The Simpsons: A Cultural History

The Cultural History of Television

by Moritz Fink

From its crudely drawn vignettes on The Tracey Ullman Show to its nearly 700 episodes, The Simpsons has evolved from an alternative programming experiment to a worldwide cultural phenomenon. At 30 seasons and counting, The Simpsons boasts the distinction as the longest-running fictional primetime series in the history of American television. Broadcast around the globe, the show’s viewers relate to a plethora of iconic characters—from Homer, Marge, Lisa, Maggie, and Bart to Kwik-E-Mart proprietor Apu, bar owner Moe, school principal Seymour Skinner, and conniving businessman Montgomery Burns, among many others.

In The Simpsons: A Cultural History, Moritz Fink explores the show’s roots, profiles its most popular characters, and examines the impact the series has had—not only its shaping of American culture but its pivotal role in the renaissance of television animation. Fink traces the show’s comic forerunners—dating back to early twentieth century comic strips as well as subversive publications like Mad magazine—and examines how the show, in turn, generated a new wave of animation that changed the television landscape.

Drawing on memorable scenes and providing useful background details, this book combines cultural analysis with intriguing trivia. In addition to an appreciation of the show’s landmark episodes, The Simpsons: A Cultural History offers an entertaining discussion of the series that will appeal to both casual fans and devoted aficionados of this groundbreaking program.

Genres: Nonfiction

264 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

While today The Simpsons is noteworthy for its longevity, librarian and scholar Fink (coeditor, Culture Jamming) goes back to the beginning, illustrating why the animated show was revolutionary when it premiered in 1989. Created by underground cartoonist Matt Groening, the series offered a subversive take on the sitcom, featuring a dysfunctional family who satirized contemporary culture, including viewers’ own habits. The Simpsons may have been flawed, but they were lovable, and the expanded cast grew to encompass many fan favorites. There were also enough pop culture references and background details to keep audiences engaged online between episodes, resulting in a massive early Internet community. In this affectionate look back, Fink evaluates the lasting influence of the show, crediting it with legitimizing animated sitcoms. He skillfully guides readers through 30 culturally relevant episodes, demonstrating that The Simpsons was groundbreaking, quality programming.

VERDICT Fans of the show will enjoy revisiting classic episodes, and media scholars will find this a useful survey of television’s changing landscape.

Library Journal. Jun2019, Vol. 144 Issue 5, p124

[Marvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moritz Fink's "The Simpsons: A Cultural History" brilliantly captures the background and impact of the hilariously dysfunctional, quintessential American cartoon family that became a tremendous force in pop culture. In "The Simpsons", Fink explores the Simpsons' comedic lineage in a way that makes readers understand how much the familial, cultural, and comedic histories of Simpson's creator, Matt Groening, and other show-runners, like Sam Simon and James L. Brooks, laid much of the foundation for what the show would be. Fink also does a excellent job at discussing what the members of the Simpson family have represented for different social groups, generations (Gen X and Baby Boomers) and, in some cases, political affiliations.

A highly recommended read for anyone who grew up on The Simpsons. This isn't a SImpsons Wiki bio or the stuff you already know, this is a carefully researched, well-written, fun, and at times, nostalgic look at one of the most groundbreaking TV shows in our history. Even the most seasoned, know-it-all Simpsons fan will find something new or interesting about this book.

[Mutated Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't love The Simpsons? I'm not sure I personally know anyone like that, especially after thirty seasons. And if they are, well, they haven't made themselves known. As someone with two The Simpsons based tattoos, I know them like the back of my hand, and they're often part of my anxious tv watching, as I've been watching since I was a little kid. They're something I know, they're kind of predictable, especially when you're watching old re-runs over and over again, and they're not very stressful, usually. That's why I picked up this book to read next.

Check out my full review here!

https://radioactivebookreviews.wordpr...

[Lisa K · Rating 3 out of 5]

A readable, scholarly look at The Simpsons through a cultural history lens. As can be expected, I disagreed with some of the author's takes; he did, however, have compelling things to say about Gen X as it relates to the show and the feedback loop nature of a certain worldview being both mirrored and fed.

"Indeed, aligning with Lisa offers a way to take The Simpsons seriously, even for those who feel alienated by the nonsense humor of Homer's follies or Police Chief Wiggum's incompetence. Lisa represents the intellectual, literate mind ...." p. 67

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Entertain and subvert."

Test yourself:

1) Homer has two main friends at work. What are their full names?
2) How does Mr. Burns answer the phone?
3) What is La Maison Derrière?
4) Whose official seal reads "Corruptus in Extremis"?
5) How many times has Selma been married?
6) Where do Bart and Milhouse buy their comic books?
7) In what context did Milhouse first appear?
8) Which new character was added to the "Itchy & Scratchy Show," who provided his voice, and how did Comic Book Guy rate his debut?

Answers, extensive background and sociocultural commentary within.

[Cristie Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Simpsons have been on TV for most of my life with original episodes, so they definitely have an impact on the culture of our society. The author took an in-depth look at how the times influence and have been influenced by this powerhouse of a show.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh yeah
A very Amanda thing to do: read a book about a show without much watching of the show

[Anita Shlien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brought back a lot of great memories from when I first watched the show on air. Interesting take on how the Simpsons has influenced pop culture.

[Oceansized · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing you perhaps wont find already documented elsewhere, but a well researched and written compilation of the Simpsons’ significant cultural impact over the past 3 decades.

Oh and at risk of being dubbed one of “those fans”, late in the book one of the episode titles was incorrectly transcribed. Sorry, couldn’t resist..