Season 1

The first season began on December 17, 1989 with the first episode of the series, "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire," and ended on May 13, 1990 with "Some Enchanted Evening." Matt Groening, James L. Brooks and Sam Simon were the show runners of the season.

The original plan was to begin the season and the series in the Autumn of 1989 with "Some Enchanted Evening." However, the workprint of the episode was of poor quality and was declined to be used. 70% of its animation had to be redone, delaying it for months throughout the season until it finally being aired as the season finale on May 13, 1990. Subsequent episodes such as "Bart the Genius" had minor problems in production that were easy to fix and were suitable for airing. As "Some Enchanted Evening" was being overhauled, the producers decided to air the Christmas special, "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire," on December 17, 1989. The timing was very fortunate, as the episode would have had to be aired in the Christmas holidays of 1989 regardless of any other issues.

The season won one Emmy award and had four other nominations. "Life on the Fast Lane" won "Outstanding Animated Program," for which "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" was also a nominee. "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" was nominated for "Outstanding Editing in a Miniseries or Special"; "The Call of the Simpsons" was nominated for "Outstanding Individual Achievement in Sound Mixing for a Comedy Series or a Special"; and "The Simpsons Theme," composed by Danny Elfman, was nominated for "Outstanding Achievement in Main Title Theme Music."

All 13 episodes of Season 1, including extras such as the "Some Enchanted Evening" workprint, were released on DVD on September 25, 2001 in Region 1 and September 24, 2001 in Regions 2 and 4. This is the First of the Complete Seasons of The Simpsons released in boxsets for home media.

DVD Release
Season 1 was released on DVD by 20th Century Fox in Regions 2 and 4 on 24 September 2001, and on 25 September in Region 1. While primarily consisting of the original 13 episodes, the DVD release features bonus material including deleted scenes, Animatics, and commentaries for every episode. The set sold 1.9 million units, becoming the highest-selling television program on DVD—a record which it held until October 2004 when it was passed by the first season of Chappelle's Show.

Awards
The season won one Emmy award and had four other nominations. "Life on the Fast Lane" won "Outstanding Animated Program," for which "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" was also a nominee. "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" was nominated for "Outstanding Editing in a Miniseries or Special"; "The Call of the Simpsons" was nominated for "Outstanding Individual Achievement in Sound Mixing for a Comedy Series or a Special"; and "The Simpsons Theme," composed by Danny Elfman, was nominated for "Outstanding Achievement in Main Title Theme Music."

Writers
Mimi Pond, Jon Vitti, Jay Kogen, Wallace Wolodarsky, Al Jean, Mike Reiss, John Swartzwelder, Sam Simon, Matt Groening and George Meyer.

Guest Voices
Marcia Wallace, Sam McMurray, Susan Blu, Miriam Flynn, Albert Brooks, Christian Coffinet, Kelsey Grammer, Penny Marshall, June Foray, Paul Willson

Characters Introduced
Agnes Skinner, Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, Barney Gumble, Bleeding Gums Murphy, Blinky, Brunella Pommelhorst, Carl Carlson, Charlie, Chief Wiggum, Dewey Largo, Dr. J. Loren Pryor, Eddie, Edna Krabappel, Helen Lovejoy, Herman, Itchy & Scratchy, Janey Powell, Jasper Beardly, Jebediah Springfield, Judge Roy Snyder, Kent Brockman, Krusty the Clown, Lenny Leonard, Lewis, Lou, Martin Prince, Martin Prince Sr., Marvin Monroe, Milhouse Van Houten, Moe Szyslak, Mr. Burns, Mr. Winfield, Ms. Albright, Nelson, Ned Flanders, Old Jewish Man, Otto Mann, Patty Bouvier, Reverend Timothy Lovejoy, Richard, Rod Flanders, Sam and Larry, Santa's Little Helper, Scott Christian, Seymour Skinner, Sherri and Terri, Sideshow Bob, Snowball II, Space Mutants, Sylvia Winfield, The Happy Little Elves, Waylon Smithers, Wendell Borton.

Locations Introduced
Springfield Elementary School, Springfield Nuclear Power Plant, Springfield Mall, Springfield Town Hall, Springfield Bridge, Burns Manor, Noiseland Video Arcade, Kwik-E-Mart, Aztec Theater, Springfield Town Square, Barney&apos;s Bowlarama, Herman&apos;s Military Antiques, Springfield National Forest, First Church of Springfield, Ye Olde Off-Ramp Inn ,Moe&apos;s Tavern