The first episode of The Simpsons ("Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire") may not be the best, but it cemented the dynamics of the family early on. An introduction to Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie - as well as their first encounter with Santas Little Helper - it started the worlds love affair with this dysfunctional, yellow-skinned family. Its the event that started it all, of course, and it remains a solid episode with many jokes that still hold up today. It is undoubtedly one of the most important episodes of any television programme to be aired, with many now iconic characters getting their first - if only brief - chance to shine. If it werent for these 23 minutes of television history, many a childhood would have been drastically different.
As a pretty nerdy guy, I've loved film and television since I was a wee lad. Growing up in Ireland, The Den was the show to watch with it playing Batman The Animated Series, Star Trek: The Next Generation and everything in between. I have an MA in Radio and Television Production and have written for various sites, hope you enjoy my articles/lists for What Culture!
