“The Simpsons” began as a collection of animated shorts on “The Tracey Ullman Show” in 1987 and has grown into a significant cultural phenomenon. While the show has evolved over the years, its blend of satire, humor, and heart has remained a defining feature. Homer, Marge, Lisa, Bart, and Maggie have navigated numerous (mis)adventures, and the Simpson family’s resilience and enduring presence have kept audiences engaged through decades of episodes.
As of now, “The Simpsons” boasts over 720 episodes across 30 seasons, making it the longest-running sitcom in U.S. television history. This is quite an achievement for a series that started as short segments. Despite experiencing fluctuations in popularity and some less memorable seasons, the show has maintained a strong legacy with many highly acclaimed seasons. The 2007 film also added to its cultural impact. Let’s explore the best seasons of “The Simpsons,” ranked according to IMDb.
1. Season 6
Season 6 of “The Simpsons” is often celebrated for its standout episodes and character-driven humor. In “Homer the Great,” Homer accidentally becomes the leader of the Stonecutters, an exclusive secret society, only for the members to leave when he tries to reform it. “Lemon of Troy” follows Bart and his friends as they embark on a mission to retrieve Springfield’s prized lemon tree from Shelbyville. The season also features the poignant “Lisa’s Wedding,” which offers a touching glimpse into Lisa’s future.
A major highlight of Season 6 is the two-part episode “Who Shot Mr. Burns?” The first part ends on a cliffhanger that became a defining moment in “The Simpsons” history. This episode sparked widespread speculation and excitement among fans, with promotional efforts including the clever “Springfield’s Most Wanted” parody of “America’s Most Wanted,” featuring John Walsh. The season also includes a memorable “Treehouse of Horror” episode, with a spoof of “The Shining” called “The Shinning,” and a brief but notable cameo by James Earl Jones as an alternate-dimension Maggie.
2. Season 7
Season 7 of “The Simpsons” continued to build on its success with the resolution of the “Who Shot Mr. Burns?” mystery, revealing Maggie as the culprit. This season saw an increase in celebrity appearances, such as Paul and Linda McCartney guest-starring in “Lisa the Vegetarian.” “Mother Simpson” stands out as a heartfelt episode where Homer reunites with his long-lost mother, voiced by Glenn Close. Additionally, Kelsey Grammer returned as Sideshow Bob in “Sideshow Bob’s Last Gleaming,” attempting once again to eliminate Bart.
The season also introduced Disco Stu in “Two Bad Neighbors,” where Homer faces off against former President George H.W. Bush. “Homerpalooza” is a treat for music fans, featuring appearances from Peter Frampton, Cypress Hill, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Sonic Youth. “22 Short Films About Springfield” is another highlight, known for its memorable “Steamed Hams” segment, which has become a popular meme.
3. Season 4
Season 4 of “The Simpsons” marked a period of refinement for the series, delivering some of its most iconic episodes. “Marge vs. the Monorail,” written by Conan O’Brien, is a fan favorite featuring Phil Hartman as the scheming Lyle Lanley, who convinces Springfield to build a monorail. This episode is seen as a key moment in the show’s evolution towards its signature blend of zany humor.
In “Krusty Gets Kancelled,” Krusty the Clown’s show is canceled, but he makes a triumphant return with the help of real-life celebrities including Johnny Carson, Luke Perry, Bette Midler, Hugh Hefner, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Another standout episode, “Last Exit to Springfield,” sees Homer become the head of the nuclear power plant’s union to secure dental benefits for Lisa’s braces.
4. Season 5
Season 5 of “The Simpsons” continued to push creative boundaries, offering a mix of humor and inventive storytelling. “Deep Space Homer” features Homer being sent to space by NASA to boost their public image, with real-life astronaut Buzz Aldrin and musician James Taylor making appearances. Conan O’Brien contributed to both “Homer Goes to College” and “Treehouse of Horror IV.”
Notable debuts in this season include Cletus the hillbilly in “Bart Gets an Elephant” and the Rich Texan in “$pringfield.” The show skillfully incorporated pop culture references, as seen in “Homer’s Barbershop Quartet,” which parodies The Beatles and includes a guest appearance by George Harrison. The season also offers a nod to Martin Scorsese’s remake of “Cape Fear,” featuring a return of Sideshow Bob and his ongoing vendetta against Bart.
5. Season 3
Season 3 of “The Simpsons” showcases the series in its early stages of refinement. The season features significant guest appearances, including Michael Jackson in “Stark Raving Dad,” voicing a character who believes he is Jackson. “Flaming Moe’s” is a standout episode where Homer’s concoction of cough syrup and fire transforms Moe’s bar into the hottest spot in town, with Aerosmith making a guest appearance.
Music icons are prominent this season, with Sting appearing as himself in “Radio Bart” and Spinal Tap in “The Otto Show.” The season also introduces Fat Tony in “Bart the Murderer,” where Bart gets involved with the local mafia. “Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington” further explores Lisa’s maturity, and “Bart’s Friend Falls in Love” delves into Milhouse’s relationship with a girlfriend, affecting his friendship with Bart.
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