when was the simpsons started
Twentieth Century Fox. The Simpsons began as a series of bumpers or animated shorts for The Tracey Ullman Show on April 19, 1987, and premiered as a full animated series on December 17, 1989, on FOX. The first episode was Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire (pictured).
However, James L. Brooks testified that she had no part in creating The Simpsons animated shorts that were part of The Tracey Ullman Show. The Simpsons is the longest-running scripted show in TV history. Since premiering in December, 1989, the series has become a cultural phenomenon, recognizable throughout the world.