Only Lassie and Gunsmoke broadcast more episodes. With tonight’s 500th episode, The Simpsons moves into Third Place on the most TV Broadcasts list. It’s hard to believe that The Simpsons has been around for 23 years. I watched the first four years faithfully. Then, I slowly drifted away. But, if I’m not busy, I’ll catch a random episode now and then. I’m always impressed that The Simpsons continue to take on contemporary themes and celebrities. The 500th episode of The Simpsons airs here tonight at 8:00 P.M. on FOX. Check your local listings if you want to tune in to history.
My kids watched it for years but I am not sure if they still do. We have never watched it but I know it is our loss.
THE SIMPSONS tapped into some incredible energy to last for 500 episodes, Patti. And the DVDs of the past seasons are readily available.
I’m like you, George. We watched the first few years but then drifted away. I catch a little occasionally but that’s about it. I was not aware of the Lassie/Gunsmoke thing. Pretty amazing run.
To hold an audience for 500 episodes a program has to be something special, Jeff. I’m looking forward to tonight’s historical episode.
“The Simpsons” debuted the year I was married–and my husband and I just celebrated our 23rd anniversary. We’ve watched it from the beginning (remember those shorts on The Tracy Ullman Show?) and I think we’ve seen every episode. It’s still the best place to find consistant, insightful, culturally-aware comedy writing on a regular basis. Our kids have grown up with the show. It’s astonishing to think that all of my kids (including the oldest, who will be 20 this year) have been born since the show started. You know I’m going to be watching tonight!
Wow! I’m impressed you’ve seen every episode of THE SIMPSONS, Deb! I agree: there isn’t a more consistent, insightful, culturally-aware comedy on TV. The only show that comes close is SOUTH PARK.
I haven’t watched it in many years, and even back then it was sporadic. I usually watch PBS on Sunday.
I found the 500th episode a bit bland, Rick. I guess my expectations were a little too high.
Actually, among the more-consistent, culturally-aware comedies now on tv are THE VENTURE BROS., CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL, ARCHER, and FUTURAMA…but none of these has been in as long as haul so far, it’s true. (But FUTURAMA and THE VENTURE BROS. have been on for more than five seasons each.) A bit bland has been the problem with THE SIMPSONS for at least a decade. Not quite as boring as SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE in the post-Phil Hartman years, but too close too often.
And one needs to qualify, among primetime series…such as MEET THE PRESS and THE TONIGHT SHOW (or even THE LATE LATE SHOW, currently with Craig Ferguson, who invites Lawrence Block on occasion) have passed 500 episodes quite some time back.
I think the term is “scripted drama,” Todd. That differentiates LASSIE and THE SIMPSONS from Late Night shows and soap operas. Love THE VENTURE BROTHERS!
And, to be fair, such 500 episode + series as 60 MINUTES. I’ll have to check on how many episodes of LAW AND ORDER there were…
I think there were at least 400 episodes of LAW & ORDER, Todd.
426, I think it was. The German correspondent, TATORT, has been running since 1970.
You’re right, Todd.