What television show is a classic in every sense of the word, where millions of viewers tune in each week to laugh until they cry? Whose funny one-liners and colorful storylines seal its fate as one of the greatest sitcoms in entertainment?
If you guessed The Simpsons you're obviously in the loop of what good television is. But if you scratched your head in confusion, you either a) need to branch out on what you watch on television, or b) have dandruff. Either way it's a serious problem.
For 13 years Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and even Maggie have entertained us with their misplaced morals and crude humor.
They have perfected the art of satire in sitcom, and can drive home political and social messages like no one else. It's easy to see how the longest running current sitcom is viewed as the golden standard of all animated shows.
Besides the main characters, The Simpsons show is an icon because of the amazing supporting cast: Apu, Krusty, Moe, Barney, Comic Book Guy, Dr. Hilbert, Cletus the Slack-jawed Yokel and the "hi-dily-ho neighborino" himself, Ned Flanders, just to name a few.
However, just because the characters don't age doesn't mean the show hasn't.
Even the mighty fall, and critics and fans agree that over the past few seasons The Simpsons have shown that holding the coveted spot of greatness is a lot harder than it seems.
In the season premiere, which aired Sunday, Nov. 11, Bart and his buddy Milhouse went for a joyride in Chief Wiggum's patrol car and ended up in juvenile court for their troubles. But before Bart's case could be dismissed the judge went on vacation (only in Springfield could that happen).
Instead, the replacement judge, tough-as-nails Judge Harm, punished both Bart and Homer by ordering that they be tethered together. And so the bonding began.
Bad pun, I know.
Father and son attended school together, and there were daily pit stops by Moe's. But when Homer attempted to get some lovin' from his wife with Bart in tow, Marge had had enough and cut the rope.
Needless to say the watchful Judge Harm was aware of Marge's actions and cited Homer and Marge as unfit parents, putting them in stocks on public display. In true Simpson form, Homer enacted "Operation Judge-get-back-at" as he and Marge hung a sign outside the judge's boathouse before inadvertently sinking it.
Overall, the premiere was not one of the best, but certainly not the worst, and still rates above most sitcoms on television today.
It is because of that reason that The Simpsons will always be considered a classic. And it is also for that reason that TV's most unorthodox nuclear family will be on for at least two more seasons, with the possibility of three films coming in the future.
The Simpsons may have lost some of its steam but it's still one of the best sitcoms ever. There's only one word fitting to describe the status of this long running animated series.
It's Craptacular.
