by John Ortved
Milken, Michael
Mirkin, David: changes to The Simpsons and the Ramones recalled by others as showrunner works on The Simpsons Movie
Moby
Moe (Simpsons character)
Mojo (Simpsons character)
Morgenstern, Joe
“Mother Simpson” (episode)
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
“Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington” (episode)
“Mr. Plow” (episode)
Mr. President
Mr. Show
Mr. T, as Simpsons guest voice
MTV
Murdoch, Rupert: and Barry Diller biographical sketch contrast with Simpsons subversive satire and cross-ownership regulations points out Middle America’s response to The Simpsons purchase of 20th Century Fox recalls effort to get The Simpsons onto the air recalls first successful shows on Fox Broadcasting recalls impact of moving The Simpsons to Thursday night role in The Simpsons sees tape of bumper Simpsons episodes suggests moving The Simpsons to Thursday night opposite Cosby view of relationship between James L. Brooks and Matt Groening view of Simpsons and family values view of Simpsons voices view of The Simpsons continuing quality
Murphy Brown
Music Man, The
musical guests
My Mother the Car
My Name is Earl
Naegle, Lindsey (Simpsons character)
National Lampoon
National Review
Nelson, Harriet
network notes
New Kids on the Block
New Republic, The
News Corp
New Show, The
Newsradio
Nick, Dr. (Simpsons character)
Nirvana
NoHomers.net
Nolte, Nick
notes, network
*NSync, as Simpsons musical guest
Nugent, Ted, as Simpsons musical guest
Oakley, Bill: added to original Simpsons writing room biographical sketch recalls fellow writers and writing room recalls George Meyer recalls John Swartzwelder recalls public reaction to The Simpsons as showrunner view of Simpsons influence
O’Brien, Conan added to original Simpsons writing room background biographical sketch hired as host of Late Night leaves The Simpsons after fourth season as most prominent alumnus of Simpsons writing room offered writer job at The Simpsons recalls Bob Hope recalls friends sending Matt Groening bootlegged Simpsons merchandise they found when traveling recalls George Meyer recalls Matt Groening recalls Sam Simon recalls state of writing room recalls writers’ ways to waste time recalls writing staff for The Simpsons in the early years reputation as nice guy tryout for Late Night view of The Simpsons traditional setup viewed by others
O’Connor, John (The New York Times)
Odenkirk, Bill
Odenkirk, Bob
Office, The
Office, The (U.K.)
Office Space
Old Man and the Sea, The
Ovadia, Al
Owen, David
Oxford English Dictionary
Paakkinen, Jouni: biographical sketch Fox attitude toward Internet fan sites as web administrator
Paar, Jack
Panter, Gary: biographical sketch as father of punk comics publishes “Rozz Tox Manifesto” recalls challenge of establishing look through others recalls Matt Groening recalls punk rock scene in LA view of Life in Hell view of Simpsons influence view of Simpsons writing quality
Pantheon (Random House imprint)
Paramount Studios
Paris, Daria: biographical sketch recalls enmity between Sam Simon and Matt Groening recalls John Swartzwelder recalls Matt Groening recalls merchandise avalanche recalls Sam Simon recalls Simpsons writers
Parker, Trey
Peabody Awards
Peluce, Gyorgyi: biographical sketch as designer who first colored The Simpsons characters and question of The Simpsons authorship
Perlman, Heide: early production work on The Simpsons and earnings from Tracey Ullman Show and spin-offs
Pettibon, Raymond
Petty, Tom, as Simpsons musical guest
Phenom
Phish, as Simpsons musical guest
Phish Book, The
Pietila, Bonnie
Pink Panther
Pinsky, Mark
