

'The Simpsons' Draft: Best Episodes, Characters, and More
Jun 17, 2025
Join Alan Siegel, a Ringer senior staff writer and author of a book on 'The Simpsons,' along with Mina Kimes and Charles Holmes, as they dive into the beloved animated series. They share personal stories of their first encounters with the show and engage in a lively draft of favorite episodes and characters. The trio explores the show's cultural relevance, character evolution, and unforgettable cameos, all while reflecting on how its humor and storytelling have resonated across generations.
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Early Simpsons Viewing Stories
- Alan Siegel and Sean Fennessey share similar childhood stories of parents initially forbidding them from watching The Simpsons.
- Charles Holmes recounts a summer camp moment where bullies mocked him for not watching the show, motivating him to catch up.
Bart vs. Homer and Lisa
- The Simpsons was subversive in its early days with Bart as a rebellious figure speaking words parents frowned upon.
- Over time, the show shifted focus from Bart to Homer and Lisa as central meaningful characters.
Cape Fear Parody Impact
- The episode 'Cape Fear' is a sustained parody of the Robert Mitchum and Robert De Niro film featuring Sideshow Bob.
- Alan Siegel shares how this parody introduced him to films he had never seen, highlighting its narrative and comedic brilliance.