Flashback to 1987: The Simpsons Make Their First Appearance
Long before Homer yelled “D’oh!” from living rooms across America, and way before Bart became a pop culture icon, The Simpsons made their humble debut on April 19, 1987, as a short segment called “Good Night” on The Tracey Ullman Show.
It was only a one-minute sketch — but it sparked the beginning of what would become the longest-running scripted TV show in U.S. history.
“Good Night” – The Very First Look
In that very first short, viewers met a crudely drawn version of the now-famous family: Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. The segment, titled “Good Night,” showed the parents trying (and hilariously failing) to tuck their kids into bed. It was weird, quirky, and a little rough around the edges — but it had something special.
Created by Matt Groening, the sketch was meant to be a quick filler, but it struck a chord. The characters were flawed but relatable, and the humor had just enough edge to feel fresh and different.
From Sketch to Sitcom
The original animation was pretty basic — more like doodles than polished cartoon characters. But that raw style was part of the charm. The voices were familiar (yes, that’s still Dan Castellaneta as Homer and Julie Kavner as Marge), and the personalities were already forming.
The shorts became a recurring part of The Tracey Ullman Show, airing before commercial breaks and growing more popular with each appearance. After three seasons of short clips, Fox took a chance — and in 1989, The Simpsons premiered as its own half-hour prime-time show.
The rest, as they say, is TV history.
Why It Still Matters
That short little “Good Night” sketch in 1987 didn’t just launch a show — it launched a cultural phenomenon. The Simpsons changed the way we think about animation, family sitcoms, and satire. It paved the way for shows like Family Guy, South Park, and even Rick and Morty.
And while animation has come a long way since those first scribbled frames, the heart of The Simpsons — sharp humor, lovable chaos, and surprisingly emotional moments — remains the same.
A Nostalgic Milestone
Today, it’s fun to look back at that quirky little moment from 1987 and realize just how much impact it had. From a one-minute sketch to over 700 episodes, countless catchphrases, and a place in TV history — it all started with five yellow characters and a bedtime gone wrong.
Did you know?
That first “Good Night” short is still available online — and it’s a blast to watch how far the show has come. If you’ve ever loved The Simpsons, it’s a nostalgic must-see.
Happy anniversary to The Simpsons — and here’s to where it all began!
