Episode: The Front (S4, E19) Clearly not satisfied with having his initials appearing every time Homer Simpson's face is on-screen, Matt Groening has had himself making several cameo appearances in The Simpsons across the years. This one, taken from an episode which aired in 1993, depicts the show's creator in his younger years. After taking all the credit for Bart and Lisa's ability to come up with kick-ass Itchy and Scratchy ideas, Grampa is nominated for an award for Outstanding Writing in a Cartoon Series (presented by Krusty the Clown and Brooke Shields). When the clip of the Itchy and Scratchy episode is played nobody laughs harder than Matt Groening. Bit arrogant to hype your own cartoon like that, Matt?