The Simpsons’ opening theme is such a beloved international pop-culture staple that even a straight-faced live-action replication of it recently became an Internet sensation. Driven by Danny Elfman’s infectious theme—a ditty that owes a suspicious, if not lawsuit-worthy, debt to Andre Previn’s score for One Two Three—The Simpsons’ opening sequence finds each of the family members in a trademark pose. Lisa’s blowing a crazy be-bop saxamaphone solo, Bart’s in trouble, Homer’s racing away from work, and Marge is ensnared in domestic duties with Maggie in tow. Like all great opening sequences, The Simpsons’ grooves on ritual and repetition, but throws in a pair of curveballs in two constantly changing running gags: the couch gag, which is usually funny and inventive, and Bart’s opening chalkboard gag, which usually is not. Considering how conducive The Simpsons has been to insane over-the-top fandom, it’s only fitting that it’d feature a credits sequence that holds up to thousands of viewings.
