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31 years and 684 episodes have never felt so short. Because when it comes to the ups and downs of life in Springfield, generations have been glued to the screens for possibly one of the few sitcoms, if not the only one, that doesn't spark opinionated arguments and is foolproof to watch during family dinners.

But apart from keeping the humor bar right up in the clouds since it aired in 1989, the Simpsons have also given us some very human lessons. So scroll down through the most wholesome moments that hit us harder than we’d like to admit, proving there’s a real heart beneath that yellow world.

And if you’re a real Simpsonado, don’t forget to check out our previous posts on 35 of the wittiest signs found in the show and 109 Simpsons jokes from later seasons, because I guess you don’t need reasoning for obvious things.

#3

A Father's Love

A Father's Love

For those who don't know the story behind this:
Before Maggie was born, Homer Simpson worked at the Nuclear Plant because he needed the money to pay for all the debt. Once Homer Simpson finally payed the debt he quit his job to work at his dream job at the bowling alley. When Homer Simpson found out that Marge was pregnant with Maggie, he became depressed that he had to quit his job at the bowling alley because the salary couldn't support them. When Homer Simpson begged Mr. Burns for his old life back, he put a plaque that reads "Don't Forget: You're Here Forever." When Maggie was born, Homer instantly fell in love with her. When Lisa asked Homer where did all Maggie's baby pictures went, Homer explains that he keeps it where he needs it the most


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Few shows have influenced an entire generation, culture and television combined, more than The Simpsons. The show has convinced people that animation can be for adults, and most importantly, that it can be profitable to run at prime time. Hence, the show is now the longest-running scripted prime time television series since it began airing on Fox Network back on December 17, 1989.

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The Simpsons’ long-lasting momentum was very well described by Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane: “As far as I'm concerned, they basically re-invented the wheel. They created what is in many ways—you could classify it as—a wholly new medium."

Bored Panda spoke to Aaron Demeter, The Simpsons connoisseur and the creator of the iconic Putting Challenge game, about the phenomenon of the longest-running primetime scripted series on TV.

Aaron explained that its success is partly due to “certain timelessness to the humor and writing of the early Simpsons seasons that I think has helped keep the show alive for so many people through so many different formats.”

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The show's massive reach at its peak made The Simpsons become an important piece of media for people who “first interacted with it when they were young and are now creating their own media, whether this is through memes, music, writing etc.”

Aaron believes that it’s through The Simpsons that an entire generation got inspired and informed on their own creativity.

#10

When Homer Temporarily Becomes Smart

When Homer Temporarily Becomes Smart

A crayon gets removed from Homer's brain and he becomes temporarily smart and can communicate with Lisa, he later gets it put back in, before that, he leaves Lisa a note.
Homer's note to Lisa: I'm taking the coward's way out. But before I do, I just wanted to say being smart made me appreciate just how amazing you really are.

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Your Mother
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This was my favorite episode, I have always loved how they capture sad moments and happy moments whilst being funny.

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#11

When Marge Responded To Barbara Bush's Criticism

When Marge Responded To Barbara Bush's Criticism

Barbara Bush once called The Simpsons "the dumbest thing I've ever seen" during an interview. She got a letter from "deeply hurt" Marge

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Pamela24
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3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love that the letter was written. But honestly, reading "Each of us living our lives to serve an exceptional man." rubs me the wrong way. I'm not a huge fan of Simpson's but I always considered Marge to be much more than a support for Homer.

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Among the most touching moments that stuck with Aaron are the "'Do it for her' moment that ends 'And Maggie Makes Three'” and “Lisa getting to play the Sax with Bleeding Gums Murphy one last time in 'Round Springfield.'”

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The first one is ”an incredibly heartwarming moment that really shows Homer’s love for his family and how much it helps him make it through his days at the power plant,” said Aaron.

The second one always gets Aaron because he played the saxophone when growing up. "I always tear up a little when Homer makes the decision to purchase a saxophone for Lisa instead of an air conditioner.”

#13

Making Friends

Making Friends

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Colin L
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's much easier to hate your preconceived image than the actual person.

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#14

Best Friends

Best Friends

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#15

Maggie's First Word

Maggie's First Word

Homer puts Maggie to bed and tells her he hopes she never says a word because once kids start talking they only argue. After he leaves she says 'daddy'

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The question remains whether The Simpsons has became an icon in its own accord and will generate the same effect to younger audiences that are no longer in time with pop culture references.

But British cultural historian Christopher Cook is convinced the yellow world is not leaving our hearts anytime soon. “There’ll be PhDs and ‘guides’ galore to help people through The Simpsons. The future generations will want to unravel the programmes and understand their referencing,” he told the BBC.

