I can't believe how bad The Simpsons is now

I genuinely haven't watched it since season 15/16 or so, i'm genuinely shocked to hear it's still going. I mean do people actually watch it? they obviously must do but it's just very surprising to me.

I like to view Golden Era and modern era simpsons as two different shows. It's disappointing how it turned out but it doesn't take away from the highlights at all.

Still have so many fantastic episodes in that period and I don't think anything can taint that.

Also reminds me that it's been so long that I could probably do a run through of those seasons very soon!

I happened to watch the Treehouse of Horror episode on Sunday. There was a sight gag of a self-cannibalized Homer answering the door that struck me in the right way and got a good laugh out of me. That was it for the episode, though.

Oh yeah, the golden era episodes are fantastic and always will be. But it's pretty nuts how bad the recent episodes are, because they super unfunny.

A while back, I fell asleep watching Bob's Burgers on Hulu, and the autoplay list ran dry so I got a random recent Simpsons episode.

It was so bad I woke up cringing. I had to get up and turn off my TV so I could sleep. Just absolute drivel.

Ive never really found the Simpsons to be all that funny, but I thought it was an amusing show with endearing characters. Futurama is better in every way.

It's a fucking travesty, and I'm talking about 15+ seasons ago - not now. I haven't watched a new episode on purpose for a decade.

Normally I would just move along, but this still pisses me off because it really used to be the greatest (animated) television show of all time.

I'm not joking when I say that I would rather watch Family Guy these days. How the mighty have fallen.

The fuck are you talking about now? It's been bad for fifteen years. There are kids who have grown up and have no clue of the quality of those first ten or so seasons.

I loved The Simpsons when it was good. I don't watch anything past season 10. I hear there are a handful of good episodes after 10? If there are any worth watching, please lmk.

Yes, the Simpsons have come a long way since an old drunk made humans out of his rabbit characters to pay off his gambling debts. Who knows what adventures they'll have between now and the time the show becomes unprofitable?

By Alcotholic Go To PostIve never really found the Simpsons to be all that funny, but I thought it was an amusing show with endearing characters. Futurama is better in every way.

What should have happened is the torch being passed. End the Simpsons then go full blast into Futurama when Season 2 hit.

By GQman2121 Go To PostThe fuck are you talking about now? It's been bad for fifteen years. There are kids who have grown up and have no clue of the quality of those first ten or so seasons.

Yeah, that's what I mean though. It's been bad for a years now, but at least a bit watchable. But it's flat out terrible now.

By Deadbeat Go To PostYes, the Simpsons have come a long way since an old drunk made humans out of his rabbit characters to pay off his gambling debts. Who knows what adventures they'll have between now and the time the show becomes unprofitable?
What should have happened is the torch being passed. End the Simpsons then go full blast into Futurama when Season 2 hit.

Yeah, it seemed like Futurama took all the good Simpsons writers? The quality dipped after Futurama premiered.

REMEMBER THE TIME HE ATE MY GOLDFISH, AND THEN YOU LIED AND SAID I NEVER HAD ANY GOLDFISH? WHY DID I HAVE THE BOWL, BART? WHY DID I HAVE THE BOWL?

Yup, the simpsons maaan. That used to be a good show

I think it was good until around 1997.

I mean, like all things that run on forever.... but boy did it change the ability for cartoons to get prime time.

Well the main problem is that they became what they were doing a satire of. (And all the main writers quit during the years...)

FACT: The Simpsons has been in a downward spiral of quality since the Classic era of immaculate comedic consistency when Mike Scully took over as showrunner in Season 9.

FACT: There are still good episodes of the show being produced. They're just few and far between... and, even when they're decent, there's still a gulf between them and the memorable classic episodes from the 1990s.

So, yes... there's a lot of terrible. I've subjected myself to every episode... and some are outright atrocious. But there are still hidden gems. I can recommend some if there's interest... BUT I suspect this will just be another "let's bash the show outright and pretend it hasn't had a good episode this millennium" thread. And that's fine, too.

