On December 17, 1989, the first episode of The Simpsons hit the airwaves with "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire."
After more than 400 episodes and a feature-length movie later, they are now today 20 years old.
In honor of the Simpsons' 20th birthday today, I thought I'd share some of my absolute favorite moments from America's favorite family. It is absolutely impossible for me to name my favorite episodes, so I've picked a handful and thrown in lots of videos after the jump. Please add your own favorites in the comments! I also encourage you to check out this previous Simpsons diary by our Daily Kos colleague droogie6655321.
"El Viaje de Nuestro Jomer (The Mysterious Voyage of Homer)" (1997)
This is the episode where Homer goes to the Springfield Chili Cook-off and eats the Merciless Pepper of Quetzalshacatenango, a Guatemalan insanity pepper.
"I hope I didn't brain my damage!"
"You must find your soulmate."
"The Springfield Files" (1997)
A parody of The X-Files when the sci-fi show was at the peak of its popularity, Homer spots an "alien" in the woods, but no one believes him. This great episode features Gillian Anderson, David Duchovny, and Leonard Nimoy.
"Oh, this makes me very angry!"
"It's a monster! Kill it!"
"Bart vs. Australia" (1995)
Bart makes a series of long-distance calls to the Southern Hemisphere, including a random house in Australia, but refuses to pay the phone bill. So, the Simpsons head Down Under for the trial.
"No sir! U.S. Marine Corps, sir!"
"I see you've played knifey-spooney before!"
"Homer the Great" (1995)
This is the episode where Homer joins the Stonecutters Guild, featuring Patrick Stewart.
"Who makes Steve Guttenberg a star? We do!"
"The Last Temptation of Homer" (1993)
This is the episode where Homer finds himself infatuated with another woman, Mindy Simmons (voiced by Michelle Pfeiffer).
"I've got this friend named....Joey Joe Joe Junior.....Shabbadoo?"
"Hey, we're out of these new love cookies."
"Well, open the 'stick with your wife' barrel."
"In Marge We Trust" (1997)
This is the episode where Marge becomes the Listen Lady at the Springfield Church. What follows in the next clip, however, has more to do with the episode's side plot: Mr. Sparkle!
"Get out of my way, all of you. This is no place for loafers. Join me or die. Can you do any less?"
"Bart's Friend Falls in Love" (1992)
This is a classic episode where Milhouse falls in love with a new girl at school. The following clip is probably the best explanation for sex education that I've ever seen.
"Fuzzy Bunny's Guide to You Know What"
"Treehouse of Horror V" (1994)
A great Halloween special episode that features Homer screwing up the space-time continuum by traveling back in time with a toaster; brilliantly makes fun of "The Shining"; and presents Twilight Zone-esque scenario where children at Springfield Elementary are locked up for detention and eaten by the faculty. This Halloween special also featured three mini-episodes where Groundskeeper Willie gets axed in the back.
"Donut? What's a donut?"
"All I need is a title. I was thinking along the lines of 'No TV and no beer make Homer something something.'"
"Go crazy?"
"Don't mind if I do!"
"This sandwich tastes so young and impudent."
"Simpsoncalifragilisticexpiala(Annoyed Grunt)cious" (1997)
This was a spoof of Mary Poppins, when the Simpsons hire the services of the nanny Shary Bobbins to help Marge around the house.
"I've been singing you songs all day. I'm not a bloody jukebox!"
"Homer's Phobia" (1997)
This is the episode where Homer befriends a gay man (John Waters), and then does everything possible to prevent Bart from becoming gay himself.
"Hot stuff coming through!"