How The Simpsons at 30 Tick.

Today is 30 years to the day the very first episode of The Simpsons aired. Granted it didn't air weekly episodes until mid-January 1990, but the Christmas episode was the introduction of America's animated family. It also gave Fox some recognition beyond Married... With Children. As it grew, it was this, Cops, Beverly Hills 90210, Martin, Melrose Place, The X Files and other short and long term shows prior to gaining the NFL rights that the network became a big deal.

Why people still tune in 30 years later is the dynamics of the title name's family. Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie all their quirks and moments that create interesting storylines. When it was brand new, they were a regular family and it was a very realistic show before slowing becoming more of a cartoon after the third season. Money troubles, mainly. Marriage on the rocks. Of course, there's the Treehouse of Horror episodes.

Springfield in general is a beacon for writers to create stuff. Tons of episodes dedicated to Ned Flanders, Krusty, the late Edna Krabappel. Just to name some of the characters who had their moments to shine. Apu and his family. The Hibberts, Sideshow Bob, Mr. Burns. Lots of funny visual moments. Great one liners and one off dialogues. I would argue that even the worst episodes can get you to laugh at least once. I haven't watched much of the show in the last 10 years, but I could probably watch one and find something to chuckle over.

I would say we are in a third generation of writers that are involved with The Simpsons. One of my criticisms is that they don't age the characters. That is something I wish they would have done. Stories of the kids as teenagers would have helped in setting up plots and other approaches to humor. The political side will have a lot of mileage may vary moments. The first few seasons is the same thing, but in regards to animation and fleshing out the characters. By the time the second season was finished, it was where it was with giving them their identities.

I do think the show will end at some point. I'd guess sometime in the new decade. But even with the big episode list, it would still be in my top three greatest shows ever. Only those writers and producers will know when to hang it up.