Why is the Simpson family depressing now?

They've been that way for a long time. What's made it prominent is the characters have become stereotypes of themselves as a result of the show living far beyond its shelf-life. I used to adore the show and can kind of still bear some of the later stuff but we're on season 30 last time I checked, with nearly 700 episodes. read more

This has all the classic elements of a tearjerking Simpson episode: Bart ashamed of his mistakes, Homer trying to provide for the family, and a heartwarming ending. read more

In the Family Guy episode "The Simpsons Guy", the Griffins visit Springfield and meet the Simpsons. The Simpsons has also influenced live-action shows like Malcolm in the Middle, which featured the use of sight gags and did not use a laugh track unlike most sitcoms. read more