The Simpsons Writer Mike Reiss Shares the Secret Behind the Show’s Success | The Businessweek Show

TL;DR

Mike Reiss shares insights on The Simpsons' enduring success.

Transcript

Mike Reese welcome wow thank you nice to be here what is the secret to making great television so that you know me and my colleagues can boy I don't know I don't know how's that first start to the interview that's very is very honest what what might it be but I was thinking about The Simpsons how it started up and I got offered the job there becaus... Read More

Key Insights

• Mike Reiss attributes The Simpsons' success to the team's inexperience and willingness to have fun, believing no one would watch.
• The show thrives on human stupidity, providing endless material as society continues to make foolish decisions.
• Reiss believes comedy can address any topic if enough time has passed, citing 'tragedy plus time equals comedy.'
• Despite changes, Reiss appreciates The Simpsons' evolution with diverse new writers contributing fresh perspectives.
• Lisa Simpson is considered underrated by Reiss, as she embodies the childhood experiences of the show's writers.
• Reiss admires Apu for his work ethic, paralleling the dedication of The Simpsons' production team.
• Reiss suggests that a joke's acceptability hinges on its humor, referencing Joan Rivers' ability to navigate controversial topics.
• The Simpsons' longevity is unmatched, being the longest-running scripted TV series by a significant margin.

Questions & Answers

Q: What does Mike Reiss attribute The Simpsons' success to?

Mike Reiss attributes The Simpsons' success to the team's initial inexperience and the freedom to have fun without the pressure of expectations. Believing that no one would watch, they focused on amusing themselves. This approach allowed for creativity and innovation, contributing to the show's enduring appeal.

Q: How does The Simpsons find material for its episodes?

The Simpsons finds material by drawing on human stupidity, which provides an endless source of content. As people continue to make foolish decisions, the show has a vast canvas to explore. This approach ensures that the show remains relevant and relatable, as society consistently offers new material to satirize.

Q: What is Mike Reiss's perspective on comedy and controversial topics?

Mike Reiss believes that comedy can address any topic if enough time has passed, adhering to the notion that 'tragedy plus time equals comedy.' He cites Joan Rivers as an example of someone who successfully navigated controversial subjects through humor, suggesting that the key to acceptability lies in the joke's comedic value.

Q: How does Mike Reiss view The Simpsons' current state?

Mike Reiss views The Simpsons' current state positively, appreciating the influx of diverse new writers who bring fresh perspectives to the show. He acknowledges that while there are jokes he might not choose, the diversity has allowed the show to grow and evolve, ensuring its continued relevance and appeal.

Q: Why does Mike Reiss consider Lisa Simpson underrated?

Mike Reiss considers Lisa Simpson underrated because she embodies the childhood experiences of the show's writers, who were often intelligent, principled, and socially awkward. Despite not being the funniest character, Lisa's traits resonate with the writers' own backgrounds, making her a significant and relatable figure within the show.

Q: What character does Mike Reiss admire and why?

Mike Reiss admires Apu for his work ethic, which he respects as it mirrors the dedication of The Simpsons' production team. Apu is portrayed as the only character in Springfield who works hard at his job, a trait that resonates with Reiss and highlights the value of diligence and perseverance in achieving success.

Q: How does Mike Reiss describe the evolution of The Simpsons?

Mike Reiss describes The Simpsons' evolution as a positive development, with the addition of diverse new writers contributing to the show's growth. This diversity brings new ideas and perspectives, allowing the show to adapt to changing times while maintaining its core humor and appeal. Reiss is relieved to no longer make key decisions, trusting the new team to carry the legacy forward.

Q: What is The Simpsons' standing in television history?

The Simpsons holds a remarkable standing in television history as the longest-running scripted TV series, surpassing others by a significant margin. Its longevity is a testament to its ability to adapt and remain relevant over decades, continually resonating with audiences through its humor, social commentary, and evolving cultural references.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Mike Reiss discusses The Simpsons' origins, highlighting the team's lack of experience and the freedom it provided. The show's humor draws from human folly, ensuring a wealth of material as society evolves. Reiss emphasizes that comedy can tackle any subject, given enough time.

• Reiss reflects on The Simpsons' current state, noting the infusion of diverse new writers has revitalized the show. He appreciates the evolution and is relieved not to make decisions anymore. Reiss values Lisa Simpson for her intelligence and principles, reminiscent of the writers' childhoods.

• Reiss admires Apu's work ethic, mirroring the dedication of the show's creators. He argues that humor is key to a joke's acceptability, citing Joan Rivers' success with controversial material. The Simpsons remains the longest-running scripted TV series, a testament to its enduring appeal.