December 16, 2019

Tomorrow, December 17, marks 30 years since the animated situation comedy “The Simpsons” began its first season in 1989. The popular show is the longest-running series in television history. The series follows the comic adventures of the Simpsons, a blue-collar American family, and the many other colorful characters who live in the fictitious town of Springfield. The series began with a Christmas special, “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire,” which was followed by 12 episodes that ran from January through May 1990. “The Simpsons” is known for its satire of popular culture and American society. The series and its contributors have won dozens of Emmy Awards.

The first episode of the first season of “The Simpsons” aired 30 years ago on Dec. 17, 1989. Credit: © Fox

The Simpson family—which never ages—consists of the dim-witted father, Homer (voice by Dan Castellaneta), who works in the town’s nuclear power plant; the devoted mother and housewife, Marge (voice by Julie Kavner); the mischievous 10-year-old, Bart (voice by Nancy Cartwright); the bright 8-year-old, Lisa (voice by Yeardley Smith); and the pacifier-sucking baby, Maggie. The series also frequently features celebrity guest voices and characters. Numerous talented writers have worked for the show over the years, including Al Jean, David Mirkin, Mike Reiss, and the television personality Conan O’Brien.

“The Simpsons” was created by the American cartoonist Matt Groening, who developed the series with the creative director Sam Simon and the producer James L. Brooks. The show began as a series of animated segments that were shown on the American television variety series “The Tracey Ullman Show” beginning in 1987. In 2007, The Simpsons Movie, an animated feature-length motion picture based on the series, was released.

August 7, 2015

Thursday, August 6, marked the last time Jon Stewart appeared on cable television network Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” where he had wielded comedy and satire as weapons for skewering politicians and media figures for 16 years. Stewart took over “The Daily Show” from its former host, Craig Kilborn, in 1999. Under Stewart’s tenure, the show became a surprisingly well-trusted source of news and commentary. Despite Stewart’s tendency toward silliness and vulgarity, many journalists admired his ability to effectively explain complex news events. Stewart often expressed genuine anger at perceived injustices and dishonesty, which many viewers found an appealing change of pace from bland news reports and political performances.

Jon Stewart hosted his final “Daily Show” on Comedy Central on Aug. 6, 2015, after 16 years. © Getty Images

News reporters and politicians were typically the targets of Stewart’s attacks. A liberal, Stewart directed much of his mockery to Republican politicians and the conservative Fox News network. But he also attacked less partisan figures and institutions. The banking and health care industries were frequent targets of Stewart’s criticism, and he often accused more liberal news networks of timidly shirking their journalistic responsibilities.

Stewart also used his show as a platform for activism. For example, analysts have credited “The Daily Show” for pressuring Congress to pass a 2010 bill providing federally funded health care for firefighters, police officers, and other first responders who worked during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. However, Stewart himself often acknowledged that his show failed to influence events, and occasionally mocked those who he thought overstated his influence.

Stewart’s tenure on “The Daily Show” was also notable for its colorful cast of correspondents. They included such comedians as Stephen Colbert, Larry Wilmore, and John Oliver—all of whom went on to host their own satirical news shows.

On the final episode, Stewart gave a characteristically vulgarity-laced monologue, urging his audience to resist society’s peddlers of phoniness. Stewart then received farewells—often sarcastic ones—by a crowd of his friends and, in some cases, his rivals, including Fox News personality Bill O’Reilly and Republican Congressman John McCain. Stephen Colbert veered away from his Lord of the Rings-themed scripted remarks to gave a heartfelt send-off, thanking Stewart for setting an inspiring example. The South African comedian Trevor Noah will take over as host of “The Daily Show,” on September 28.

Other World Book articles:

• Television (2010) – A Back in Time article
• Motion Pictures (2014) – A Back in Time article

August 12, 2014

The unexpected death on August 11 of comedian-actor Robin Williams left millions of people with an almost personal sense of loss. For more than three decades, Williams had dazzled audiences with his quick wit and high-energy “what will he say next” improvisational style and eccentric but endearing personality. The shock of Williams’s death was intensified by the news that he probably committed suicide after suffering for years from depression as well as alcoholism and cocaine addiction.

Williams was born in Chicago on July 21, 1951. He began his show business career as a stand-up comedian in San Francisco and Los Angeles nightclubs and became a national favorite on television starting in the late 1970’s. Williams’s big break came in 1978 when he made a guest appearance on the hit television series “Happy Days” as a space alien named Mork. The success of the character led to a starring role in the popular TV comedy series “Mork and Mindy” (1978-1982).

Actor and comedian Robin Williams was known for his skill at improvising and his frantic comic style. (AP/Wide World)

Williams became a major motion-picture star in the 1980’s. In his first major role, Williams played the famous cartoon character in Popeye (1980). He won international respect as an actor in such movies as The World According to Garp (1982), Good Morning Vietnam (1987), Dead Poets Society (1989), the animated feature Aladdin (1992)—as a high-spirited genie—and Mrs. Doubtfire (1993). He won the Academy Award for best supporting actor his performance as a psychotherapist in the drama Good Will Hunting (1997).

Williams was active in charity work. Starting in the 1980’s, he joined with comedians Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg to offer “Comic Relief” fundraising events to benefit the homeless.