10 TV Moments Everyone Misunderstood As Kids

2. Smithers Is Gay - The Simpsons

If you grew up in the 90s, there's a strong chance that The Simpsons was a major staple in your life, an entertainment mainstay that became more iconic and successful than, well, just about anything.

And perhaps more than any other mainstream animation in history, The Simpsons has operated on a whole other, higher level for adults, both in terms of its humanist themes and its often boundary-pushing sense of humour.

Arguably the show's most pervasive gag in this regard was the ongoing implication that Mr. Burns' assistant Mr. Smithers was not only gay but also deeply in love with his boss.

There have been literally countless references to Smithers' presumed homosexuality over the years, yet before he finally came out as gay in season 27, the implication likely wasn't quite clear enough for most kids.

It might seem hilariously obvious in retrospect, but back in the 90s, this passed for subtle. Watched today through adult eyes? It couldn't seem much less obvious.