Pinsky, Robert: biographical sketch as Simpsons guest voice view of what The Simpsons represents
Pipkin, Margot: biographical sketch recalls initial animation work on The Simpsons recalls later animation work on The Simpsons
Platt, Polly: biographical sketch gives Groening cartoon as gift to James L. Brooks recalls James L. Brooks recalls Sam Simon recalls young, broke Matt Groening
Playboy
Pleasantville
Plimpton, George
poker games
Polcino, Dominic: biographical sketch recalls feeling like pioneer
Polone, Gavin: biographical sketch recalls Conan O’Brien recalls James L. Brooks recalls merchandising dollars earned by Matt, Sam, and Jim recalls Sam Simon
postage stamp
Postmas, Neil
“President Wore Pearls, The” (episode)
Prince, Martin (Simpsons character)
Pritchard, David
Pross, Max
Psychology Today
Puente, Tito, as Simpsons musical guest
Pulido, Rachel
punk rock
Pynchon, Thomas
Quimby, Mayor (Simpsons character)
rabbits, in pop culture
“Radio Bart” (episode)
Ramones, as Simpsons guest voices
“Rappin’ Rabbis” (episode)
Reagan, Ronald
Reba
Reiner, Carl
Reiss, Mike: becomes showrunner as cocreator of The Critic as member of original Simpsons writing room offers job to Conan O’Brien and question of The Simpsons authorship recalled by others recalls 9/11 story about Seth McFarlane refers to The Simpsons apparent decline as showrunner works on The Simpsons Movie
religion
R.E.M., as Simpsons musical guest
Republican National Convention, 1992
Rhoda
Rich, Marc
Richards, Keith, as Simpsons musical guest
Richardson, David: biographical sketch recalls Al Jean and Mike Reiss as showrunners
Richdale, Jace, as member of original Simpsons writing room
Richter, Andy
Riding in Cars with Boys
Roberts, Brian: biographical sketch recalls Albert Brooks as Simpsons guest voices recalls animation issues recalls Butterfingers recalls early months of work on The Simpsons recalls enmity between Sam Simon and Matt Groening recalls George Meyer recalls initial studio viewing of first Simpsons episode recalls Jim Brooks contribution to The Simpsons in the early years recalls John Swartzwelder recalls Michael Jackson as Simpsons guest voice recalls people writing from real life recalls recording of theme song recalls response to first Simpsons episode aired recalls Sam Simon recalls work of David Silverman recalls writers’ inside gags view of Fox’s moving The Simpsons to Thursday night view of writers rooms
Rocky & Bullwinkle
Rocky III
Rogers, Mimi
Rolling Stone
Rolling Stones as Simpsons guest voices see also Jagger, Mick, as Simpsons musical guest
Roman, Phil: biographical sketch ousted from Film Roman recalls Gabor Csupo recalls Gracie Films desire to leave Klasky-Csupo recalls working with Gracie Films returns to Film Roman
Romano, Ray, as Simpsons guest voice
Room
Rose, Charlie
Roseanne: comparison with The Simpsons as one of few anomalies in dismal television comedy landscape
“Rosebud” (episode)
Rosenberg, Howard
Ross, Gary
Roswell, Maggie, hired for multiple Simpsons roles
Rothman, Tom
Rowling, J. K., as Simpsons guest voice
“Rozz Tox Manifesto” (Panter)
Rubicon Beach
Rushkoff, Douglas
Rusty Nails
Sabrina, the Teenage Witch
Sakai, Richard: and animation issues background and early production of The Simpsons and Life in Hell as model for Smithers nicknamed “Iago at Spago” recalled by others relationship with James L. Brooks role in pushing out Sam Simon
Samniock, Steve
Saturday Night Fever
Saturday Night Live
Saturday Review
Savage, Bill: biographical sketch view of Simpsons influence view of the creative nature
Saved by the Bell
Say Anything
Scientology
Scorpio, Hank (Simpsons character)
Scott, George C.
