How 'The Simpsons' revolutionized primetime TV

WBUR | By Here & Now Newsroom

Published May 15, 2026 at 11:59 AM EDT

Find a book excerpt here.

“The Simpsons” is the longest-running sitcom on television, but some of its self-proclaimed biggest fans stopped watching decades ago.

The show’s first several seasons revolutionized primetime TV, blazed a trail for animated comedy, and embiggened our lexicon with endlessly quotable episodes.

What made those early years so special?

Here & Now’s Peter O’Dowd speaks with Alan Siegel about his new book, “Stupid TV, Be More Funny: How the Golden Era of The Simpsons Changed Television—and America—Forever”

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.

Related Content

Remembering Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Philip Caputo

Terry Gross

Caputo, who died May 7, wrote the acclaimed 1977 memoir A Rumor of War, about leading a Marine platoon during the Vietnam war. He went on to a career in journalism. Originally broadcast in 2005.
An annotated Constitution helps 'the people' see themselves in the founding document

Sacha Pfeiffer, Justine Kenin, Tyler Bartlam

NYU Law professor Melissa Murray gives context and commentary on the nation's founding document in her new book The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader.
New novels from Elizabeth Strout and 'Pemi Aguda are lonely and enchanting

Maureen Corrigan

Aguda's novel, One Leg on Earth, follows a young woman in Nigeria facing an unintended pregnancy. The Things We Never Say, by Strout, centers on a high school teacher leading a secret life of sadness.
New York Times reporter Jazmine Ulloa takes a deep dive into her 'El Paso' hometown

Here & Now Newsroom

In her new book, "El Paso: Five Families and One Hundred Years of Blood, Migration, Race, and Memory," New York Times reporter Jazmine Ulloa recounts the history of the town she grew up in, which she believes speaks as much or more to the immigrant experience than Ellis Island.
In '2084,' authors fictionalize global threats as a real world warning

Mary Louise Kelly, Erika Ryan, Courtney Dorning

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks to Admiral James Stavridis and Elliot Ackerman about their new book, 2084, which examines a future where climate change has ravaged the planet.

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.