The Simpsons began life as a short cartoon on either side of the
commercial break in the Tracey Ullman Show in America. It reached
our shores in 1990.
It was instantly controversial, comical and addictive. With numerous
in-jokes and special guests it appealed to adults, whilst children
liked the anarchic Bart, who cheated on his tests, avoided work
and was generally naughty.
By the end of 1990 everyone was familiar with the terms 'Eat my Shorts' and 'Don't have a cow, man' even if they weren't quite sure what they meant.
Before very long Bart and Homer T-shirts, models, pencil cases, can holders and all name of other merchandise was on sale and there was even an instantly forgettable single 'Do the Bartman'.