Scovell, Nell
Scully, Mike: decline of The Simpsons quality under as non-Ivy Leaguer as showrunner works on The Simpsons Movie
Seabiscuit
Second City, Chicago
“Secrets of a Successful Marriage” (episode)
“See Homer Run” (episode)
Seinfeld
Sellers, Peter
Selman, Matt
Semple, Maria
Serling, Rod
Sesame Street
Setzer, Brian, as Simpsons musical guest
Shales, Tom
Shearer, Harry: comments in 2004 about show and contract negotiations hired for multiple Simpsons roles joins The Simpsons cast and question of multiple takes recalled by Albert Brooks and role of secondary characters
Shores, Tyler
showrunners, for The Simpsons: characterization Jean alone since 2001 Jean and Reiss as line of succession Mirkin as Oakley and Weinstein as Scully as steps per episode to manage see also Simon, Sam
Sibs
Sideshow Bob (Simpsons character)
“Sideshow Bob Roberts” (episode)
Signor, Randy Michael
Silverman, David: as director of early episode directs The Simpsons Movie as early Simpsons animator and question of The Simpsons authorship
Simon, Sam: background biographical sketch circumstances gradually leading to end at Gracie Films contract negotiations with Gracie Films over share of merchandising and credit for The Simpsons departure from The Simpsons description and first Simpsons writers room and George Meyer’s Army Man interviewed on 60 Minutes issues over money in early years leadership of writing staff as poker player and question of The Simpsons authorship recalled by others relationship with James L. Brooks relationship with Matt Groening role in developing The Simpsons role in success of The Simpsons today view of Fox’s moving The Simpsons to Thursday night
Simpson, Bart (Simpsons character): black variation in bumper episodes on The Tracey Ullman Show characterization falls from zenith as lightning rod for criticism merchandise music videos Nancy Cartwright voice one of 100 most influential people of 20th century origin of name popularity in “Radio Bart” (episode) reaction of schools and educators to show becomes less about him after fourth season view of Emmys viewed by others writing stories about
Simpson, Don
Simpson, Homer (Simpsons character): in bumper episodes on The Tracey Ullman Show characterization Dan Castellaneta’s voice as factor in keeping show alive favorite beer focus moves toward in later episodes middle name origin of name popularity relationship with daughter Lisa show becomes more about him after fourth season suicide attempt viewed by others writing stories about
Simpson, Lisa (Simpsons character): in bumper episodes on The Tracey Ullman Show characterization father Homer’s relationship with origin of name as point of view of show popularity show becomes less about her after fourth season view of Emmys viewed by others writing stories about Yeardley Smith voice
Simpson, Maggie (Simpsons character): in bumper episodes on The Tracey Ullman Show and Elizabeth Taylor in later episodes origin of name popularity
Simpson, Marge (Simpsons character): in bumper episodes on The Tracey Ullman Show characterization as focus of The Simpsons Movie Julie Kavner’s voice origin of name popularity show becomes less about her after fourth season viewed by others writes letter to Barbara Bush writing stories about
Simpson Archive, The
Simpsons, The: awards and distinctions bumper episodes on The Tracey Ullman Show casting voices comparing to Beatles and Rolling Stones comparison with Married … with Children comparison with Roseanne comparison with the Waltons crossover episode with The Critic as cultural influence distrust of authority theme enmity between Matt Groening and Sam Simon episode production process establishing show’s look and feel first episodes Fox moves show to Thursday night opposite Cosby global audience for golden age guest stars and featured guests impact on Fox influence beyond television legal battles over earnings legendary writers room longevity issue merchandise parody of postage stamp public reaction question of authorship ratings relative production freedom from network notes rerunning episodes reviews and press coverage selling idea for half-hour show as spin-off of The Tracey Ullman Show staff diversity issue status of prime-time TV comedy at launch supporting cast theme song usefulness of having Simpson characters watch TV viewership views of decline of show words contributed to English vocabulary as “writer’s show”