Personally, I'm just thrilled the show remains a constant presence on television in large part BECAUSE the subpar modern episodes actually do serve as a gateway to reach new fans and, subsequently, prompt them to seek out great episodes like Last Exit to Springfield, Marge vs. the Monorail and Lisa's Substitute.

They pretty much had a full staff refresh around the start of season 8 or 9 (I think?).
It gradually started to roll downhill from there, I can't even stomach the animation these days - let alone the stiffly delivered jokes and half-assed character writing.

It's sad some younger people may not even realise the show used to be funny, and would probably never give the first 8 seasons a chance.

By UberTag Go To PostSo, yes… there's a lot of terrible. I've subjected myself to every episode… and some are outright atrocious. But there are still hidden gems. I can recommend some if there's interest… BUT I suspect this will just be another "let's bash the show outright and pretend it hasn't had a good episode this millennium" thread. And that's fine, too.

Share plz.

By Joe Shlabotnik Go To PostI happened to watch the Treehouse of Horror episode on Sunday. There was a sight gag of a self-cannibalized Homer answering the door that struck me in the right way and got a good laugh out of me. That was it for the episode, though.

Treehouse of horror is usually pretty good each year, I got a few laughs that episode

By UberTag Go To PostFACT: The Simpsons has been in a downward spiral of quality since the Classic era of immaculate comedic consistency when Mike Scully took over as showrunner in Season 9.

FACT: There are still good episodes of the show being produced. They're just few and far between… and, even when they're decent, there's still a gulf between them and the memorable classic episodes from the 1990s.

So, yes… there's a lot of terrible. I've subjected myself to every episode… and some are outright atrocious. But there are still hidden gems. I can recommend some if there's interest… BUT I suspect this will just be another "let's bash the show outright and pretend it hasn't had a good episode this millennium" thread. And that's fine, too.

Personally, I'm just thrilled the show remains a constant presence on television in large part BECAUSE the subpar modern episodes actually do serve as a gateway to reach new fans and, subsequently, prompt them to seek out great episodes like Last Exit to Springfield, Marge vs. the Monorail and Lisa's Substitute.

Are you gonna revive your Season 29 thread here? Always appreciated reading through your season recaps to find the good episodes in each new season.

By UberTag Go To PostFACT: The Simpsons has been in a downward spiral of quality since the Classic era of immaculate comedic consistency when Mike Scully took over as showrunner in Season 9.

FACT: There are still good episodes of the show being produced. They're just few and far between… and, even when they're decent, there's still a gulf between them and the memorable classic episodes from the 1990s.

So, yes… there's a lot of terrible. I've subjected myself to every episode… and some are outright atrocious. But there are still hidden gems. I can recommend some if there's interest… BUT I suspect this will just be another "let's bash the show outright and pretend it hasn't had a good episode this millennium" thread. And that's fine, too.

Personally, I'm just thrilled the show remains a constant presence on television in large part BECAUSE the subpar modern episodes actually do serve as a gateway to reach new fans and, subsequently, prompt them to seek out great episodes like Last Exit to Springfield, Marge vs. the Monorail and Lisa's Substitute.

Would be keen to watch a few good eps tbh.

By Deadbeat Go To PostWhat should have happened is the torch being passed. End the Simpsons then go full blast into Futurama when Season 2 hit.

I never considered that. That would have made sense to do. Hell, they gave Futurama a nice series finale. They couldn’t end the simpsons?

Stopped watching it ages ago

It seems that they DID touch every topic available and it got stale.

Biggest thing I dislike about Modern Simpsons is how quiet it is. I feel like I never hear any musical cues or background noise in any of the new episodes I've seen and it's a shame. I know they recently fired the long time composer they used for the show, so I imagine that problem is only going to get worse.

