The Simpsons has aired 36 full seasons as of 2025, with a 37th season currently in production. This guide breaks down every season, its era, and how to watch the show in order.
Background: How The Simpsons Seasons Work
The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening. It premiered as a series of shorts on The Tracey Ullman Show in 1987, then spun off into its own half-hour show on Fox on December 17, 1989. Each season typically contains 22 episodes, though some early seasons had fewer (Season 1 had 13, Season 2 had 22) and some later ones had more (Season 30 had 23, Season 31 had 22). The show is produced in a traditional animation style, with each episode taking about six to eight months to complete. Seasons are numbered by broadcast order, not production order, which means a few episodes may air out of sequence. The show is currently renewed through Season 36, and Season 37 is confirmed for the 2025–26 broadcast year.
The Classic Era (Seasons 1–8)
Most fans and critics agree that the first eight seasons are the show’s golden age. The humor was sharper, the characters were more grounded, and the satire was more biting. Season 1 is more of a prototype—the animation is rougher and the characters’ voices are slightly different—but it sets up the family dynamic. Season 2 introduces many classic episodes like “Bart Gets an F” and “Homer vs. Lisa and the 8th Commandment.” Seasons 3 through 8 are often considered the peak, with episodes like “Homer at the Bat” (Season 3), “Last Exit to Springfield” (Season 4), “Cape Feare” (Season 5), “Homer’s Enemy” (Season 8), and the beloved “You Only Move Twice” (Season 8). During this era, the show won four consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program (1990–1993).
The Middle Era (Seasons 9–15)
Season 9 (1997–98) is a transition point. Many fans mark Season 9 as the beginning of the decline, though it still contains classics like “The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson” and “Trash of the Titans.” Seasons 10 through 15 are often called the “middle era” or “post-classic era.” The humor became more absurd, and the plots relied more on celebrity cameos and pop culture references. Some standout episodes include “Homer to the Max” (Season 10), “Behind the Laughter” (Season 11), and “The Blunder Years” (Season 13). The show also introduced a few recurring characters during this time, like Frank Grimes (who first appeared in Season 8) and later, the character of Gil Gunderson (first seen in Season 9). By Season 12, the show had surpassed The Flintstones as the longest-running prime-time animated series.
The Modern Era (Seasons 16–Present)
From Season 16 onward, the show has continued but with a noticeably different tone. The satire is less sharp, and the family is often portrayed as more loving and less dysfunctional. Seasons 16–20 are sometimes called the “teen era” because the show was trying to stay relevant to a younger audience. Season 21 (2010) was the first season to air in high definition. Season 25 (2013) included the episode “The War of Art,” which was partially animated by a guest artist. Season 30 (2018) had a notable episode “Flanders’ Ladder” that explored the afterlife. In recent seasons, the show has tackled modern issues like social media, streaming, and even the COVID-19 pandemic (Season 32’s “The Star of the Backstage”). The show also made history in 2021 when it was renewed for Seasons 33 and 34, making it the longest-running American sitcom and the longest-running American animated series.
How to Choose Which Seasons to Watch
If you’re new to the show, the best starting point is Season 1 or Season 2, but many fans recommend starting with Season 3 because the animation and writing are more consistent. If you want to watch only the best episodes, there are several “best of” lists online, but a common consensus is that Seasons 3–8 are the most essential. For a quick taste, you can watch any episode from those seasons without needing much context. If you prefer a more modern feel, start with Season 21 or later, but be aware that the show has changed a lot. If you want to watch the entire series in order, you can buy the DVD box sets (Seasons 1–20 are available on DVD; Seasons 21 and later are not on DVD in many regions) or stream them on Disney+ (in most countries, all 36 seasons are available).
Common Problems: Continuity and Canon
One common question is whether The Simpsons has a continuous timeline. The show famously resets at the end of each episode—characters never age, and major events are often ignored. For example, in Season 6’s “Who Shot Mr. Burns? (Part One),” the family dog Santa’s Little Helper is replaced, but the next episode shows the original dog again. Another example is the episode “The Principal and the Pauper” (Season 9), which reveals that Principal Skinner is actually an impostor named Armin Tamzarian, but the next episode treats him as the real Skinner again. The show also has a floating timeline: in early seasons, Bart was 10, but in later seasons he is still 10, even though the show has been on for over 30 years. This is a deliberate creative choice, and the showrunners have said they don’t worry about continuity.
