The Simpsons stands as one of the most recognizable series ever. The animated comedy focuses on the lives of The Simpson family, introducing audiences to relatable parents like Homer and Marge, as well as their unforgettably entertaining children.

What makes The Simpsons truly exceptional is its ability to regularly parody aspects of American life while introducing new characters to the Western cartoon canon. An efficient combination of being influenced and subsequently influencing, these 15 seasons best demarcate the best of the series from the rest.

15 Season 33

If The Simpsons already experienced a second wind during the early 2010s, the 33rd season could arguably be considered the beginning of its third wind. Premiering in 2021,the season saw new changes to the dynamics between longtime fan favorites and proved to audiences that the whimsical family and their townsfolk had more exciting stories to share.

The Start of Something New(er)

While fans and critics alike could not resign to the idea that the show was the same, they were still able to find the beloved qualities that bolstered the show's worldwide adoration. In episodes such as "Bart's In Jail" and "A Serious Flanders", topics such as charity, thievery, and online scamming are evaluated under The Simpsons' comical yet informative tone. Setting the foundation for the show's current resurgence, Season 33 gets the ball rolling on the recent celebration of the storylines and character development.

14 Season 13

Despite being far removed from the fan-approved "Golden Age" of the series, Season 13 contained plenty of enjoyable episodes for most of 2002. Some episodes such as "She Of Little Faith" were praised for its insight into concepts such as religion, while others like "Treehouse Of Horror" see celebrated traditions continue to shape the identity of The Simpsons.

A Worthy Season in Its Own Right

Season 13 was perceived as an improvement compared to the prior two, with its run being regarded as better constructed. Guest appearances by Richard Gere and Julia Louis-Dreyfus were highlighted by critics as some of the season's best creative decisions. In spite of troubling depictions of countries like Brazil, Season 13 has largely held up as a perfectly fine season for fans of The Simpsons.

13 Season 2

Deemed by many to be the most underrated season of the series, Season 2 premiered in 1990 to a strong, positive reception. While the prior season introduced the Simpson family into the homes of millions across the world, the second season expands the horizons and explores the greater community, inviting even more hilarious characters into the fictional universe.

An Appreciated Evolution

Following the now-iconic family into their second season, many reveled in the decision to showcase more of the town rather than simply focusing on the Simpson household. In doing so, the series revealed an extra layer of craftiness and insight that might have been overlooked in the first season. Episodes like "The Way We Was" and "Itchy & Scratchy & Marge" proved that The Simpsons could meaningfully engage in discussions about topics like censorship and provide additional backstory for the characters audiences have come to love.

12 Season 10

Widely perceived as the cut-off season for the show's seemingly flawless run, Season 10 introduced some of the series' most notable examples of bizarre antics, with some landing and others being highlighted as a sign of the show's decline in quality. Despite the early signs of criticism, Season 10 included episodes such as "They Saved Lisa's Brain", which fans and critics alike both consider to be the most reminiscent of the show's episodes in its heyday.

A Notable, Quirky Transition

Season 10 saw many aspects of prior seasons being transformed from special and creative decisions to permanent, running gags that either enhanced an episode or weakened the structure of the story at hand. Guests like Stephen Hawkings and episodes like "Marge Simpson in: "Screaming Yellow Honkers" managed to spark up interesting conversations about local politics, the pursuit of power and road rage, respectively.

11 Season 15