The Simpsons (1989)
Kernel Score: 91% · 10,602 ratings
Genres: Family, Animation, Comedy
First aired: 1989-12-17
Seasons: 37 · 801 episodes
Is The Simpsons worth watching?
Depends on your taste. The long-running cartoon family comedy is among TV's most influential shows. The early seasons are widely loved and very funny, while later ones are uneven.
Watch it if you
- want easy, familiar comedy
- enjoy satire of family life
- like watching old episodes
Skip it if you
- want fresh, sharp humour
- dislike cartoon sitcoms
Best for: Background watching
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Simpsons
- Stream: Disney+, Hulu, Fubo, YouTube TV, FXNow
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
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.
The Simpsons parents' guide: ages 10+
Parents need to know that The Simpsons is a TV-14 animated satire with adult humor and a warm family core.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Cartoon slapstick is part of the show's style, generally comedic rather than graphic.
- Sex, romance & nudity: A little — Occasional innuendo appears within the show's 'adult humor,' but explicit content is minimal.
- Language: Some — TV-14 adult humor includes mild language and crude jokes.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official TV-14 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Shows like The Simpsons
If you liked The Simpsons, these are the shows we'd watch next.
- Futurama (1999) — 87%: Another sharp, funny animated sitcom.
- South Park (1997) — 93%: Cartoon satire with a rude edge.
- Malcolm in the Middle (2000) — 92%: Family sitcom with great comic energy.
- Animaniacs (2020) — 89%: Fast, silly cartoon comedy.
- The Amazing World of Gumball (2011) — 90%: Inventive cartoon with a lot of heart.
Cast
- Dan Castellaneta as Homer Simpson / Abe Simpson / Barney Gumble / Krusty (voice)
- Julie Kavner as Marge Simpson / Patty Bouvier / Selma Bouvier (voice)
- Nancy Cartwright as Bart Simpson / Nelson Muntz / Ralph Wiggum (voice)
- Yeardley Smith as Lisa Simpson (voice)
- Hank Azaria as Moe Szyslak / Chief Wiggum / Apu / Comic Book Guy / Carl (voice)
- Harry Shearer as Ned Flanders / Mr. Burns / Smithers / Skinner / Lenny (voice)
The Simpsons FAQ
Is The Simpsons worth watching?
Depends on your taste. The long-running cartoon family comedy is among TV's most influential shows. The early seasons are widely loved and very funny, while later ones are uneven.
Where can I watch The Simpsons?
In the US you can stream The Simpsons on Disney+, Hulu, Fubo, YouTube TV and FXNow and buy it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and Fandango At Home.
Is The Simpsons OK for kids?
The Simpsons is rated TV-14. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 10+. Parents need to know that The Simpsons is a TV-14 animated satire with adult humor and a warm family core.
What shows are like The Simpsons?
If you liked The Simpsons, try Futurama, South Park, Malcolm in the Middle and Animaniacs.