The Simpsons Seasons 1-36 TV Review

After more than three decades on television, The Simpsons stands as an undeniable cultural phenomenon that has shaped the landscape of American animation and comedy. From its humble beginnings as shorts on The Tracey Ullman Show to becoming the longest-running American sitcom in history, this yellow-skinned family from Springfield has delivered both groundbreaking brilliance and divisive later seasons. Here’s our comprehensive review of all 36 seasons of this animated institution.

The Golden Age: Seasons 1-8

The Foundation Years (Seasons 1-3)

The early seasons of The Simpsons established the show’s satirical DNA and introduced audiences to the dysfunctional yet lovable Simpson family. Season 1, while finding its footing, demonstrated the series’ potential with episodes like “Krusty Gets Busted” and “The Telltale Head.” The animation was rough around the edges, but the writing showed flashes of the brilliance to come.

Seasons 2 and 3 marked The Simpsons hitting its stride. The voice work from Dan Castellaneta (Homer Simpson) and Julie Kavner (Marge Simpson) became more refined, with Castellaneta developing Homer’s distinctive voice after initially attempting to imitate Walter Matthau. The writing became sharper, tackling social issues with wit and intelligence that resonated with both children and adults.

The Peak Years (Seasons 4-8)

Many consider seasons 4-8 to be The Simpsons‘ absolute peak. During this period, the show perfected its formula of combining heart, humor, and social commentary. Episodes like “Marge vs. the Monorail,” “Last Exit to Springfield,” and “Homer’s Enemy” are considered television masterpieces that influenced countless future animated series.

• Writing Excellence: The scripts during this era featured layered jokes, cultural references, and emotional depth • Character Development: Each family member was given genuine growth and memorable storylines • Cultural Impact: The Simpsons became a ratings juggernaut, consistently ranking in the top 30 shows • Animation Quality: The visual style became more polished while maintaining its distinctive charm

The show’s ability to satirize American politics, media, and culture while telling genuinely touching family stories set it apart from other animated series. Homer’s catchphrase “D’oh!” became so iconic that it was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2001.

The Transition Period: Seasons 9-13

As The Simpsons entered its second decade, subtle changes began appearing. While seasons 9 and 10 still delivered quality episodes, some fans noticed a shift in tone and writing style. The show remained entertaining, but the razor-sharp satirical edge began to dull slightly.

Season 11 marked what many consider the beginning of the show’s decline from its golden age status. However, it’s important to note that even “lesser” episodes from this period would be standouts in most other series’ runs. Season 13 provided a brief renaissance with improved storytelling, but the overall trend was clear.

“The show, at this point, is almost completely unrecognisable, a mere slight resemblance of what it once was” – Long-time fan reviewing later seasons

The Modern Era: Seasons 14-36

Addressing the Decline (Seasons 14-25)

The most significant criticism of modern The Simpsons centers on repetitive humor, character inconsistencies, and a departure from the grounded family dynamics that made the early seasons special. Many episodes began focusing heavily on celebrity cameos and pop culture references rather than character-driven stories.

During this period, viewing figures began declining significantly. While season 31 attracted approximately 3 million viewers, this had dropped to under 2 million by season 35. The show that once competed with The Cosby Show for television dominance was struggling to maintain its audience.

Recent Renaissance: Seasons 30-36

Surprisingly, many critics and fans have noted an uptick in quality during The Simpsons‘ most recent seasons. Season 36 premiered on September 29, 2024, and concluded on May 18, 2025, with the episode “Estranger Things”. The season received positive reviews, with John Schwarz of Bubbleblabber giving the season an 8 out of 10.

Season 36 highlights include:

• “Bart’s Birthday” – A meta premiere that even included a fake “Series finale” segment • “Treehouse of Horror XXXV” – Continuing the beloved Halloween tradition • “Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes” – A second Treehouse of Horror episode featuring Ray Bradbury parodies • Disney+ Exclusives – Four episodes premiered exclusively on the streaming platform

The season faced challenges, including the retirement of voice actress Pamela Hayden, who had voiced Milhouse and several other characters since 1989. New voice actors Mo Collins and Kelly Macleod were brought in to replace her characters.

