How 'The Simpsons' revolutionized primetime TV

The Simpsons fundamentally transformed American television by subverting traditional sitcom tropes and establishing a new standard for animated primetime comedy. Author Alan Segel argues that the show’s golden era in the late 1980s and 1990s succeeded because writers processed decades of television history into a transcendent, irreverent, yet surprisingly wholesome cultural force. Despite early criticism from figures like President George H.W. Bush, who viewed the show as a threat to traditional family values, its success stemmed from its ability to function as a "secret handshake" for fans through dense, layered humor. Groundbreaking voice performances, including the consistent casting of Nancy Cartwright as Bart and the spontaneous development of Homer’s iconic catchphrases, ensured the characters remained timeless. While the show’s later seasons struggle to match this initial creative peak, its legacy remains embedded in the American consciousness as a defining pillar of modern pop culture.