In the tatterdemalion tapestry that is American pop culture, certain threads run longer than others. Shows like "The Simpsons" and "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) have woven intricate patterns in our frayed cultural fabric, patterns that at times appear to be permanent fixtures. But like all narratives, they are subject to the ebbs and flows of relevance and resonance with their audiences. They are not static artworks; they are living, breathing entities that face the potential of becoming relics of a bygone era, with still-living casts plying their dead roles in posthumous fashion.
For over three decades, "The Simpsons" has served as a mildly satisfying satirical lens through which we view the idiosyncrasies of American life. It is an undeniable icon of not just animated entertainment but of television history itself, even if its canonical episodes — the ones we can remember, albeit dimly — probably number in the single digits.
In a somewhat recent hot take on this animated juggernaut, references were made to its willingness to adapt to the current-thing politesse of 2023 — ceasing the mockery of gay characters, shifting voice acting roles to better align with racial representation,1 and even moving away from recurring gags that no longer sit well with contemporary audiences. A critical perspective from Vulture hailed these changes, asserting that "The Simpsons" has found a new vitality, declaring it "good again" and crediting its evolution as a renaissance of humor and relevance.2
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Oliver Bateman Does the Work to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.