The creative team behind The Simpsons have not been shy about blasting corporate cousin Fox News over the years, and the silver anniversary of the Fox Television Network is no exception. Following a re-broadcast of the series’ first episode, “Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire,” the show’s creative team appended a title card to the credits, which read “Congratulations FOX on 25 years…We still love you*.”That asterisk was followed by the disclaimer “*This doesn’t include Fox News.”
For almost all of the Fox Network’s 25 year history, The Simpsons has been a pillar of their success, but the show’s creators have made no bones about their distaste for Fox News, with whom they share a corporate parent. Now in it’s 23rd season, The Simpsons began running a series of Fox News helicopter gags in their opening credits last season that included fictional slogans like “Fox News: Not Racist, But #1 With Racists” and “Fox News: Unsuitable For Viewers Under 75.”
Fox News personality Bill O’Reilly bit back at the cartoon series at the time, characterizing his cable news employers as “the hand that feeds them,” which, given The Simpsons‘ longevity and importance to Fox, seems like an inversion of the relationship.
Still, an anniversary like this is supposed to be a happy occasion, not a chance to take cheap shots, even at people you think deserve them. If conservatives ever create a funny show, here’s hoping they show more restraint.
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