Over the course of more than 500 episodes, dedicated Simpsons fans have got to know the show's hundreds of characters pretty well, from the one-offs created to give a quick punchline to the regulars who pop up every week. But however much we love to watch them, its difficult to deny that the vast majority of Springfields residents just wouldnt be all that fun to know in real life. From the incompetent police to the apathetic teachers and the depressed alcoholics of Moe's Tavern, these people may be fun on the show but they become sad very quickly when transposed to a real-world setting. And this is before we even consider the corrupt Mayor Quimby, the evil Mr Burns, or the attempted child killer Sideshow Bob. Even the Simpson family themselves are much better kept with a television screen between us and them. They are a family made up of a brat, a nag, a know-it-all, and a grown man who regularly strangles a ten year old. Even the angelic baby Maggie has shot several people. But even with all of this having been said, there are still a few characters that anybody would be blessed to know. These eight would brighten any phonebook, improve any dinner party, and generally make you a better person just for knowing them.