The BEST episodes of The Simpsons season 1

Every episode of The Simpsons season 1, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of The Simpsons season 1!

Set in Springfield, the average American town, the show focuses on the antics and everyday adventures of the Simpson family; Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie, as well as a virtual cast of thousands. Since the beginning, the series has been a pop culture icon, attracting hundreds of celebrities to guest star. The show has also made name for itself in its fearless satirical take on politics, media and American life in general.

Last Updated: 11/11/2024Network: FOXStatus: Continuing
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Krusty Gets Busted
star
7.72
2295 votes

#1 - Krusty Gets Busted

Season 1 - Episode 12 - Aired 4/29/1990

Krusty the Clown gets busted for robbing the Kwik-E-Mart, with Homer as an eyewitness. Convinced that their idol was wrongly accused, Bart and Lisa investigate the crime.

Directors: Brad Bird
Watch Now:Apple TV
There's No Disgrace Like Home
star
7.53
2495 votes

#2 - There's No Disgrace Like Home

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 1/28/1990

After an embarrassing experience at the company picnic, Homer pawns the TV and uses the proceeds to take the family to therapy sessions.

Watch Now:Apple TV
Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire
star
7.50
5214 votes

#3 - Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 12/17/1989

When Homer doesn’t receive his Christmas bonus, and Marge having to spend the family's Christmas savings to erase Bart’s tattoo, he is forced to become a department store Santa to hide the fact he didn't get the bonus.

Directors: David Silverman
Writer: Mimi Pond
Watch Now:Apple TV
The Crepes of Wrath
star
7.49
2304 votes

#4 - The Crepes of Wrath

Season 1 - Episode 11 - Aired 4/15/1990

Bart is sent as a foreign exchange student to France, where he is enslaved by corrupt winemakers. Meanwhile, the Simpson family hosts an Albanian student who takes a surprising interest in the workings of the nuclear power plant.

Watch Now:Apple TV
Bart the Genius
star
7.34
3732 votes

#5 - Bart the Genius

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 1/14/1990

After switching IQ tests with Martin, Bart is mistaken for a child genius. When he's enrolled in a school for gifted students, a series of embarrassments and mishaps makes him long for his old life.

Directors: David Silverman
Writer: Jon Vitti
Watch Now:Apple TV
Homer's Night Out
star
7.31
2300 votes

#6 - Homer's Night Out

Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired 3/25/1990

Bart puts his new spy camera to use when Homer gets rowdy at a bachelor party, and the incriminating photo gets distributed all over town.

Directors: Rich Moore
Writer: Jon Vitti
Watch Now:Apple TV
Bart the General
star
7.29
2536 votes

#7 - Bart the General

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 2/4/1990

Fed up with Nelson's bullying, the kids from Springfield Elementary decide to teach him a lesson. With advice from Grandpa, Bart leads them into battle.

Directors: David Silverman
Watch Now:Apple TV
Some Enchanted Evening
star
7.27
2135 votes

#8 - Some Enchanted Evening

Season 1 - Episode 13 - Aired 5/13/1990

While Homer takes Marge out for a night on the town, the kids spot their babysitter on America's Most Armed and Dangerous.

Watch Now:Apple TV
The Call of the Simpsons
star
7.27
2360 votes

#9 - The Call of the Simpsons

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 2/18/1990

Homer buys an RV and the family takes off on an ill-fated camping trip.

Directors: Wesley Archer
Watch Now:Apple TV
Moaning Lisa
star
7.23
2301 votes

#10 - Moaning Lisa

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 2/11/1990

When Lisa get a bad case of the blues, jazz musician Bleeding Gums Murphy teaches her how to express her feelings through music.

Directors: Wesley Archer
Watch Now:Apple TV
Life on the Fast Lane
star
7.22
2139 votes

#11 - Life on the Fast Lane

Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 3/18/1990

Homer gives Marge a bowling ball for her birthday, and his self-serving gift backfires: she starts taking lessons from a suave French bowling instructor. When the lessons take a romantic turn, Marge faces temptation.

Directors: David Silverman
Watch Now:Apple TV
The Telltale Head
star
7.19
2115 votes

#12 - The Telltale Head

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 2/25/1990

Bart tries to impress the school bullies by stealing the head of the Jebediah Springfield statue in the town square, but everyone is outraged by his act of vandalism.

Directors: Rich Moore
Watch Now:Apple TV
Homer's Odyssey
star
7.14
2919 votes

#13 - Homer's Odyssey

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 1/21/1990

Homer is fired for nearly causing a meltdown at the nuclear plant. Unable to provide for his family, he contemplates ending it all - until he discovers a new life path as a campaigner for safety.

Directors: Wesley Archer
Watch Now:Apple TV