The Simpsons, created by Matt Groening began in 1987 as a series of 30-second spots for The Tracey Ullman Show. These 30-second shorts included the full family Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie.
On April 19th 1987 the first episode was shown called "Good Night" which introduced veiwers to the Simpon Family. This episode was the showed the viewers how crude the family was. Later in the first season we see how crude there eating habits are.
Grampa Simpson's first appearance on the show was episode #19 - "Grandpa and the Kids" which aired the 1st of January of 1988.
Intresting Fact: The first time we see Bart Simpson get strangled by Homer is March 3rd of 88' episode #25 "Family Portrait"
The Itchy & Scratchy Show was first shown in the 3rd Season on November 20th 1988, "The Bart Simpsons Show" Although townspeople and other characters of the show were not added until the show became a full half hour program, Krusty the Clown made his first appearance in the 3rd season, January 1st 1989. The Happy Little Elves also made an appearance in 1989, "Scary Movie" 2/12/89.
The short 30-second shots went from 1987-1989.
On 12/17/89 the simpsons first full length show was aired, "Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire" episode 7G08 after that one show millions of American Families fell in love with this funny outgoing family.
The Simpsons premiered on FOX as a half hour-comedy on January 14, 1990. Confirmed by fans and critici to be the most hilaric and lifelike portraits of the average American family, the series received the 1990 and 1991 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program
Despite all of the millions of fans, the show has received a lot of criticism. Politically that is. Former first lady Barbara Bush said in an interview back in September of 1990 in People magazine stating that The Simpsons was the dumbest thing she's ever seen. Marge Simpson wrote Mrs. Bush a letter give her a piece of her own mind. Surprisingly enough, Mrs. Bush responded in two weeks with a letter asking for forgiveness for "a loose tongue".
The Simpsons over the years has continued to win the hearts of people all over the world. Merchandise has sprung in many different forms and lots of it has become collectors items. Merchandise including, t-shirts, interactive figures, cups, lunchboxes, trashcans, foods like cereals and various candy, puzzles and board games, books and even cooking wear and golf gear!
As you can see the drawings of The Simpson Characters have improved greatly over the years. Several changes to them have been made. Even townspeople and friends of the simpsons have new looks including Moe who originally had jet black hair, now has grey hair and Barney Gumble who had blonde hair, now has brown hair.
