'The Simpsons' 500th Episode is 400 Too Many: 'I Wish for it to Mercifully End'
2 photos(PHOTO:REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni)Matt Groening (C), creator of The Simpsons, poses with characters from the show (L-R) Homer, Bart, Lisa, Marge and Maggie at the 20th anniversary party for the television series at Barker hangar in Santa Monica, California October 18, 2009."The Simpsons" reached its 500th episode Sunday with "At Long Last Leave," the only cartoon series to ever reach such a landmark during primetime television.
"The Simpsons" is now in its 23rd season and has just celebrated its 500th episode, an honor in prime time television that only "Lassie" and "Gunsmoke" can also proudly proclaim. A parody about a middle class family, "The Simpsons" became one of Fox's first primetime hits. The show is a winner of 27 Primetime Emmy Awards and 30 Annie Awards. In 2000, it also earned an official star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The show was developed by Matt Groening, a cartoonist, screenwriter, and producer. Groening has previously stated that Disney's "101 Dalmatians" is what first turned his attention to cartoon making.
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The creator spoke of his role to USA Today. "I never imagined this," Groening said. "I thought it would be a hit with kids. I wasn't sure adults would dig it." Al Jean, executive producer and one of the first writers to join "The Simpsons" team, also remarked to USA Today about the show's success. "In a business where things get tired in a matter of months, we were able to sustain for a whole generation," he said.
Trying to distinguish a clear reason for the shows long standing success, other show contributors suggested that its freedom of expression has gone a long way in setting trends in television that were previously untouched. "It's one of the few shows on TV that does story lines about topics like religion, politics (and) education," producer Mike Scully told USA Today. "Now, you have people who use Simpsons' quotes in everyday life and to talk about the world. I like to think we unduly influenced them," Josh Weinstein, a past contributor, said.
Fans however aren't as sure about the shows lasting success. "Put it to sleep. Someone at FOX has to realize 'The Simpsons' aren´t good anymore," Josue Chaves said. "Hasn't been clever in 400 episodes. Should have been canned after season 10," Chris Schiavi added.
Even those who proclaimed love for the show, wished for its end. "No one loves the Simpsons circa '92-'04 more than I do. But my God, every sub-par new episode they churn out just dilutes the overall genius of this show. I wish for it to mercifully end," Steven Lobejko said.
