The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company, premiering in 1989. The series offers a satirical look at middle-class American life through the adventures of the dysfunctional Simpson family in their fictional town of Springfield. The family consists of the bumbling, lazy father Homer, his patient and responsible wife Marge, mischievous son Bart, overachieving daughter Lisa, and the pacifier-sucking infant Maggie. The show's animated format allows for broad commentary on society, politics, and culture, with plots that tackle everything from environmental issues to the education system.

As one of the longest-running American animated series and scripted primetime TV shows in history, The Simpsons has had a massive cultural impact. Its "golden age" in the 1990s is considered highly influential, and it has inspired many adult-oriented animated sitcoms that followed. Memorable catchphrases like Homer's "D'oh!" have entered the English language, and the show's humor, which includes a flurry of cultural references and background gags, has been lauded for its cleverness. The series has also expanded into a feature film, video games, books, and other merchandise.

Beyond the central family, The Simpsons features a sprawling cast of eccentric and memorable supporting characters who help build the bizarre, bustling universe of Springfield. While the main characters famously do not age, the show's narrative is flexible and inconsistent to allow for a wide range of storytelling. It has won numerous awards throughout its long run, cementing its status as a beloved and enduring pop culture phenomenon.