“The Simpsons” writers and Conan O’Brien reminisce in 2013

Has it really been 25 years since The Simpsons rejuvenated the idea of animated TV in primetime?

Well, yes and no. Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson first emerged as shorts on the fledgling FOX network during The Tracey Ullman Show in April 1987 — 26 years years ago. But only in December 1989 did the shorts break out and earn their own half-hour. The Simpsons was an immediate hit both on TV and in pop culture, with Bart Simpson T-shirts and merchandise flying off store shelves.

All of these years later, The Simpsons continues to entertain the masses with new episodes Sunday nights on FOX and every other night of the week in syndication and in fans homes on DVDs and online.

For his latest session of “Serious Jibber-Jabber,” Conan O’Brien — who worked as a writer in the early years of The Simpsons (after writing on Saturday Night Live and before getting launching his second career as a late-night talk-show host) — sits down for an 80-minute roundtable discussion with his former co-workers and The Simpsons scribes Al Jean, Mike Reiss, Jay Kogen, and Jeff Martin.

Set aside the time and enjoy the behind-the-scenes knowledge and stories.

Sean L. McCarthy

Editor and publisher since 2007, when he was named New York's Funniest Reporter. Former newspaper reporter at the New York Daily News, Boston Herald and smaller dailies and community papers across America. Loves comedy so much he founded this site.

View all posts by Sean L. McCarthy →