Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

The Simpsons breaks TV record amid claims of racism

US TV show The Simpsons has broken the record for the most episodes in a prime time scripted series on American TV, but the milestone came as the popular show finds itself accused of racism.

Fox's 636th episode about the Simpson family, which aired Sunday night (29), pushed it past Western drama Gunsmoke which stopped at 635 episodes in 1975 after 20 years on the air.


Outside of prime time, some US soap operas have been running since the 1960s.

The Simpsons stars Homer, the family patriarch working for a nuclear power station, his wife and voice of reason Marge, and children Bart, Lisa and Maggie.

Since it first aired in 1989, the show has won more than 30 Emmy's.

In its early years, the animated comedy regularly pulled in more than 15 million viewers and had double that - 33 million - for its most-watched episode in 1990.

It became so popular that references to The Simpsons have formed part of pop culture.

Declining audience figures had led to fears that it would not be renewed, but in 2016, Fox committed to continue The Simpsons until a 30th season in 2019.

After so many years, one character who has been part of The Simpsons since the beginning has in recent months become the subject of controversy.

Apu Nahasapeemapetilon is the manager of Kwik-E-Mart convenience store, a character of Indian ethnicity voiced by a white actor, Hank Azaria.

In the documentary The Problem with Apu, released last November, Hari Kondabolu, an actor and comedian of Indian origin, denounced the character's marked accent and other stereotypes.

Both Azaria and Simpsons creator Matt Groening refused to appear in the documentary to answer questions.

Azaria, however, later told a reporter from the TMZ celebrity website that Kondabolu "made some really interesting points" and "gave us a lot at The Simpsons to think about."

In an episode on April 8, the show addressed the issue when Marge tried to remove any references that could offend anyone from a children's book she had bought.

She reads the book to her daughter Lisa, who finds it boring.

"Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect," says Lisa, turning towards a picture of Apu and winking.

"What can you do?"

"Some things will be dealt with at a later date," says Marge.

"If at all," says Lisa.

Following this exchange, Azaria said last week in an interview that he was "perfectly willing and happy to step aside, or help transition" the character to something new.

Groening, however, says he is "proud of what we do on the show. And I think it's a time in our culture where people love to pretend they're offended."

AFP

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less