The Simpsons are undoubtedly the most beloved family in television entertainment today and is the longest running animated television program of American sitcom history. The mastermind and creator behind the award winning animation is cartoonist Matt Groening. The Simpsons first debuted on the Tracy Ullman Show, back in the April of 1987, in a short cartoon skit, ?Good Night?. Even though the initial sketches of the family were very poor, The Simpson's had its very own 30 minute TV-show within two years of its first appearance, and over time matured into a multi-billion dollar venture.



The Simpsons were actually the best alternative animated television series to all the cartoons released during that time. The Simpsons family is comprised of 5 main members/characters, living in a small town known as Springfield; which too does not exist in reality amongst the US States and is completely fiction. At the head of the family is Homer Simpson. He is an overweight inspector of safety at town's nuclear power plant, an avid food-lover and couch potato, the laziest member of the family and sometimes a giver of really bad advice. Marge Simpson, wife of Homer Simpson, is the lady of the house. She is a stay at home mother and is always the one trying her best to maintain peace in this rather crazy household. Bart is Homer and Marge's 10 year old son; always in trouble and staying true to his name ?Bart? which is an anagram of ?brat?. Lisa Simpson, 8 years old, is Bart's younger sister. Smartest in her class and family, she is always on the look out for the philosophical aspect of things and thrives to cure the problems of the world. Maggie is the youngest daughter of Homer and Marge Simpson. She always tends to be mute, the only means of communication being the sucking of her pacifier, which she does not let go of easily.

There are more than 300+ other significant characters in The Simpsons series. Some worth mentioning are the Flanders, who are neighbours to the Simpsons, Police Chief Wiggums, Principal Skinner and the town billionaire Mr.Burns. Moreover, The Simpsons often boasts guest appearances by famous celebrities on special episodes and occasions, leaving no comedy unturned.

The Simpsons are popular all over the world, being dubbed in more than nine different languages. Sales of The Simpson's merchandise have been estimated to bring in over $2 Billion just 14 months after its release, and this is just from the official accounts. Surveys have showed that several episodes of The Simpsons have been watched by 20 million and sometimes even 30 million audiences. This is an example of the proclivity and fervent appeal of the show by mass. In 2007, The Simpsons Movie was released and brought in a staggering $74million in its first weekend.

With 400+ episodes and a milestone movie release, The Simpsons have managed to maintain their television appearance longer than any other show on American television. The Simpsons have been cited to be one of TIME Magazines ?100 Best TV Shows of All Time?.