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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 Maggie, as well as a virtual cast of thousands. Since the beginning, the series has been a pop culture icon, attracting hundreds of celebrities to guest star. The show has also made name for itself in its fearless satirical take on politics, media and American life in general.

Genres:FamilyAnimationComedy
Network:FOX

Season 1 Ratings Summary

The best episode of "The Simpsons" season 1 is "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire", rated 8.1/10 from 9246 user votes. It was directed by David Silverman and written by Mimi Pond. "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" aired on 12/17/1989 and is rated 0.5 point(s) higher than the second highest rated, "Bart the Genius".

  • Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire
    8.1/10 9,246 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

  • Bart the Genius
    7.6/10 6,309 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

  • Homer's Odyssey
    7.3/10 5,605 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

  • There's No Disgrace Like Home
    7.6/10 5,497 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

  • Bart the General
    7.9/10 5,829 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

  • Moaning Lisa
    7.6/10 5,358 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

  • The Call of the Simpsons
    7.7/10 5,150 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

  • The Telltale Head
    7.6/10 4,962 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

  • Life on the Fast Lane
    7.4/10 4,922 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

  • Homer's Night Out
    7.3/10 4,777 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

  • The Crepes of Wrath
    7.7/10 4,826 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

  • Krusty Gets Busted
    8.3/10 5,307 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

  • Some Enchanted Evening
    7.7/10 5,170 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