Twelve Writers From “The Simpsons” Who Have Gone on to Run Their Own Shows

The Simpsons is the longest-running scripted primetime series of all time.  Later this year will mark the beginning of the monumental 30th season.  Between the cultural craze and the multiple- and, I mean multiple- awards- The Simpsons has been one of the most influential television shows of our, or any, generation.  Created way back in 1989 for Fox Broadcasting Company, there is no way that Matt Groening had any idea that this cartoon family would still be so relevant today.

To this day over 125 writers have been credited for work on The Simpsons.  Many of them owe a debt of gratitude to Groening for giving them a platform to start their careers.  There is also a slew of creators, producers, and showrunners, that without Groening’s brilliant creation may not have had as an illustrious career as they have enjoyed.  Let’s take a look at some of the best writers to come out of The Simpsons bullpen and who went on to run, and sometimes create their own television series.

Al Jean and Mike Reiss

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Al Jean and Mike Reiss wrote many memorable episodes for The Simpsons together during the 90’s.  They are often recognized for outstanding work during the early years of the show.  Jean, still writes Simpsons episodes from time to time including the now running 29th season.  But, in 1994 the pair of writers went on to create their own series that managed three seasons.  The Critic was a show that starred Jon Lovitz as a lovable, yet neurotic film critic.  At one point, The Critic’s Jon Sherman even played a cameo in an unforgettable Simpsons episode. After The Critic’s cancellation, both Reiss and Jean would return to The Simpsons with Al serving as the longest-running executive producer in the show’s history.