How the Simpsons Have Stayed on the Air for 27 Years

On the eve of episode no. 595, a look at the show that gave us d'oh and then changed the world.

- Robert Klara

THE MAN The epitome of the slothful American male, Homer (inspired by Groening’s real father) is actually Canadian, Groening revealed in 2003.

THAT VOICE The inimitable voice of Marge belongs to actress Julie Kavner, a Tracey Ullman Show regular who was called into the recording booth on a fluke and got cast.

THE COLOR Why are the Simpsons yellow? “When you’re flicking through channels ... and a flash of yellow goes by, you’ll know you’re watching The Simpsons,” Matt Groening has said.

On May 15, Fox will air a special episode of The Simpsons in which Homer will select questions that fans tweet to him and then respond at the end of the show. That’s right, kids—Homer live. And how will a drawn character pull off such a feat? “We’re going to play it close to the vest on this one,” is all Fox’s vp of global brand management Peter Leeb would tell us. “A live show is very relevant in today’s market,” he added. “We try to stay current.”