When The Simpsons debuted in December 1989, the biggest shows on television were The Cosby Show, Who’s the Boss?, Roseanne, Coach, and The Wonder Years. Many of those shows are just distant memories now, but The Simpsons has defied all odds by staying on the air continuously over the past 36 years. That’s over 800 episodes and counting — many more are in the pipeline, since Fox has already renewed the series through its 40th season in 2028-29. The show has pulled off this feat by hiring many of the most talented writers in TV history, including Greg Daniels, Conan O’Brien, John Swartzwelder, John Vitti, and Sam Simon. It’s true that the quality has dipped in recent years. Some fans say the decline started around Season 15 or so, while others trace it back to 10; a hardcore segment of the fandom feels the show was never the same after Season Six. But the shoddy quality of the past two decades has no impact on the brilliance of the early years. And if you’re a fan of The Simpsons from when it was truly the best show on television, this quiz is for you.
Zero to 30 percent correct: Don’t have a cow, man. This is a wonderful opportunity to take a deep dive into one of the greatest works of Western civilization. Fire up your Disney+ account, change the aspect ratio to the show’s original 4:3 so you don’t miss any of the gags, and revel in the majesty of The Simpsons. The first season is a little crude and rocky, but it picks up major steam by Season Two. By the third season, it’s firmly in the golden age. Feel free to keep watching once you get into the 21st-century episodes, but be warned. “Jerkass Homer” is a thing. And he’s really, really annoying.
31 to 60 percent correct: Okily-dokily! You are officially a Simpsons fan. You just need to learn more. We recommend rewatching the first six seasons since they hold up really well to repeat viewings, and reading The Simpsons: An Uncensored, Unauthorized History, by John Ortved. It’s an honest, uncensored look at the real history of the show. In short, Matt Groening is brilliant, but he got a lot of help from unheralded heroes.
61 to 100 percent correct: Excellent. There’s not a ton we can teach you at this point, so just sit back and watch “Homer Goes to College,” “Marge vs. the Monorail,” “Last Exit to Springfield,” and “Lisa’s Substitute” for the 500th time each. They never, ever, ever stop being funny. Seinfeld, The Office,Curb Your Enthusiasm, Arrested Development, All in the Family, Cheers, I Love Lucy, Taxi, 30 Rock, and Parks and Recreation will live forever. But The Simpsons beats them all. And it’s not even close.
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