Between 1987 and 1989, 48 shorts aired during The Tracey Ullman Show. These early versions of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie were crude and jittery, but the chemistry was undeniable. By the time 1989 rolled around, the demand for a full series was overwhelming, leading Fox to take a gamble on a prime-time animated sitcom—a concept that hadn't been successful since The Flintstones in the 1960s. Why 1989 Was a Turning Point for TV
The journey to that 1989 premiere began when producer James L. Brooks approached cartoonist Matt Groening about creating animated bumpers for a variety show. Groening famously came up with the concept for The Simpsons in the lobby of Brooks' office, naming the characters after his own family members—substituting "Bart" for his own name. year the simpsons started