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The Simpsons

The Simpsons

Just a product of society that's lost its good manners.

1989–Ongoing20 seasons858 episodes~22 min/epTV-14Midcredits score: 96th percentile of all shows

Set in Springfield, the average American town, the show focuses on the antics and everyday adventures of the Simpson family; Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie, as well as a virtual cast of thousands. Since the beginning, the series has been a pop culture icon, attracting hundreds of celebrities to guest star. The show has also made name for itself in its fearless satirical take on politics, media and American life in general.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Simpsons?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Simpsons streaming on Disney+, FOX One via Prime Video and Hulu and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Subscription

via Prime Video

Rent / Buy

BuyBuy

Highlights

What stands out about The Simpsons?

The Simpsons earns 11 badges, led by Stood the test of time and Top 5% of shows.

Show 3 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Cast

Reception

Is The Simpsons worth watching?

The Simpsons' Midcredits score is the 96th percentile of all shows, from 502K ratings across 5 sources. 91% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

96th percentile

Better received than 96% of shows

96th percentile among Animation94th percentile among 1980s
Acclaim (how much people like it)93rd
Approval (how many liked it)95th

Acclaim

Universally Loved: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

83 /100

93rd percentile of all shows

94th percentile among Animation91st percentile among 1980s

Critics 87 · Audience 82

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

Ratings pile up at 9–10 with almost no detractors — near-universal love.

Approval

How many liked it

91% liked it

95th percentile of all shows

97th percentile among Animation96th percentile among 1980s
91% rated it 7–109% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

99th percentile

499K ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Animation99th percentile among 1980s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 20% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the classic era (roughly seasons 1-9 or 1-12) is brilliant satire, but longtime fans and detractors both acknowledge the show has declined and overstayed its welcome.

Fans praised

  • Cultural milestone and catchphrase factory ("D'oh" in the dictionary)
  • First 9-12 seasons are comedy gold with witty, sophisticated satire
  • Endearing dysfunctional family brought to life by exceptional voice acting

Detractors panned

  • Has been garbage since season 9, should have ended decades ago
  • Became a hollow shell repeating catchphrases instead of sharp satire

What stands out

Dialogue95

witty one-liners, clever puns, quotable catchphrases

HumorDivisive90

hilarious early seasons, clever satire, but comedy declined and became outdated

CharactersDivisive90

dysfunctional family feels real and endearing, but modern Homer is a hollow shell

Acting85

voice acting exceptional, brings characters to life

Plot and story80

great storylines in classic era, episodes rewatchable for plots

OriginalityDivisive80

unique and groundbreaking at start, but became formulaic and unoriginal over time

Emotional impact75

sincere and heartfelt moments, especially in early family dynamics

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 11 points higher than women.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Over-30s

Over-30s scored it 10 points higher than under-30s.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Critics vs users 8 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Episodes

38 seasons

Season 38 · 2026 · 15 episodes

  • S38E1

    The Children's Book Job

    Sep 27, 202621 min
  • S38E2

    Diary of a Chimpy Kid

    Oct 4, 202621 min
  • S38E3

    Treehouse of Horror Presents: The Revengening

    Oct 18, 202621 min
  • S38E4

    Treehouse of Horror XXXVII

    Oct 25, 202621 min
  • S38E5

    Testing 1-2-3

    Airs Nov 1, 202621 minUpcoming
  • S38E6
    S38E6

    The Kosmic Kruiser

    Airs Nov 8, 202621 minUpcoming

Watch experience

What is The Simpsons like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Wry, light and gentle — an even-paced watch that leaves you feeling good.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
AbsurdJoyfulWarm
Heaviest: throughout
Satirical humor
Register
Satirical · 5% of showsWarm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Resets each episode · 10% of showsStatus quo each season
ToneThe show holds its material at a playful, satirical distance, mocking American culture and family life while retaining genuine warmth toward its characters.
The rideThe series maintains a consistent mix of absurd humor and warmth, with occasional emotional peaks but no sustained heavy stretch.
StructureEach self-contained episode follows a three-act structure: setup of a premise, comedic complications, and a resolution that restores the status quo.
Episode formatEpisodes are self-contained comedic stories that typically reset the status quo by the end, characteristic of a sitcom.
Season formatSeasons are largely interchangeable batches of episodes; any season serves as an entry point, though a quality decline is noted by fans.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
Feel-goodFun
Why it leaves you this wayThe show's blend of sharp satire and heartfelt family moments leaves viewers both amused and uplifted.
How it ends · evidence
Cyclical ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Comedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18%: Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12% (this title): Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2% (this title)
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Comedy: Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony. · Comedy of manners: Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).