Simpsons characters: Agnes Skinner Apu Barney Brad Goodman Carl Chief Wiggum Cletus Col. Hap Hapablap Disco Stu Dolph Dr. Hibbert Dr. Nick Frank Grimes Gil Grandpa Groundskeeper Willie Hank Scorpio Herman Jimbo Kang Kent Brockman Kodos Krusty the Clown Lindsey Naegle Lionel Hutz Martin Prince Maude Flanders Mayor Quimby Milhouse Miss Hoover Moe Mojo Mr. Burns Mrs. Krabappel Ned Flanders Patty Principal Skinner Russ Cargill Sideshow Bob Squeaky Voiced Teen Tab Spangler Terri Troy McClure Wayland Smithers see also Simpson, Bart (Simpsons character); Simpson, Homer (Simpsons character); Simpson, Lisa (Simpsons character); Simpson, Maggie (Simpsons character); Simpson, Marge (Simpsons character)
Simpsons Movie, The
“Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire” (episode)
Simpsons Sing the Blues, The (music album)
“Simptasia” (episode)
Sister, Sister
Six Feet Under
Skinner, Agnes (Simpsons character)
Skinner, Principal (Simpsons character)
Smashing Pumpkins, as Simpsons musical guest
Smith, Yeardley: and contract negotiations as voice of Lisa
Smithers, Waylon (Simpsons character)
Sonic Youth, as Simpsons musical guest
Sopranos, The
Sorkin, Aaron
South Park
Spangler, Tab (Simpsons character)
Spanglish
Spelling, Aaron
Spiegelman, Art: biographical sketch and Pantheon tries to talk Matt Groening out of working with Fox view of Life in Hell
Spielberg, Anne: biographical sketch and Gracie Films recalls creation of The Tracey Ullman show and The Tracey Ullman Show view of James L. Brooks
Spielberg, Steven
sports figures
Springfield, role in The Simpsons
Spurrier, Jeff
Spy magazine
Squeaky Voiced Teen (Simpsons character)
Stanley, John
Star Trek
Starz Media
Steamboat Willie
Steinem, Gloria
Step by Step
Stern, David
Stewart, Jon see also The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Stone, Matt: biographical sketch view of Simpsons influence
Strawberry, Darryl, as Simpsons guest voice
Streetcar Named Desire, A
“Streetcar Named Marge, A” (episode)
Streisand, Barbra, as Simpsons guest voice
Summa, Ann
supporting cast
surrender monkeys
Sutherland, Kiefer, as Simpsons guest voice
Swartzwelder, John: contributes to Army Man as elusive as member of original Simpsons writing room recalled by others as
The Simpsons premiere first draftsman in early years works on The Simpsons Movie
Tartikoff, Brandon
Taxi
Taylor, Elizabeth, as Simpsons guest voice
Taylor, James
Taylor, Russi, hired for multiple Simpsons roles
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Terms of Endearment
Terri (Simpsons character)
That Girl theme song
“There’s Something About Marrying” (episode) 3rd Rock from the Sun 30 Rock
“Three Men and a Comic Book” (episode)
Three’s Company
Tilly, Jennifer: biographical sketch as poker player recalls imaginary kid
Time magazine, best television series of all time
Tom and Jerry
Tonight Show, The
Tracey Ullman Show, The: bumper episodes of The Simpsons on how the Simpsons became involved interest of Barry Diller in leads to The Simpsons origins question of sharing earnings percentage response to show role of James L. Brooks role of Sam Simon seeking cartoon short
Trapper John
Trudeau, Garry
Turner, Chris: biographical sketch view of Apu view of Barney view of Krusty the Clown view of Ned Flanders view of pop-cultural resonance of The Simpsons view of The Simpsons decline
20th Century Fox, see Fox
24, The Simpsons parody
“22 Short Films About Springfield” episode
Twilight Zone, The
Two and a Half Men
Tyler, Steven: biographical sketch recalls Aerosmith as Simpsons musical guest
U2, as Simpsons musical guest
Ullman, Tracey: and earnings from Tracey Ullman Show and spin-offs origins of The Tracey Ullman Show as Simpsons guest voice see also The Tracey Ullman Show
university course, with Simpsons theme
unlicensed merchandise
up-fronts, defined
U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Vidal, Gore
Village Voice, The, published Life in Hell strip
Vitti, Jon: as member of original Simpsons writing room recalled by others recalls George Meyer works on The Simpsons Movie
voice talent: guest stars hiring recording rewarding supporting cast
Vowell, James: author of Groening’s original business plan biographical sketch as editor of LA Reader recalls Groening at LA Reader, recalls Life in Hell