Voice Acting Excellence

Throughout all 36 seasons, the voice acting has remained consistently exceptional. Dan Castellaneta continues to bring energy and humor to Homer Simpson, while Julie Kavner’s “honeyed gravel voice” as Marge provides the show’s emotional anchor. The supporting cast, including Nancy Cartwright (Bart), Yeardley Smith (Lisa), Harry Shearer, and Hank Azaria, have maintained their characters’ distinctiveness across decades.

Key voice acting achievements:

1. Emmy Recognition: Every main cast member has won an Emmy for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance
2. Longevity: The original cast has remained largely intact for over 35 years
3. Character Range: Castellaneta alone voices over 30 different characters
4. Cultural Impact: Homer’s “D’oh!” became a legitimate dictionary entry

Technical Evolution

The Simpsons has undergone significant technical changes throughout its run. The early hand-drawn animation gave way to digital production, and while some fans miss the rougher charm of the original seasons, the modern animation is undeniably more polished and allows for more complex visual storytelling.

The show’s music, composed primarily by Alf Clausen until his recent passing, has remained consistently excellent throughout all seasons. The iconic theme song and musical moments continue to be series highlights.

Cultural and Financial Impact

Beyond entertainment, The Simpsons has generated significant economic impact. For those interested in understanding the business side of entertainment, resources like HablemosMoney provide excellent insights into how successful franchises build lasting financial value. The show has generated billions in merchandise revenue and spawned numerous spin-offs, video games, and other media.

The series has also maintained relevance through its official presence on major entertainment platforms, allowing new generations to discover both classic and contemporary episodes.

Ratings and Reception Analysis

Viewership trends:

• Peak Years (1990-1997): Consistently ranked in top 30 shows, with over 10 million viewers • Decline Period (1998-2010): Gradual decrease but still maintaining solid ratings • Modern Era (2011-2025): Significant viewership decline but critical appreciation for certain seasons

Reviewers say ‘The Simpsons’ is celebrated for its groundbreaking satire, clever writing, and iconic characters. Early seasons are praised for sharp wit and social commentary. However, later seasons face criticism for repetitive humor and character inconsistencies.

The Disney Era and Future

On April 2, 2025, it was announced that the series was renewed for four more seasons, ensuring The Simpsons will continue well into the 2020s. The Disney ownership has brought changes, including exclusive Disney+ content and potential shifts in creative direction.

Recent developments:

• Four Disney+ exclusive episodes in Season 36 • Extended hiatus periods between episodes • Continued voice cast changes due to retirements • Renewed focus on holiday and event episodes

Season-by-Season Quality Assessment

Tier 1 (Essential Viewing)

• Seasons 3-8: The absolute pinnacle of animated television

Tier 2 (Highly Recommended)

• Seasons 1-2, 9-10, 13: Strong episodes with occasional brilliance

Tier 3 (Mixed Results)

• Seasons 11-12, 20, 30-36: Uneven quality but worthwhile moments

Tier 4 (For Completists)

• Seasons 14-19, 21-29: Significant quality issues but occasional gems

Final Verdict

The Simpsons remains one of television’s most important and influential series. While the show’s quality has fluctuated dramatically over 36 seasons, its impact on comedy, animation, and popular culture cannot be overstated. The early seasons represent some of the finest television ever produced, while recent seasons show promising signs of creative renewal.

Strengths: • Revolutionary animation and voice acting • Unparalleled cultural influence • Consistent character development in early seasons
• Recent quality improvements

Weaknesses: • Significant quality decline in middle seasons • Over-reliance on celebrity cameos • Departure from family-focused storytelling • Declining viewership numbers

Recommendation

For new viewers, start with seasons 3-8 to experience The Simpsons at its absolute best. Long-time fans should give recent seasons another chance, as the creative team has shown renewed energy and focus. While the show may never recapture its golden age magic, it continues to provide entertainment and cultural commentary that justifies its legendary status.

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

The Simpsons earns this rating based on the strength of its peak years and recent improvements, despite the acknowledged dip in quality during its middle seasons. As the longest-running American animated series, it has earned its place in television history and continues to evolve with changing times while maintaining the heart that made it special.