The Simpsons has been gracing our TV screens for a whopping 35 years. And no, it’s not because of some superhero saving the day or a dystopian society taking us on a feels trip. The Simpsons thrive because it’s about celebrating the OG vibe: being gloriously, hilariously, frustratingly average.
Springfield isn’t some dreamy escape—it’s the ultimate “meh” hometown. The schools are trash, the nuclear power plant is a safety nightmare, and the neighbors are cringe. But isn’t that the magic of it?
Let’s take a deep dive into some iconic moments that toast mediocrity with all the enthusiasm of Homer seeing free beer.
The Dad Who Knew Too Little (Season 14, Episode 8)
Homer is not the Father of the Year type of guy. He is more like a “Father Trying His Best-ish.” When Lisa gets a half-baked birthday gift, he hires a private detective to learn about her interests. This episode slaps because it doesn’t sugarcoat anything—Homer's big heart doesn’t match his small attention span. But that’s the point. Parenting is messy, and The Simpsons reminds us it’s okay to fail upward as long as you love your family.
The Trouble with Trillions (Season 9, Episode 20)
The FBI ropes Homer into stealing a trillion-dollar bill from Mr. Burns. It’s chaos from start to finish. This episode is a whole vibe for anyone who’s ever been in over their head (read: all of us). Critics weren’t obsessed, but honestly, that’s part of the joke. Mediocrity is the brand.
Homer's Phobia (Season 8, Episode 15)
Homer’s journey with self-awareness is a slow burn. In this ep, he befriends John, a fabulous collector of kitschy treasures, but freaks out when he learns John is gay. Instead of evolving, Homer flails around in a storm of awkward ignorance. But the show roasts Homer’s outdated mindset while reminding us that growth is rarely a straight line.
Bart Gets an 'F' (Season 2, Episode 1)
Bart’s academic life is one long L. He busts his you-know-what trying to pass a history test, only to flop harder. But what makes this episode a banger is its realness. Not every effort ends in a win. Bart’s struggle is a mood for anyone who’s ever put in work only to end up yelling, “Bruh, why?”
The Principal and the Pauper (Season 9, Episode 2)
In this ep, it was revealed that Principal Skinner isn’t Principal Skinner. When his true identity is exposed, the town goes into a collective “wtf” spiral. Instead of breaking free, Skinner slinks back into his mediocre life, proving that not everyone is built for greatness. The episode got dragged by fans, but honestly, it’s Peak Simpsons.
The Great Phatsby (Season 28, Episodes 12 & 13)
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Fast-forward to this one-hour special where Mr. Burns tries to relive his golden days as a music mogul. But it doesn’t end well. Watching Burns flounder in a world that’s moved on is a masterclass in boomer energy. But instead of painting him as a tragic figure, the show doubles down on the LOLs.
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