7. There's Something About Marrying
The Simpsons have never been afraid to approach "taboo" topics, as evidenced by the 2005 season 16 episode 'There's Something About Marrying'. In this episode, Springfield legalises same-sex marriage in a bid to boost tourism. Prior to its airing, the show's writers had revealed that one of its main characters would 'come out of the closet', while various bookmakers even took bets on whom the character may be. In the end, it was none other than Marge's sister Patty, who, taking advantage of the new law, comes out as gay and announces her intentions to marry a woman called Veronica. Unfortunately, Marge isn't exactly thrilled by her sister's news, and disapproves of the idea. Patty's plans also
didn't sit well with certain conservative groups. Whatever side of the fence you sit on, 'There's Something About Marrying' will perhaps go down as one of the most hotly-debated episodes from the Simpsons' long run.