8.1/109,375 votes#1 - Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 12/17/1989
Homer's Christmas bonus is canceled and the rainy-day funds are needed to pay for Bart's tattoo removal.
Director: David Silverman
Writer: Mimi Pond
7.6/106,397 votes#2 - Bart the Genius
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 1/14/1990
Bart's labeled a genius and sent to a school for the gifted.
Director: David Silverman
Writer: Jon Vitti
7.3/105,684 votes#3 - Homer's Odyssey
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 1/21/1990
After being fired from the nuclear power plant for negligence, Homer becomes a safety activist.
Director: Wes Archer
Writer: Jay Kogen, Wallace Wolodarsky
7.6/105,567 votes#4 - There's No Disgrace Like Home
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 1/28/1990
After seeing families being nice to each other at a company picnic, Homer orders the Simpsons to a family therapist.
Director: Gregg Vanzo
Writer: Al Jean, Mike Reiss
7.9/105,897 votes#5 - Bart the General
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 2/4/1990
Terrorized by the school bully, Bart seeks counsel from Grandpa Simpson, who takes him to a warfare expert for basic training.
Director: David Silverman
Writer: John Swartzwelder
7.6/105,433 votes#6 - Moaning Lisa
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 2/11/1990
The meaning of life and second grade have Lisa playing the blues solo--until she jams with a kindred spirit; Homer seeks tutelage to beat Bart at video boxing.
Director: Wes Archer
Writer: Al Jean, Mike Reiss
7.7/105,216 votes#7 - The Call of the Simpsons
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 2/18/1990
The Simpsons put the wild back in the wilderness when their RV goes over a cliff and Homer and Bart go for help, get lost and lose their clothes.
Director: Wes Archer
Writer: John Swartzwelder
7.6/105,022 votes#8 - The Telltale Head
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 2/25/1990
Bart pulls a stunt that shocks the entire town, including the new friends he was trying to impress.
Director: Rich Moore
Writer: Al Jean, Matt Groening, Mike Reiss, Sam Simon
7.4/104,983 votes#9 - Life on the Fast Lane
Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 3/18/1990
Homer's bowling-ball gift "for Marge" prompts her to take up the sport--and maybe also a handsome instructor who offers to teach her "many things."
Director: David Silverman
Writer: John Swartzwelder
7.3/104,834 votes#10 - Homer's Night Out
Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 3/25/1990
Shutterbug Bart captures Homer with a sexy entertainer at a bachelor party.
Director: Rich Moore
Writer: Jon Vitti
7.7/104,887 votes#11 - The Crepes of Wrath
Season 1 Episode 11 - Aired 4/15/1990
A little story about how Bart saves France after blowing up Principal Skinner's mom with a cherry bomb.
Director: Wes Archer, Milton Gray
Writer: George Meyer, John Swartzwelder, Jon Vitti, Sam Simon
8.3/105,377 votes#12 - Krusty Gets Busted
Season 1 Episode 12 - Aired 4/29/1990
Bart's TV hero Krusty the Clown is arrested for a convenience-store robbery, and witness Homer must testify against the clown.
Director: Brad Bird
Writer: Jay Kogen, Wallace Wolodarsky
7.7/105,228 votes#13 - Some Enchanted Evening
Season 1 Episode 13 - Aired 5/13/1990
Homer takes Marge out for a romantic night, leaving the kids with a sitter--who's profiled on "America's Most Armed and Dangerous."
Director: David Silverman, Kent Butterworth
Writer: Matt Groening, Sam Simon
The Best Episodes of The Simpsons Season 1
Every episode of The Simpsons Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of The Simpsons Season 1!
Set in Springfield, the average American town, the show focuses on the antics and everyday adventures of the Simpson family; Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and...
Genres:FamilyAnimationComedy
Network:FOX
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" is the best rated episode of "The Simpsons" season 1. It scored 8.1/10 based on 9375 votes. Directed by David Silverman and written by Mimi Pond, it aired on 12/17/1989. This episode is rated 0.5 points higher than the second-best, "Bart the Genius".