The Simpsons were a middle-class, picture-perfect family when they first appeared on TVs in 1989. Homer Simpson was a union worker with great benefits, despite not having a college education. The family also owned two cars and lived in a large, two-story house. (Albeit, right next to an annoying neighbor.
Things have changed 30 years later. The Indicator reported last year on an article in The Atlantic stating that Simpson’s lifestyle is no longer possible in today’s society. The Simpsons writers listened, and they recently produced an episode of their own!
Today, Simpsons writer Tim Long, and Al Jean, executive producer, explain why Bart Simpson won’t live up to his father Homer. It’s the American Dream as a matter of numbers.
Music: “Fantastic Journey”, “My Favorite Girl”, and “Twists & Turns.”
You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok
Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and NPR One.
You want economic stories right from your home? Get Planet Money’s weekly newsletter.
