The Simpsons

Matt Groening is the creator of The Simpson's and Life in Hell.   He had a disappointing career in Los Angeles which all came to an end with the unexpected success of his Life in Hell comic strip. It was Life in Hell that attracted the attention of James L. Brooks of Gracie Films, who in 1985 invited Matt Groening to develop an idea for a future project that later became the animated Simpson's shorts shown during The Tracey Ullman Show.





The first time it was broadcast was in 1987.   Originally the show was only a quick sketch which lasted for only twenty seconds, which coincidentally is the same length as the "Itchy and Scratchy Show" that is often shown on quite a lot of episodes.


The Show, since 1989 has been extended to a more lengthy twenty-five minutes and remains at this length up to the present day.





Homer and Margaret ("Marge") are the names of Matt Groening's parents (Mrs. Simpson is Marjorie); the names of Matt Groening's sons are Homer and Abe. Matt Groening's brothers and sisters are, in birth order, Mark (which has not been used in the show), Patty, (then came Matt), Lisa, and Maggie (named Margaret like her mother but called Maggie).   Incidentally, Maggie teamed up with Matt several years ago to write a series of short illustrated children's books.


The name Bart is simply an anagram for "brat", although on several occasions Matt Groening's has said he is strongly influenced by both himself and his brother Mark.


The surname Simpson is a natural choice for the family as the name "Simpson" literally translates to "Son of a Simpleton".   I think this figures.


James L Brookes, the shows producer, has said "They represent the normal American family in all its beauty and horror."   This is a funny but scary idea… but I think we can all see some people's qualities in all the characters taken to a high degree and put on television as a cartoon.


The show has won many Awards...