The Simpsons: 10 Greatest Recurring Characters Introduced After Season One

There are some, for lack of a better word, losers that have lived in Springfield over the last 30 years. Barney is a hopeless alcoholic, Gill is a pathetic failed salesman, and Milhouse is the most pitiful kid to go to Springfield Elementary. Homer would surely add Ned Flanders to this list as well.

Easily the town’s most lovable loser however, is Lionel Hutz. The questionably qualified (at best) lawyer has rarely, if ever, actually won a case, he picks up tips from watching Matlock in bars with the sound off, and has no problem drinking Scotch at 9.30 in the morning in front of his clients if he hasn’t slept in days.

Any episode that features Mr. Hutz is automatically better for it, and whether he is going by Lionel Hutz while trying to scam Bart and Homer money from Mr. Burns, or Miguel Sanchez collecting $8 and an old bird cage for a night of babysitting, there is guaranteed laughter.

As one of the wonderful characters brought to life by Phil Hartman, Lionel Hutz’ time in Springfield was cut short when the actor was tragically killed in 1998. Even 24 years after the character's final appearance in season nine's 'Reality Bites', he is still as loved and fondly remembered as ever.