In a recent appearance on the talk show “David Letterman,” Matt Groening, the creator of the beloved animated series “The Simpsons,” opened up about the origins of the show and its immense success. The conversation took a lively turn as Groening discussed his relationship with the network, the celebrity guest stars on the show, the animation process, and even the merchandising tie-ins.
The interview began with Letterman jokingly thanking Groening for returning to the show, stating that if he had known “The Simpsons” would become such a phenomenon, he would have been much nicer to him. Groening then revealed that the show started as a little comic strip and made its debut on the Tracy Ullman Show. The short sketches featuring the iconic family became so popular that they eventually became their own show.
Groening went on to explain that the success of “The Simpsons” on the Tracy Ullman Show led to Fox taking the risk of airing a prime-time cartoon. He expressed his satisfaction with Fox and humorously discussed his relationship with the network’s executives.
The conversation then turned to the celebrity guest stars who have lent their voices to the show. Groening playfully teased that some stars want to remain anonymous, comparing it to if a guest on Letterman’s show wore a paper bag over their head. Although he didn’t disclose all the guest stars, he mentioned Harvey Fierstein, Danny DeVito, and Dustin Hoffman.
Addressing an intriguing aspect of the production, Groening explained that the animation for “The Simpsons” is done in South Korea. He mentioned that the creative decisions and writing take place in Los Angeles, while the labor-intensive ink and paint process is handled overseas due to cost-efficiency. Groening acknowledged that American animators may have mixed feelings about this arrangement but pointed out that it’s a common practice in the industry.
The writer-creator humorously shared an incident where American animators added inappropriate content to an episode, causing a particular scene to be removed from the show. Groening emphasized the importance of maintaining the show’s family-friendly tone.
As the interview wrapped up, Groening briefly touched on the show’s popularity and its rivalry with “The Cosby Show.” He also discussed the merchandising tie-ins, mentioning that he was about to unveil a new Simpsons pinball machine at a convention in New Orleans.
Groening’s appearance on “David Letterman” provided an insightful and entertaining look into the history and behind-the-scenes workings of “The Simpsons.” With his witty remarks and anecdotes, Groening highlighted the show’s success, the famous voices that have contributed to its charm, and the intricate process of bringing the animation to life.
Overall, the interview served as a reminder of how “The Simpsons” has become an iconic part of television history, captivating audiences for over three decades with its humor, relatable characters, and satirical take on American culture.
