Atena Publishing Press Release - September 25, 2008

The Simpsons is one of the most remarkable phenomena in television history. Even two decades after it first began, it remains loved by millions of people. It is officially the longest-running American sitcom, with well over 400 episodes to date.

When the show debuted in 1989, it was a breath of fresh air in the TV landscape. It was one of the first postmodern TV shows, and refused to underestimate its viewers. Even today, the sharp and satirical scripts represent the highest level of television comedy writing. As the show has grown to encompass a rich universe with hundreds of characters and locations, spawning multitudes of academic essays and books examining the show from various viewpoints, including popular culture, religion, science and philosophy.

"Two Decades of the Yellow Family" covers the copious interesting events and occurrences that have taken place over the animated show’s twenty-year run. The book takes the reader through inception, development and production, as well as looking at series highlights and various curiosities. How did it all begin? How is an episode made? Who are the voices of Moe the Bartender and Mayor Quimby based on? What is the origin of “d’oh!”? What was Smithers’ skin colour when he first appeared? Why was Maude Flanders killed off? And which king of pop has teamed up with the Simpsons using as many as three different pseudonyms?

Alongside the book proper, there is a trivia question on each double page. Some of the best lines
from the show’s history are naturally also included.

Jouni Paakkinen:
Simpsonit - Keltaisen perheen kaksi vuosikymmentä
Atena Kustannus Oy (2008)
ISBN 978-951-796-537-8
Humour/History - 263 pages
Currently available in Finnish.
Foreign rights available: World