12% of shows fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe Simpsons is a satirical animated sitcom whose typical episode revolves around the Simpson family navigating a comedic situation, often poking fun at social norms and American culture, fitting the comedy of manners subtype.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31% (this title): Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% (this title) · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27%: Identity 20% · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% · Purpose 16% · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% (this title) · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% (this title) · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsCommunity: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Fame · 5% of shows
Satirizes its theme: Attacks its theme through ridicule.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe series centrally explores the Simpson family's dysfunctional but enduring bonds, while also satirizing Springfield's community and American celebrity culture.
StanceThe show satirizes American family life and society, with the Simpson family as an ensemble protagonist navigating Springfield's absurdities.

The world

ContemporarySuburbanDomesticInstitutionalStylized realism
Orchestral classicalJazzPopSupportive music · hybrid · Danny Elfman
SettingSpringfield, an average American town with a nuclear power plant and a cast of quirky residents
MusicThe iconic theme by Danny Elfman is instantly recognizable, with a score that blends orchestral, jazz, and pop elements.

Content guide

Is The Simpsons okay for kids?

TV-14

The Simpsons is rated TV-14. As of October 5, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (64/100), sexual content at moderate (53/100), language at moderate (49/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (66/100) and frightening material at moderate (42/100). Overall it is heavier than 76% of TV-14 shows.

Ratings in 27 other countries
  • UK12
  • Canada14+
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland12
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil12
  • Austria12
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandS
  • IndiaU/A 13+
  • Israel12+
  • ItalyT
  • LTN-7
  • MexicoB
  • MYU
  • Netherlands6
  • PhilippinesG
  • Poland12
  • Portugal10AP
  • RO12
  • Russia18+
  • SingaporeG
  • Spain12
  • Switzerland12
  • Türkiye13+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 59% of all showsHeavier than 76% of TV-14 shows
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 71%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a TV-14 show
heavier than 83%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 71%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
heavy for a TV-14 show
heavier than 92%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 40%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is drug and alcohol content and violence.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does The Simpsons have?

MovieCove's classifier found 6 depicted content warnings in The Simpsons: Addiction or relapse (mild), Child abuse (mild), Gun violence (mild), plus 3 withheld here because they would spoil the plot. 5 more are mentioned only, in dialogue or backstory: Death of a child, Incest, Suicide, plus 2 behind the spoiler gate. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

MildAddiction or relapseChild abuseGun violence
MentionedDeath of a childIncestSuicide

Mentioned: referenced in dialogue or backstory, not shown in the story’s present.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Simpsons?

Cast

3 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 6 award-winning performances in the cast.

Dan Castellaneta
as Homer Simpson
Emmy win: Primetime Emmy — Outstanding Voice-Over PerformanceTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Julie Kavner
as Marge Simpson
Emmy win: Primetime Emmy — Outstanding Voice-Over PerformanceTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Nancy Cartwright
as Bart Simpson
Emmy win: Primetime Emmy — Outstanding Voice-Over PerformanceTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Harry Shearer
as Ned Flanders
Emmy win: Primetime Emmy — Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance
Yeardley Smith
as Lisa Simpson
Emmy win: Primetime Emmy — Outstanding Voice-Over Performance
Hank Azaria
as Moe Szyslak
Emmy win: Primetime Emmy — Outstanding Voice-Over Performance
newcomer then · star now
Pamela Hayden
as Milhouse Van Houten
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Tress MacNeille
as Agnes Skinner
Emmy nominee: Primetime Emmy nomination — Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance
newcomer then · star now
Chris Edgerly
as Additional Voices
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Maggie Roswell
as Helen Lovejoy
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.

More like this

What are shows like The Simpsons?

TMDB's suggestions for shows like The Simpsons include Bless the Harts (2019), Kenan & Kel (1996) and King of the Hill (1997).

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What other shows share a tag with The Simpsons?

799 other shows share the rarest tag below, kind of show: satire or spoof. Each tag opens Browse with the shows that share it.