The Simpsons

The Simpsons is one of the most successful shows in the history of television. From its first moment on air the series'' rich characters subversive themes and layered humor have resounded deeply with audiences both young and old who wanted more from their entertainment than what was being meted out at the time by the likes of Full House Growing Pains and Family Matters.Spawned as an animated short on The Tracy Ullman Show - mere filler on the way to commercial breaks - the series grew from a controversial cult favorite to a mainstream powerhouse and after 19 years the residents of Springfield no longer simply hold up a mirror to our way of life; they have ingrained themselves into it.John Ortved''s oral history is the first-ever look behind the scenes at the creation and day-to-day running of The Simpsons as told by many of the people who make it including writers animators producers and network executives. It''s an intriguing yet hilarious tale full of betrayal ambition and love. Like the family it depicts the show''s creative forces have been riven by dysfunction from the get-go - outsize egos clashing with studio executives and one another over credit for and control of a pop-culture institution.Contrary to popular belief The Simpsons did not spring from one man''s brain fully formed like a hilarious Athena. Its inception was a process with many parents and this book tells the story.