are all satisfied.
The post solicits opinions…and sometimes a discussion or even a conversation ensues.
Amazing…
Clearly Patric offering his opinion is his cup of tea.
Why make a ‘deal’ out of a pleasant exchange?
It is the same kind of question many would have been pondering.
Let’s not ramp this…
The whole concept around soliciting opinions is that it’s OK not to agree on everything. Right?
These are subjective topics…with a broad range of possible answers. None being more correct than another.
But I am always interested in the why behind the answer. All good! Asked. Answered. Clarified.
Cranky you can enjoy the game but hate the show.
I know a few people that like the Simpsons movie but no the show lol
Best show EVER!!!
I would agree it’s iconic. The only thing holding it back from being the best of all
Time is the fact that there are so many new and terrible seasons. If they had ended after season 12 or 13 then it would be the best. Workaholics is my fav of all time personally.
I have day long sessions of the Simpsons at least a couple off times a month so its up there with my all time favourites I have a few other favs that are on a par with Homer and the gang for my number 1 slot but I have to agree that on a peoples vote in the general population its obvious why it gets the first choice in the polls, so yes I’d say its the best ever.
I am (insert large number here) years old. I have a son who is nearly 30. I watched the Tracey Ullman show in the UK and was introduced to The Simpsons and never stopped, my son became an addict as has his son. Not many shows can have that kudos. Unlike a soap opera, it is not watching because of a habit it is because we want to. Quotes from The Simpsons come up in conversation all the time.
There are some super shows made but The Simpsons grabs me as it is topical, funny and consistent in how it amuses us, it is part of the family and long may it continue….just like this game 🙂
I have a sense that the two will be connected for the duration of both!
uh no….its not even in the same category as ANY tv series…..
Definitely best show ever. I was a freshman in high school when it began (I didn’t get Tracy Ullman) on FOX and was an immediate fan. I don’t think they ever slipped or “lost it”. There is no golden age, in fact I know the first seasons by heart and watch them less frequently. The constant rotation of writers and animators keeps it fresh and interesting. The perfect balance of stories from the heart and politics and social issues. My favorite episode is the one about fracking. 27 seasons isn’t nearly enough, keep it going as long as there are painters for the canvas.
Agreed!
Best show ever
Minority here! But I do enjoy the simpsons and it’s humor.
However I really enjoy your writing style. The last few posts I’ve read of yours have been great reads!
Thanks much! I like writing…if you like reading!
There is so much ‘truth’ and ‘honesty’ in your editorial Pat, but you know the sad thing is that the people that need to read it, so that maybe they are forced to take a good look at themselves, NEVER will.
And yes Pat it is the BEST show ever… even beats House of Cards.
Pat for CONGRESS.
LOL.. sorry…I’ve been way too deep in politics in my past. I now affirm to the “Groucho Party”– “I don’t want to belong to a club who would have me as a member!”
Why the shot at people who didn’t read it?
Uhm…I am thinking that was a joke? I hope you really don’t think it’s OK to comment on a post that you didn’t read… just sayin’…
It is the bane of our current politics. Too many people make their minds up over the sound bites…and don’t take the time to find out the facts or do the work to understand the problems completely.
But…I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt, and what you posted was meant as a joke.
I skimmed it, I wasn’t interested in reading a long post about how the show affected you lol
Love the Simpsons it IS the best show of all time I am pretty sure I have watched every single episode and will continue to watch them.
Not sure about the political side as I am not in America so I wouldn’t really know the context of everything but they they seem like they wouldn’t offend anyone.
I was waiting for the Simpsons version of Brexit, but alas, I think the math was too cumbersome, even for Lisa!
rofl
How can they think about Brexit when they have a trump in the offing:)
They’ve already Trumped the Donald… At least for now.
I think the UK government is waiting to see how The Simpsons handle Brexit, so they can then copy it and finally say they have a plan. It’s quite funny how the Brexiteers were so sure they’d lose they didn’t even bother to think about what would happen if they won, kind of thing our Homer and his buddies would do.
Great show? Yes. Best ever? No. Be still watching in 10 years? Definitely, well unless Rupert pulls the plug.
Interesting take… And the US is gonna feel foolish about this election no matter who “wins.”
for sure one of the best. Not the best as that title goes to Breaking Bad and The Wire. But The Simpsons is easily up in the top 10 best shows ever.
It’s funny…I almost said something to that effect. But, think about it. I LOVED Breaking Bad. In my top two or three for sure. But, can you imagine trying to sustain that story arc for 27 years?? Same with the Wire…or Fargo…or Better Call Saul…or, well the list goes on. You’d have to take heavy supplies of drugs to stay interested in those characters after even 10 years. I think part of what made BB so amazing…is that you knew you couldn’t keep up that intensity forever. There are so many examples of great shows that “hung around too long.” But the Simpsons seems fresh…and not punch drunk.
But again…that is my opinion. I am still reeling from how awful the last season of Dexter was…
Congratulations on ‘making’ the banner Pat… looking good for a COG… you’re a great addition to the site, and team!
Thanks, Smeg!