The Simpsons celebrates its 20th anniversary

15/01/2010

The Simpsons is celebrating its 20th year this week, making it the longest-running sitcom in the US.

On January 14th 1990, the first episode of The Simpsons was broadcast, entitled 'Bart the Genius'.

Since then, creator Matt Groening has not looked back, entertaining audiences the world over with his quirky characters and satirical storylines.

The show has also attracted a wide range of guest stars, with celebrities such as Sir Paul McCartney, Bruce Willis and former British prime minister Tony Blair.

Spin-offs from the series have also enjoyed widespread success, with The Simpsons Movie released in 2007 and catchphrases from the show's signature characters appearing on a number of retro Tshirts.

One Simpsons fan is set to watch all 451 episodes back-to-back to celebrate the 20th anniversary.

Glynn Stott, 34, from Merthyr Tydfil, intends to stay awake for more than 150 hours in order to view the entire back catalogue, the Daily Telegraph reported.

If he manages to achieve his goal, he will earn himself a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.