The Simpsons: 20 Most Shocking Moments Ever

Won't somebody please think of the children?

Like most things that have been around for a long time, The Simpsons has had its fair share of outrageous, unexpected, provocative and downright shocking moments. Arguably, the world's most famous sitcom - and one of its longest-running, don't you know? - wouldn't have earned its place as a pop cultural behemoth of the highest order had it opted to avoid sending its viewers into a dismayed frenzy from time to time. Yes, though a lot tamer and less offensive than mean-spirited copycats like Family Guy, The Simpsons has ensured itself as a source of shocking instances for a variety of reasons, including - but not limited to - character deaths, celebrity impersonations, nude intervals and some things that are better summed up with an single image. In short, The Simpsons has thrived on its reputation for dealing with hot button issues. Here, then, are the 20 Most Shocking Moments to have ever occurred over the course of what has to be one of the greatest - if not the greatest - television shows of all-time. And they're all here: each and every one of the most famed and iconic instances to have taken place across 25 super years, most of which had you staring at the TV set, lost for words, whilst your dad leaned in and exclaimed: "Maggie did what?"
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Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.