The Simpsons has produced some of the most remarkable pieces of television, taking animation into many bold and unexpected places. The animated sitcom has been surprising and delighting viewers for over 30 seasons. A recent Simpsons episode, "A Mid-Childhood Night's Dream," has teased the prospect of the show's cast being aged up. This has led to viewers sharing which storylines they believe to be the most groundbreaking.
The Simpsons has been brilliantly unafraid to take its characters into new territory. The show is at its best when pushing the boundaries of what viewers expect, and revealing different aspects of Springfield's iconic residents. The Simpsons has had a few game-changing plots, that have thrown its characters on interesting personal journeys, and delved into some extremely important topics.
10 Homer's Phobia
Although Homer can be a caring man, he also holds a few less-than-desirable traits. The Simpsons episode "Homer Phobia" presents audiences with one of his least likable personality quirks. It follows Marge, Lisa, and Bart as they befriend the flamboyant shop assistant John, much to Homer's displeasure.
"Homer's Phobia" sensitively depicts the homophobia that was unfortunately present in the 1990s, through the lens of Homer. The Simpsons takes time to show Homer's fears that being around John will "turn" Bart gay, due to John preferring the company of men. The Simpsons show Homer realizing his mistake after John saves his life following a disastrous hunting trip, conveying the importance of accepting people for who they are.
9 She of Little Faith
Christianity has been a core theme across many Simpsons episodes, but it is far from the only religion worshiped in Springfield. "She Of Little Faith" acts as an amazing character study for Lisa, who questions her faith after Mr. Burns places ads inside the church. Its exploration of Buddhism has seen many praise it as one of the Simpsons' best Lisa episodes.
In previous installments, the Simpsons family had been confirmed to be Christians. But in "She of Little Faith," Lisa shocks her family members by becoming a Buddhist. This great Simpsons episode stresses to viewers how it is essential to accept one's own choices, rather than force a person to follow a religion they no longer believe in.
8 The Principal and the Pauper
Possibly the most controversial Simpsons plot is also one of the most groundbreaking. The Simpsons' "The Principal and the Pauper" proposes a radical twist, that confirms Principal Skinner to be an imposter. The episode introduces viewers to the "real" Seymour Skinner, who was presumed dead after he went missing on an army mission.
This infamous Simpsons story changes everything viewers thought they knew about Principal Skinner. Not only is Skinner's real name revealed to be Armin Tamzarian, but Agnes isn't even his biological mother. It changes the audience's perceptions of Skinner forever, who otherwise seemed a rather dull and uninteresting authoritative figure within Springfield Elementary.
7 There's Something About Marrying
The Simpsons has many LGBT individuals, and the series confirms a surprising character to be gay in "There's Something About Marrying." Although the episode has aged poorly in its transphobic storytelling, it does an excellent job at depicting the reveal that Patty is a lesbian.
This interesting turn of events brings a different dimension to the Simpsons family. Before "There's Something About Marrying," The Simpsons fans had assumed Patty and Selma were straight like their sister, Marge. The Simpsons' unexpected confirmation adds some great representation for the lesbian community and brings some extra context to Patty's backstory, who struggled to confide in her sexuality with her family.
6 The Two Mrs. Nahasapeemapetilons
Apu is a beloved character among The Simpsons fans. One of his best storylines is "The Two Mrs. Nahasapeemapetilons," where Apu is forced by his family into an arranged marriage with Manjula. Apu's religion was rarely explored before this point in The Simpsons, but this classic narrative focuses on one of its most controversial elements.
"The Two Mrs. Mahasapeemapetilons" highlights how harsh Apu's Hindu religion can be, forcing two people to marry out of convenience rather than love. Apu is understandably reluctant to go through with the arranged marriage in The Simpsons, having not seen Manjula in many years. Upon reuniting with his childhood friend, Apu agrees to wed Manjula out of love rather than because his religion dictates it.
5 Days of Wines and D'oh'ses
Barney Gumble has long been one of The Simpsons' most depressing characters. The Simpsons episode "Days of Wines and D'oh'ses" changes this completely, showing a determined Barney who aims to get sober. It brilliantly fleshes out a character who had otherwise been a rather two-dimensional creation.
Before "Days of Wines and D'oh'ses," Barney had been depicted merely as the town drunk. In this incredible story, however, Barney finally tackles his status as an alcoholic and succeeds at giving up the drink. The change mostly sticks for future Simpsons episodes, with odd relapses, making Barney feel like more than a joke character.
4 The Falcon and the D'ohman
Ned has had a few romantic relationships, but these rarely tend to last beyond one episode. "The Falcon And The D'ohman" contains one such exception. It sees Ned and Edna confirm to viewers that they are still together after becoming romantically intertwined in the Simpsons episode "The Ned-Liest Catch."
"The Falcon and the D'ohman" is undoubtedly the strangest episode. Fans voted for Ned and Edna to continue seeing each other after being presented with the choice of either keeping them together or splitting them up in "The Ned-Liest Catch." It remains the first and only time that a public vote has influenced a Simpsons storyline.
3 Who Shot Mr. Burns?
Most Simpsons episodes tend to follow self-contained narratives, but an early exception came in Season 7's "Who Shot Mr. Burns?" This glorious storyline is the first time the show presented a two-part event. This created a magnificent Whodunit plot where a mysterious stranger shoots the wealthy power plant opener after he decides to block out the sun.
"Who Shot Mr. Burns?" is rightfully considered by many to be one of the best Mr. Burns episodes. This grittier take on the animated sitcom would go on to inspire other darker Simpsons stories, such as "A Serious Flanders" and "The Great Phatsby." The Simpsons' "Who Shot Mr. Burns?" also establishes Maggie's remarkable gunslinging skills, which returned several times throughout the series.
2 Lisa The Vegetarian
The Simpsons family are keen meat-eaters, especially Homer, who adores a pork chop. Their kids have been raised on a diet of meat, but The Simpsons suggests a change of heart for Lisa. "Lisa The Vegetarian" sees Marge serve Lisa lamb chops, which Lisa struggles to eat after falling in love with an adorable lamb at the petting zoo.
Season 7's deep and thought-provoking episode recontextualizes Lisa as a character. This life-changing decision to change her diet has stuck for Lisa throughout her history on the show, becoming a devoted vegetarian. The Simpsons also confirms Apu to be a vegetarian within this story, showing Springfield to have a rich meat-free culture.
1 Alone Again, Natura-Diddly
For many years, The Simpsons depicted Ned as living a happy life with his wife Maude, and their kids Rod and Todd. This all changes in the episode "Alone Again, Natura-Diddly," when Homer's reckless behavior in front of the racetrack's t-shirt cannons results in Maude's untime demise.
"Alone Again, Natura-Diddly" is the first time that a character is permanently killed off within The Simpsons. Ned's loss leaves a profound impact on Homer's neighbor, and he remains single for many episodes before finding love again with Edna. Maude's absence since "Alone Again, Natura-Diddly" is still felt within the Springfield community today.