The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening, debuting in 1989 on Fox. Known for its satirical portrayal of American life, politics, and pop culture, the series follows the Simpson family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie—in the fictional town of Springfield. It has become a cultural icon, influencing television comedy and animation, and holds the record as the longest-running scripted primetime TV series in U.S. history.