The Simpsons series has been running for 36 years. There are several reasons for this success and longevity, but the most obvious is humor. With its scathing tone toward American society, the series has, over the course of its 36 seasons, created its own references. The Simpsons has established itself as a benchmark of comedy, and these 8 running gags have largely contributed to this.
#1 Couch Gags
Couch gags are as inseparable from The Simpsons as red underpants are from Superman. Present since the second episode of the first season, these recurring jokes, initially classic, have continued to evolve and surprise. Over time, they have become a veritable testing ground and a sandbox for different animators and directors. Some gags even stray from the comedy register, like the one directed by Banksy, which is particularly striking.
#2 Ned Flanders calling Reverend Lovejoy
In theory, nothing can make a man of the church lose his patience... except perhaps Ned Flanders. Timothy Lovejoy was an enthusiastic reverend in his youth, but the incessant calls from the Simpsons' neighbor eventually made him lose his faith. For our part, it's always hilarious to see Ned contact him for reasons each more idiotic than the last.
#3 Homer's archive footage
Television and the press occupy an important place in the Simpsons' lives. Itchy and Scratchy, Krusty, Troy McClure... all had an impact on the show. With such an attachment to these media, it was obvious that the family would eventually appear in them. This is the case for Homer, but not in the way you might think. The patriarch often finds himself in the news via archive footage showing him in particularly embarrassing situations.
#4 Mr. Burns Doesn't Remember Homer
Mr. Burns is a crooked and evil boss. Unsurprisingly, he doesn't make fun of his employees, but he does reserve a special treatment for Homer: he never remembers his name. This running gag works wonderfully because there are many episodes where they share adventures, which makes this perpetual forgetting even more absurd.
#5 Homer's Strangling
One of the most legendary gags in the series is the loving "hug" Homer gives Bart while strangling him. These scenes have become a true trademark of The Simpsons. They deliberately portray domestic violence in a caricatured and absurd way. This is obviously a rather delicate subject to deal with, and that's one of the reasons why it has caused controversy in recent years.
#6 Maggie's Violence
Maggie is the youngest of the family, a child who will forever remain a baby. Behind her pacifier and her adorable appearance, however, hides a surprising violence, completely out of step with her physical appearance. We're certainly a long way from the subversive side of Stewie in Family Guy, but this contrast gives him a unique personality, which makes him unforgettable and even more endearing.
#7 Things that explode for no reason
In a cartoon, some situations don't need an explanation. The Simpsons understood this well by making objects explode or catch fire for no reason. It could be a can, a lie detector, cereal... anything goes. One could almost see it as a metaphor for the ambient chaos in Springfield, a chaos to which the Simpson family contributes greatly.
#8 The Misadventures of Hans Taupeman
Everyone knows Kenny's running gag from South Park, but did you know there's a similar one on The Simpsons? Hans Moleman is a very unlucky character, often the victim of unfortunate acts like getting hit in the genitals with an American football. His greatest misfortune, however, remains his tendency to die regularly on the show, and very often because of the Simpson family.
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