Read an oral history of The Simpsons' "Steam Hams" scene

Mel Magazine

The nearly 3-minute scene from the April 14, 1996 episode has become one of the funniest comedy shorts of all time. "In the 24 years since it first aired, the piece has taken on a new and unusual life, finding itself an enduring internet phenomenon that has included memes, remixes, remakes and even the occasional reference in real life," writes Brian VanHooker in introducing the oral history featuring Simpsons writer Bill Oakley. "It all began, though, back in mid-1995, in the writers room of The Simpsons."