This scene is a perfect example of the kind of musical cue that I miss from the 90's era.

I know what you mean.

Like I knew it had been bad forever. But I wasn't aware JUST how bad it's gotten.

Like... The cheap animation. How.. slow? it is I guess. It's just fucking weird to watch. It's a whole different kind of bad than it even was in the mid 2000s

By SchuckyDucky Go To PostAre you gonna revive your Season 29 thread here? Always appreciated reading through your season recaps to find the good episodes in each new season.

Going to be bringing the S29 OT thread back before the next new episode airs on the 5th (probably that weekend). Not sure whether I'll be reviving it here or on ResetEra just yet... I may just run one in both communities simultaneously.

Caught a recent-ish episode a few weeks ago. It was startlingly unfunny. Not even a damn smile from me.

By giririsss Go To PostWould be keen to watch a few good eps tbh.

I'll give you a timely recommendation to get you started...

Season 27, Episode 4
Halloween of Horror

A.V. Club Review - https://tv.avclub.com/it-s-a-scary-outstanding-simpsons-halloween-episode-no-1798185533

An impeccably directed, character-driven story about children’s fears and grown-up responsibility, the episode, credited to writer Carolyn Omine, is one of the most assured, human, and outright best Simpsons episodes in years.

In a world where I routinely have to find new ways to express disappointment about where The Simpsons is now, it’s a joy to conclude with this— “Halloween Of Horror” can stand alongside the best of them.

"Holidays of Future Passed" should've been the series finale, dammit.

By Altazor12 Go To Post"Holidays of Future Passed" should've been the series finale, dammit.

I wholeheartedly agree. They're not going to be able to top it.

Apparently they did a sequel to that one? And it was horrible? I haven't seen it yet and I don't think I want to.

By Altazor12 Go To PostApparently they did a sequel to that one? And it was horrible? I haven't seen it yet and I don't think I want to.

It's not just horrible... it's one of the worst episodes in the entire 622-episode run of the series. I wish there was a way that I could UNWATCH Days of Future Future and strike it from my memory. It's THAT bad... which makes it doubly baffling that the head writer was J. Stewart Burns in both circumstances.

The thing about Burns is that he's easily the top active writer for the show... WHEN he's motivated. Episodes like Eternal Moonshine of the Simpson Mind and Steal This Episode also come from him and they're both in my Top 10 post-Classic era episodes list along with Holidays. He's also the man behind several classic Futurama episodes like the Emmy-award winning Roswell That Ends Well where Fry knocked up his own grandma after travelling back in time.

But when he's phoning it in and letting the episode get effectively run by committee... oh, it's so not pretty. I'm actually jealous of you for having not seen it.

I actively avoid the show now because my obvious love for the golden age seasons.

This video is a pretty good summation of my feelings in the matter.

By Bold 2 in One Go To PostI actively avoid the show now because my obvious love for the golden age seasons.

This video is a pretty good summation of my feelings in the matter.

https://youtu.be/KqFNbCcyFkk

Yeah I think this about sums it up. It's kind of sad to see it continue in the state it is, although I recognise that it has a right to exist as some people to enjoy it. Meh, I'll always have golden age simpsons, I'll live

By UberTag Go To PostGoing to be bringing the S29 OT thread back before the next new episode airs on the 5th (probably that weekend). Not sure whether I'll be reviving it here or on ResetEra just yet… I may just run one in both communities simultaneously.

Awesome! I look forward to seeing it, wherever it ends up at :)

Haven't really watched Simpsons in a long time, but I have seen a few clips from the newer seasons on YouTube and, man, those voice actors just either can't do the voices or they couldn't care less to do them.

The Simpsons should have ended in the late 90's. It's waaaaaaaaay past its prime.

The new seasons are beyond unwatchable. If manatees are writing Family Guy, what the fuck writes this shit?

New Era Simpsons does have some decent episodes but they're to few to save the season.
From 13-24/25 there might be an episode or 2 that's good.
Haven't seen 26-29 so I won't comment on those.

