The Simpsons premiered 30 years ago today

UPROXX

The Christmas-themed “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" kicked off The Simpsons' three-decade-plus run on Dec. 17, 1989, but it wasn't originally supposed to be the first episode. “Some Enchanted Evening," with Penny Marshall as babysitter Ms. Botz, was planned to be the first episode. But the animation was so terrible, the episode was pushed back and it became the Season 1 finale. “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" is "one of the few episodes from season one that still holds, which is impressive for the first episode of any show, but especially a comedy, which often takes its time before finding a groove (think: 30 Rock, The Office, Parks and Recreation, etc.)," says Josh Kurp. "But 'Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire' had two factors working in its favor: 1) the show’s creative team worked out the hiccups through nearly 50 shorts on The Tracey Ullman Show, and 2) it wasn’t supposed to be the premiere."

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