‘Simpsons’ Still Going Strong

‘The Simpsons’ is one of America’s longest lasting cartoon sitcoms, if not being the most successful of its time. The show has influenced a ‘new wave’ of cartoon antics and has given creators like Seth MacFarlane, creator of ‘Family Guy,’ the nerve to push the envelope. ‘Family Guy’ and ‘South Park’ are said to have derived from ‘The Simpsons,’ and one can’t really argue against that. ‘The Simpsons’ paved the way for modern day ‘cartoonism.’ Shows like ‘American Dad,’ ‘Family Guy,’ ‘South Park,’ and even the line up of shows on Adult Swim have all taken something from their predessessor. Matt Groening created what was to become a global empire. He created characters that are more recognizable to people than members of congress. Bart has made sayings like ‘cowabunga,’ ‘eat my shorts,’ and ‘I didn’t do it,’ as common to hear as it is to see a Starbucks on every block now. Rolling Stone magazine even associated ‘The Simpsons’ as a part of permanent pop culture by putting Bart on the cover of a November 2002 issue in his own rendition of the cover of Nirvana’s album ‘Nevermind.’ Sure, Peter Griffin has his own catch phrases, as does Cartman, Kyle, and Stan. But there was something about the original appeal of ‘The Simpsons.’ They dominated, and for a long time. The show’s first episode aired on December 17, 1989, and ever since, the show has passed the test of time. You can still catch repeat episodes on FOX (check your local listings for details). New episodes air on Sunday nights. Visit www.fox.com for channel, show and time information.

‘Smells’ like success.