Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire
"Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" (titled onscreen as "The Simpsons Christmas Special") is the pilot episode and the series premiere of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It first aired on Fox in the United States on December 17, 1989. Introducing the Simpson family into half-hour television in this episode, Bart Simpson disobediently gets a tattoo without the permission of his parents. After Marge spends all the family's holiday budget on having it removed, Homer learns that his boss is not giving employees Christmas bonuses, and takes a job as a shopping mall Santa.
| "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" | |
|---|---|
| The Simpsons episode | |
Title card | |
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 1 |
| Directed by | David Silverman |
| Written by | Mimi Pond |
| Production code | 7G08 |
| Original air date | December 17, 1989 |
| Running time | 23 minutes |
| Episode features | |
| Commentary | Matt Groening James L. Brooks David Silverman |
The Simpsons was originally intended to debut earlier in 1989 with "Some Enchanted Evening", but due to animation problems with that episode, the series debuted with this episode on December 17. "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" was written by Mimi Pond and directed by David Silverman, and was the only episode of the series to air during the 1980s. Promos for the next episode ("Bart the Genius") ran during commercial breaks for this episode.
"Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" was viewed by approximately 13.4 million people in its original airing, and was nominated for two Emmy Awards in 1990. Since its release on home video, the episode has received positive reviews from critics.