The Best Episodes of The Simpsons, According to Critics

Ah, The Simpsons. It’s a name that’s as synonymous with television comedy as it is with yellow-skinned misadventures. The animated series has been a beloved staple of American culture for over 30 years, racking up countless accolades and hours of laughter. With more than 700 episodes under its belt, fans have a lot of material to sift through. With that in mind, here are some of the best episodes of The Simpsons, according to critics.

1. “Marge vs. the Monorail” (Season 4, Episode 12)

This episode is often cited as one of the best in the entire run of the series and it’s easy to see why. After discovering a large sum of money from a lawsuit settlement, Springfield decides to build a monorail. However, it soon becomes clear that the project was riddled with inconsistencies and blatantly ignored regulations. The episode is notable for its witty, fast-paced humor, along with a now-iconic musical number.

2. “Homer the Heretic” (Season 4, Episode 3)

In this episode, Homer decides to skip out on going to church and spend the day lounging around the house. However, his relaxing day takes a turn for the worse when his house catches fire and he must rely on his own wits to save the day. The episode is praised for its clever writing and charming story. It also explores the theme of faith and the bonds within families.

3. “Itchy and Scratchy: The Movie” (Season 4, Episode 6)

“Itchy and Scratchy: The Movie” satirizes the media’s tendency to glamorize violence and the unrealistic expectations parents often place on their children. When Bart misbehaves at school, Homer forbids him from seeing the new Itchy and Scratchy movie. Fueled by his desire to see the film, Bart embarks on a series of schemes to sneak into the theater. The episode features a hilarious subplot about Marge’s addiction to a home shopping network.

4. “Homer at the Bat” (Season 3, Episode 17)

This episode is often cited as the one of the greatest sports-themed episodes of any television show. When the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant softball team is in danger of forfeiting a game, Mr. Burns recruits a group of ringers to increase their chances of winning. The episode features a host of celebrity guest stars, including Roger Clemons and Don Mattingly, and it’s a hilarious riff on the business of baseball.

5. “Bart Gets Famous” (Season 5, Episode 12)

When Bart scores a hit with his catchphrase “I didn’t do it” on a children’s show, he becomes the toast of the town. However, his newfound fame proves to be fleeting as he struggles to keep up with the pressures of showbiz. The episode is praised for its clever satire of the entertainment industry, along with some of the best one-liners in the series.

6. “Mr. Plow” (Season 4, Episode 9)

Homer buys a snow plow and becomes Springfield’s premier snow remover, but he quickly becomes too confident in his abilities. When his best friend Barney steals his business by starting his own snow plowing service, Homer’s jealousy spirals out of control. The episode mixes clever humor with great commentary on capitalism and the cutthroat world of small business.

7. “A Streetcar Named Marge” (Season 4, Episode 2)

In “A Streetcar Named Marge,” Marge joins a community theater group and lands the lead role in a musical version of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” The episode is a sharp satire on the arts and culture scene and features some of the series’ best musical numbers. However, it’s also notable for the ways it explores Marge’s character and her relationship with her family.

8. “Lisa’s Substitute” (Season 2, Episode 19)

When Lisa’s teacher Miss Hoover falls ill, the substitute Mr. Bergstrom arrives and proves to be a hit with the students. However, Lisa becomes even more attached to him, leading to a number of emotional moments. The episode explores themes of parental neglect and insecurity, with a standout performance from Dustin Hoffman as Mr. Bergstrom.

9. “Cape Feare” (Season 5, Episode 2)

When Sideshow Bob is released from prison and sets his sights on killing Bart, the Simpsons are forced to go into hiding. This results in a number of terrifying and hilarious scenarios, ultimately leading to a showdown between Bart and Sideshow Bob aboard a boat. The episode is a parody of the 1991 movie “Cape Fear” and features many classic moments.

10. “Homer the Smithers” (Season 7, Episode 17)

In this episode, Homer takes over as Mr. Burns’s executive assistant when Smithers goes on vacation. The episode is a hilarious send-up of the corporate world, featuring great character moments for both Homer and Smithers. The final act also features a brilliant homage to the classic comedy “Some Like It Hot.”

These are just a few of the best episodes of The Simpsons, according to critics. The series has had a profound and lasting impact on comedy, television, and popular culture as a whole. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, there’s bound to be an episode of The Simpsons that will leave you laughing and thinking.