Stupid TV, Be More Funny

“Diligently researched and written in a breezy, conversational style, Stupid TV is a fine addition to the growing body of literature devoted to an American classic.”–Wall Street Journal”[A]dmirable… Stupid TV, Be More Funny: How the Golden Era of The Simpsons Changed Television–and America–Forever, describes how the show’s tone sprouted straight from TV’s collective id, and how this family unit came to seem fully imagined, abstract yet absolute, boob tube history in psychedelic color.“–LA Review of Books”[A] love letter to America’s favorite dysfunctional family.” –Booklist, starred review“No family in American history–not the Kennedys, not the Jacksons, not the Brady Bunch–has done more for this glorious and misbegotten country than the Simpsons, who single-handedly defined the ‘90s, and truly great television, and rancid internet backlash, and defiant longevity. And nobody’s done more for the Simpsons than Alan Siegel, who perfectly captures both the eternal myth of that grody writers’ room, and the terrified and triumphant humans who toiled there. Best. Book. Ever.”–Rob Harvilla, author and host of 60 Songs That Explain the ‘90s“Stupid TV, Be More Funny is, without a doubt, the best Simpsons book ever. Rest assured that I was on the Internet within minutes registering my delight throughout the world with this loving account of the first, funniest decade of the greatest TV show of all time.”–Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone’s chief television critic and author of The Soprano Sessions and TV (The Book)“A great man named Homer once said trying is the first step towards failure; I would submit this terrific book as counter-evidence, as Alan Siegel’s efforts to explain The Simpsons’ lasting impact–on both television and society–have paid off here. STUPID TV, BE MORE FUNNY is a must-read for fans of the show, as it will only embiggen your appreciation for what it’s meant to pop culture.”–Mina Kimes, award-winning journalist and host for ESPN“If someone in the future wants to understand this F’d up, broken, consumer, faltering empire moment we’re in right now I’d show them five or six all-time Simpsons episodes with no explanation. Or maybe an hour long time share video sales pitch. But no one’s writing a whole book about time share sales pitches so here we are…”–Adam McKay, Academy Award-nominated writer and director

Los Angeles-based Ringer senior staff writer Alan Siegel specializes in pop culture retrospectives that take readers inside the making of iconic movies, television shows, and albums. Over the last 10 years, there’s no subject that he’s written about more than The Simpsons. He’s interviewed dozens of the show’s writers, producers, actors, guest stars, and fans for features that are some of his most popular articles.

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