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#16

When Bart Writes A Song For Lisa

When Bart Writes A Song For Lisa

Bart writes a song for Lisa for her birthday to make up for always forgetting about it


Lisa, it's your birthday.
God bless you this day.
You gave me the gift of a little sister,
And I'm proud of you today.
Lisa, it's your birthday.
Happy birthday, Lisa.
Lisa, it's your birthday.
Happy birthday, Lisa.

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#17

Can't Stop The Tears

Can't Stop The Tears

You know, I always felt you were the best thing my name ever got attached to... I just want you to know I've always been proud of you. You're my greatest accomplishment and you did it all yourself. You helped me understand my own wife better and taught me to be a better person.

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Flannery Andrus-Lundy
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The perfect representation of the relationship between Lisa and Homer. On the surface, it's just a dumb dad and a smart kid, this speech shows the truth: they love each other deeply and bring out the best in one another.

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#18

Bart Owns A Bike Shop And Pulls Down The Shutters With Paintings Of Lisa That He Painted

Bart Owns A Bike Shop And Pulls Down The Shutters With Paintings Of Lisa That He Painted

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#19

Lisa The Iconoclast

Lisa The Iconoclast

Lisa writes an essay on founder Jebediah Springfield for the town's bicentennial. While doing research, she learns he was a murderous pirate who viewed the town's citizens with contempt. When no one in the town believes Lisa, Homer says he does, he tells Lisa 'You’re always right about this type of thing, and for once, I want in on the ground floor'

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#20

Bart The Mother Episode

Bart The Mother Episode

Bart hatches a pair of lizards. Skinner says the lizards must be killed by law. Marge tries to convince Bart to turn them over and Bart says, 'Everyone thinks they're monsters, but I raised them, and I love them! I know that's hard to understand' and begins to cry. That's how Marge feels about Bart on the inside, so she lets him escape with the lizards




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#21

Mother Simpson

Mother Simpson

Homer sitting on his car hood watching the stars after Mona leaves and they just play that heartbreaking song over the credits. This scene has been described as one of the most emotional in the show's entirety

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#23

Homer Still Appreciating Marge, Even Though She Doesn't Remember Him

Homer Still Appreciating Marge, Even Though She Doesn't Remember Him

Homer and Marge separate because she has amnesia. Marge goes to a speed dating event, and she meets a man who shares her interests. When Marge tells him that she has amnesia and three kids, he immediately leaves. Homer scolds the man for leaving her, saying that she is the most beautiful woman he will ever meet. Marge tells Homer that even though she may not remember him, he knows the most wonderful things about her.

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#24

When Homer Went Bald Again

When Homer Went Bald Again

Homer uses the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant's medical insurance plan to buy Dimoxinil, a miracle hair growth formula. After applying the drug, Homer wakes up the next day with a full head of hair. He loses the hair again later in the episode. Homer tells Marge he is afraid she will love him less now that he is bald again. Marge holds him in her arms and they sing "You Are So Beautiful" together.

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YoyoSthlm
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My man is bald and sometimes it makes me so sad that society thinks that so not sexy. To me he's the sexiest man in the world!

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#25

You Are Lisa Simpson

You Are Lisa Simpson

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Alexis D.
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a copy of that last screenshot as inspiration, just in case I need it, too :-)

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#26

Making His Son Proud

Making His Son Proud

Homer couldn't build a functional robot and didn't want to disappoint Bart so he disguised himself as one and took beatings in Robot Wars. 

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Id row
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"B-R-L-F-Q spells mom and dad. Well that ain't too bad, 'cause that's my boy"

#27

Homer Dad's Good Intentions

Homer Dad's Good Intentions

Abe sent away Bongo, Homer's childhood dog, away to a farm in attempt to save him from Mr. Burns. Homer didn't understand and was furious at Abe, especially well into adulthood. Homer thought that Bongo would forget about him until Abe showed him a photo from years later of. Homer was happy to see that Bongo was sleeping on his old sweatshirt and that he hadn't forgotten Homer.

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#28

A Totally Fun Thing That Bart Will Never Do Again

A Totally Fun Thing That Bart Will Never Do Again

The scene where Bart is older and laying in bed, with photos of cherished memories around him 

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#29

Seeing Mr. Burns Weep Over The Loss Of His Beloved Bobo

Seeing Mr. Burns Weep Over The Loss Of His Beloved Bobo

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Colin L
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mr Burns's bear, which proves his humanity appropriately 120 years ago.

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