Comparisons: The Simpsons vs. Other Animated Shows
The Simpsons is often compared to other adult animated sitcoms like Family Guy, South Park, and Rick and Morty. The Simpsons is more grounded in reality and focuses on family satire, while Family Guy uses cutaway gags and more absurd humor. South Park is more topical and often uses current events, while The Simpsons tends to use more timeless themes. Rick and Morty is more sci-fi and serialized, while The Simpsons is mostly episodic. In terms of longevity, The Simpsons is the longest-running of all of them, and it has influenced many later shows. It also has a unique style of humor that blends slapstick, wordplay, and social commentary.
Costs and How to Watch
Watching The Simpsons is relatively inexpensive. If you want to stream, Disney+ is the primary home for all seasons in most countries, and a subscription costs around $8–$14 per month depending on the plan. In the US, you can also watch episodes on Fox on Sunday nights, or on Hulu (which is also owned by Disney). If you prefer physical media, the DVD box sets for Seasons 1–20 are available, and they often include commentary tracks and deleted scenes. The complete series box set (Seasons 1–20) was released in 2012 and is out of print, but you can find used copies. There is no official Blu-ray release for all seasons; only Seasons 13–20 have been released on Blu-ray in some regions. Renting or buying digital episodes on Amazon or iTunes costs about $2–$3 per episode or $20–$30 per season.
Safety and Age Appropriateness
The Simpsons is rated TV-PG in the US, which means it may not be suitable for young children. It contains mild language, suggestive humor, and some cartoon violence. For example, characters often strangle each other (Homer strangles Bart), and there are occasional references to alcohol and drugs. However, the show is generally considered appropriate for teens and adults. Parental guidance is suggested for children under 10. There have been a few episodes that were more controversial, like “The Cartridge Family” (Season 9) which deals with gun control, and “The Boy Who Knew Too Much” (Season 5) which involves a trial. The show also occasionally features mild sexual innuendo, but it is never explicit.
Alternatives to Watching All Seasons
If you don’t want to watch every episode, you can watch the feature film The Simpsons Movie (2007), which is a standalone story that fits within the show’s continuity but doesn’t require knowledge of any specific season. There are also several “best of” compilations on Disney+, like “The Simpsons: The Best of” which curates episodes by theme. Another alternative is to watch the short films that aired on The Tracey Ullman Show—they are included as bonus features on the Season 1 DVD. If you’re interested in the show’s history, you can watch the documentary The Simpsons: A Look Behind the Laughter (which is actually a mockumentary episode from Season 11) or read the book The Simpsons: An Uncensored, Unauthorized History by John Ortved (though that is not an official source).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many seasons of The Simpsons are there?
As of 2025, there are 36 full seasons, with a 37th season announced. The show has aired over 770 episodes.
What is the best season of The Simpsons?
Most fans and critics agree that Season 4 is the best, followed closely by Seasons 3, 5, and 6. Season 4 includes classics like “Homer the Heretic,” “Marge vs. the Monorail,” and “Mr. Plow.”
Do I need to watch The Simpsons in order?
No, the show is mostly episodic, so you can watch any episode without prior knowledge. However, there are a few two-parters like “Who Shot Mr. Burns?” (Seasons 6–7) and “The Simpsons Spin-Off Showcase” (Season 8) that are best watched together.
Is The Simpsons still good?
Opinions vary. Many fans feel the show declined after Season 8, but it still has its moments. Some later episodes have been praised, like “Holidays of Future Passed” (Season 23) and “A Serious Flanders” (Season 32). It’s best to watch a few episodes from different eras and decide for yourself.
Where can I watch The Simpsons for free?
In the US, you can watch free episodes on the Fox website or app, but only the most recent five episodes are available. On the streaming service Pluto TV, there is a 24/7 Simpsons channel that airs episodes for free (ad-supported).
Why did The Simpsons change its animation style?
The show has updated its animation over time, going from hand-drawn cel animation to digital ink-and-paint in Season 14 (2002). This made the show cheaper and faster to produce, but it also gave it a cleaner look. The characters’ designs have also been slightly updated, but they remain recognizable.
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