The thing about the golden age Simpsons magic is that it was a product of its time, all its references and quips are quintessentially 90s through and through. Changing with the times robbed it of that 90s mystique especially as comedy became edgier and macabre.

Although the Simpson style of humour sort of returned with shows like Arrested development, 30 rock which took a more structured and absurdist angle of their comedies.

That Super Eyepatch Wolf video is a good one, though it's kinda sorta basically an abridged video essay version of the "Zombie Simpsons" series of essays from Dead Homer Society. Less vitriolic, though.

If you somehow haven't read them, you should. I think they're totally worth it.

By Specter Go To PostHaven't really watched Simpsons in a long time, but I have seen a few clips from the newer seasons on YouTube and, man, those voice actors just either can't do the voices or they couldn't care less to do them.

The problem isn't so much the actors "not caring" about their delivery as much as the directors (whom are also the writers, incidentally) not caring to direct them well. These actors can all hit their marks but if the writers are content to phone in their scripts, you have to know they're half-assing the directing gig as well aside from when a celebrity drops by.

The other obvious factor is age. Harry Shearer is about to turn 74. Russi Taylor is 73. Julie Kavner is 67. Tress MacNeille is 66. Pamela Hayden, Maggie Roswell and Nancy Cartwright are all in their 60s and Dan Castellaneta is about to join them.

Hitting the same vocal register and pitch for a character's delivery across over 3 decades is no easy task. Time will always play a factor. Competent voice direction is essential to cleaning that up and that's easier said than done sometimes. Harry records his lines from a studio in his home. Hank Azaria phones in his lines from New York.

It would be nice to expect a little more care from the recording process but this is a show that is also taking steps to aggressively cut corners and skirt costs. They canned Alf Clausen and his orchestra over the summer and are effectively scoring episodes from a public domain music database now just to save money.

I came back when they did that Futurama crossover. Terrible.
I only watched the classic seasons for the first time a few years ago, but man, do those seasons (4-7, some of 8) still hold up as fantastic comedy. I look at the show now and I don’t even recognize it. I’d say they need some fresh blood in the writer’s room, but how many writing staff have they been through at this point? What is there left for the show to even say or do? I’ve been praying that they wrap it up at season 30, and that they don’t keep going until (God forbid) we lose one of the main cast. I don’t think I could take hearing someone try to imitate Dan Castallanetta or Julie Kavner :(

One thing that really bugs me about Modern Simpsons is they've stuck with Al Jean as showrunner for like 15 years now. I don't know if having a new showrunner would change anything, but I think its ridiculous that the series went from having a different showrunner every couple of years (4 for Scully) then all of a sudden Al Jean Forever. Surely a new showrunner with some new writers would at least make it feel different, or is everyone on staff just happy with it existing these days?

By UberTag Go To PostFACT: There are still good episodes of the show being produced. They're just few and far between… and, even when they're decent, there's still a gulf between them and the memorable classic episodes from the 1990s.

Yeah, while I've even stopped watching the newer episodes, I still watch Simpsons daily. They're not comparable to season 3-9 but far from unwatchable. Some of yall "fans" need to kick rocks with all this hyperbole.

By jdeezy Go To PostOne thing that really bugs me about Modern Simpsons is they've stuck with Al Jean as showrunner for like 15 years now. I don't know if having a new showrunner would change anything, but I think its ridiculous that the series went from having a different showrunner every couple of years (4 for Scully) then all of a sudden Al Jean Forever. Surely a new showrunner with some new writers would at least make it feel different, or is everyone on staff just happy with it existing these days?

The fact that the few instances a season where Matt Selman takes over as showrunner are significantly improved in quality is indicative that a showrunner change away from Jean would make a significant improvement. Al's too nice of a guy to be an effective showrunner... the show would be far better off with having him just write which is an area where he still excels.