On An Open Fire - [s1e1] Simpsons Roasting

(S1E1) is the legendary 1989 Christmas special that launched the world's most famous animated family into a half-hour series. The Plot: A Not-So-Merry Christmas

This episode was actually the eighth produced but aired first. The originally intended pilot, "Some Enchanted Evening," was delayed due to major animation errors.

In this debut, several characters looked different than they do today; for instance, Barney Gumble had yellow hair, and Moe Szyslak had black hair.

Desperate for a miracle, Homer and Bart head to the dog track on Christmas Eve to bet Homer's meager $13 earnings on a dog named . Although the dog finishes dead last, he is abandoned by his owner and subsequently adopted by the Simpsons, becoming "the best gift of all". Fascinating Trivia

When Homer learns he won’t be receiving a Christmas bonus, he takes a second job as a mall Santa to cover the family's holiday expenses. This financial crunch is worsened after Marge is forced to spend the family's savings to surgically remove a "Mother" tattoo that Bart got impulsively at the Happy Sailor .

Viewed by approximately 13.4 million people , it was one of the highest-rated shows in Fox’s young history at the time.

(S1E1) is the legendary 1989 Christmas special that launched the world's most famous animated family into a half-hour series. The Plot: A Not-So-Merry Christmas

This episode was actually the eighth produced but aired first. The originally intended pilot, "Some Enchanted Evening," was delayed due to major animation errors. [S1E1] Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire

In this debut, several characters looked different than they do today; for instance, Barney Gumble had yellow hair, and Moe Szyslak had black hair. (S1E1) is the legendary 1989 Christmas special that

Viewed by approximately 13.4 million people , it was one of the highest-rated shows in Fox’s young history at the time.