The Sitcom Studies Podcast

THE SIMPSONS MOVIE, with SPECIAL Guest Mandy Jimenez

We have a very special guest with us this week as we tackle our first movie! Dear friend and film enthusiast Mandy Jimenez joins us to discuss the one and only Simpsons Movie (2007). What to do when Springfield has been placed in environmental quarantine, under a dome? We touch on favorite cameos and jokes; reflect on the deeply troubled relationship between Homer and Bart; and gush (just slightly) over Lisa's little romance - we miss you already, Collin! Ultimately, though, we think the movie can be summed up with our new favorite motto: Marge. In. Charge. Thank you so much for being part of this conversation, Mandy!

THE SIMPSONS Deep Dive 17: Simpsons' Social Issues Spotlight

We've got two heavy hitters this week that leave us with a lot to think about but also laughing as always: "Last Exit to Springfield" (Season 4, Episode 17) and “Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy” (season 5 , episode 14). A sexist doll leads a passionate Lisa to try to create her own preferable version. Homer temporarily becomes head of his union. And of course Lisa needs braces...Lisa needs braces...Lisa needs... Historical Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gertrude_Stein

THE SIMPSONS Deep Dive 16: Simpsons’ Crises of Faith

Have you every questioned your faith? That's exactly what the Simpsons are doing this week, with Homer deciding to stop going to church in “Homer the Heretic” (season 4, episode 3) and Lisa converting to Buddhism in “She Of Little Faith” (Season 13, Episode 6). We discuss some classic gifs that have come from these episodes; Marge's concern for her husband and daughter as they each embark on personal faith journeys; and the importance of finding value in what different faiths have to offer. Also, hello, Richard Gere!  Historical Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Buddha

THE SIMPSONS Deep Dive 15: Visions of the Future

We're taking a look into the future this week - Lisa and Bart's futures, to be specific - with “Lisa’s Wedding” (season 6, episode 19) and “Barthood” (season 27, episode 9). We talk all things sibling dynamics; the important commentary Lisa's story makes on classism; and...a talkative teenage Maggie? Historical Highlights: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-surprisingly-radical-roots-of-the-renaissance-fair-180982918/

The Simpsons Deep Dive 14: Heartbreak and Healing

Get your tissues and maybe a glass of wine ready: we're discussing two episodes all about heartbreak and healing this week, “I Love Lisa” (season 4, episode 15) and  “Alone Again, Natura-diddly" (season 11, episode 14). We see Lisa learn how to respond when she does not reciprocate a crush, and we see Springfield try to help Ned Flanders when Maude passes away unexpectedly. We love that The Simpsons still sprinkles these episodes with some more lighthearted and funny moments. And Bart, don't make rejecting Ralph harder for your sister than it needs to be!  Historical Highlights: Facts About Martha Washington [https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/martha-washington/keys-fact-about-martha-washington?gad_campaignid=258226631&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADye4kEkdxYOU3DI7Xt1Y4pjzPP2U&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIx4j0juSilAMVIRWtBh00BQakEAAYASAAEgKnFPD_BwE]