Stupid TV, Be More Funny: How the Golden Era of the Simpsons Changed Television-And America-Forever by Alan Siegel

4.05 AVERAGE

paulbreen's profile picture

paulbreen's review against another edition

4.0
funny informative medium-paced
As a lover of tbose early seasons of The Simpsons, I really enjoyed the book. Really liked the little stories behind the scripts and the one-liners. Glad it highlights the poor culture there was in the writers room, like the crunch and lack of diversity. Some bits kinda bored me (like one whole chapter talking about merchandide) but generally a read I'd recommend to Simpsons fans.
infinitecelia's profile picture

infinitecelia's review against another edition

3.5
informative medium-paced
shereadytoread's profile picture

shereadytoread's review against another edition

5.0
emotional funny informative reflective
I am a casual Simpsons fan. I have seen most of the treehouse of horror and the movie. I attempted the entire series but that didn’t work out. But this book isn’t just for Simpsons fans (even though they’ll probably love it). It’s about the formation of a new network, a new popular type of media, and the journey that a creative team can go on when they are given the space and freedom to do so. The book tells the full history of The Simpsons, which also requires telling the history of the beginning of Fox Network, a few presidential elections, changing societal interests, inequities within the TV industry, and more. We also get a history of the phenomenon that is adult animation. I loved discovering a few sayings and cultural references that I was already aware of, but had no idea they originated with the simpsons. I read this book video audio and I think the narrator was solid. I would have love a few voice clips from some of the referenced interviews/news spots but I understand why they weren’t there. 

I think whether you are a Simpsons fan or not, if you have any interests in the TV industry, you’ll love this one. 

(Also the next time I hit Simpson’s World at Universal Studios, I can appreciate all the details a little more).

Disclosure: I received a gifted copy from the publisher and an ALC from NetGalley. No review was required and all opinions are my own. 
billiamslibrary's profile picture

billiamslibrary's review

5.0
funny informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
Bursting through the clouds like an iconic title card comes the story of The Simpsons. Alan Siegel provides an overview of the show's early years that only a fan could provide with quotes, references, and interviews from its legendary writers' room. These elements make clear why Springfield's favorite family enraptured audiences and became the cultural institution it is today. Readers will learn how a show that started as an animated segment on a late-night talk show became so influential, witty, and prescient that it understood the American people to a degree that seems clairvoyant. From building a major television network, to trading blows with the President, to being included in the Baseball Hall of Fame, the show's impact is undeniable. After reading this retrospect, it's hard to argue Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie's influence on entertainment and the world. More satisfying than a pink frosted donut with sprinkles for longtime fans, but still a perfectly cromulent read for newcomers, this is a must-buy for your entertainment nonfiction collection.

jeverett15's review against another edition

3.25
funny informative lighthearted fast-paced

elizmcc's review against another edition

3.75
informative lighthearted fast-paced

jspad44's review against another edition

4.5
informative medium-paced

peartree's review against another edition

4.0
funny informative

aeopritchard's review against another edition

3.75
funny informative lighthearted medium-paced

stocksonstacks's review

4.5
emotional funny reflective medium-paced