Who doesn't love The Simpsons? I'm not sure I personally know anyone like that, especially after thirty seasons. And if they are, well, they haven't made themselves known. As someone with two The Simpsons based tattoos, I know them like the back of my hand, and they're often part of my anxious tv watching, as I've been watching since I was a little kid. They're something I know, they're kind of predictable, especially when you're watching old re-runs over and over again, and they're not very stressful, usually. That's why I picked up this book to read next.

Inside this book is basically essays dissecting almost all of the main characters, certain episodes, comparing things to real life, and also just really talking about the show in general. How it all came together, why it continues to be successful after more than thirty seasons, and really why it has such a cult following. You really get to know everything inside and out as the author knows it, and you learn a lot. And that's why I liked this book. Though it kind of reads like a textbook at times, I really feel like I got to know the show a little better after reading this, and that wasn't something that I thought was possible.

If you're like me, you know the episodes very well. What I don't know, however, is the people behind the show, and a lot of the old references to life events, as I'm not close to being 31 years old, like the show is. The show had already had almost ten seasons by the time I came along, so there's a lot I missed just because I wasn't around yet. What I found most interesting about this book was how the show connects people around the world without even knowing it. Also that Sam Simon basically is just a name on the title screen. Who knew?

Overall, if you're looking for a deep dive on one of your favourite shows, than this is the book for you. A pretty easy read, I was able to sink right into it, and I think you would be able to, too. I'm trying to get back into reading more non-fiction books, and this was a great start to that goal.

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As a Simpsons nerd, this book was super interesting however, it was a little strange to have someone write an overall companion guide/history for someone who didn't watch the show in it's native language initially. I would think opinions would be altered due to translations (this happens to em sometimes when I watch a show in translation first then watch it in my main language).

The history was interesting; maybe could have done without using the phrase yellow fever at one point even though it was meant as something else.

The Simpsons have been on TV for most of my life with original episodes, so they definitely have an impact on the culture of our society. The author took an in-depth look at how the times influence and have been influenced by this powerhouse of a show.

Moritz Fink's "The Simpsons: A Cultural History" brilliantly captures the background and impact of the hilariously dysfunctional, quintessential American cartoon family that became a tremendous force in pop culture. In "The Simpsons", Fink explores the Simpsons' comedic lineage in a way that makes readers understand how much the familial, cultural, and comedic histories of Simpson's creator, Matt Groening, and other show-runners, like Sam Simon and James L. Brooks, laid much of the foundation for what the show would be. Fink also does a excellent job at discussing what the members of the Simpson family have represented for different social groups, generations (Gen X and Baby Boomers) and, in some cases, political affiliations.

A highly recommended read for anyone who grew up on The Simpsons. This isn't a SImpsons Wiki bio or the stuff you already know, this is a carefully researched, well-written, fun, and at times, nostalgic look at one of the most groundbreaking TV shows in our history. Even the most seasoned, know-it-all Simpsons fan will find something new or interesting about this book.

An interesting look at the phenomenon that is the Simpsons. I was particularly interested because the Simpsons is as old as I am, but I didn't really connect with this.

Just like there are endless episodes of The Simpsons, there are endless books on the show. With his book Fink does a good job of balancing between the casual fan and the hardcore fan. He doesn't fall in the trap of just rehashing episodes, he spends time focusing on the show's influences and the impact it has had.

As a loyal Simpsons fan who has read many books on the show, this is one of the better ones. He presents the common criticisms of the show without it coming off too bitter.