Talking Simpsons - Podcast Rankings and reviews

As someone with a Simpson tattoo, I feel I have earned the right to speak on the quality of Simpsons-related media.

While I don’t have as much time to listen to podcasts as I used to, I never miss an episode of Talking Simpsons. The hosts are lifelong Simpsons fans, close friends, and former journalists. Not only do they have great chemistry as co-hosts and an undying passion for all things Simpsons, but they do incredibly thorough research and offer intelligent analysis to boot.

They have strong guests on the show too, often folks in the entertainment or animation industries, and several great interviews with Simpsons writers, showrunners, and directors as well. Factor that in with the regular bonus content they have covering other animated shows and movies, and it’s absolutely worth supporting them on Patreon.

Overall, it’s hilarious, heartfelt, interesting, and entertaining. If you’re a fan of the Simpsons and related media (Futurama, King of the Hill, the Critic, etc.), it’ll quickly become a go-to.

Hands down the best podcast on the history of the Simpsons and things that came from it. Not only are the episodes well researched, but the hosts are insightful and observational in ways that other podcasters usually don’t bother with. Bob and Henry go the extra mile bringing the listener great content!

I have loved this podcast for years and Bob and Henry are great researchers on obscure details and commentary trivia. I am switching off though; I’m as liberal as the average obsessive Simpsons viewer, but the hosts have started virtue signaling A LOT over the past year. I would love if they could keep personal politics out of it. Not all of us agree with blanket statements like “NAFTA was bad” or “This cancelled person is an evil hate monger forever and we agree with the loudest outraged voices.”

I wouldn’t even mind if they discuss what was going on politically during a particular episode, but to lay down heavy-handed beliefs with no rebuttal and personal pats on the back all around can be pretty hard to listen to. I wonder if they are worried about “cancel culture” coming after them. I think we’re all here to enjoy our childhood nostalgia in a wonderful concentration of clips and discussion. I hope they can get back to original form soon and just geek out with the rest of us. I will say that Nina is consistently delightful, as she doesn’t discuss politics and doesn’t seem worried about displeasing or pleasing listeners. She seems very comfortable behind the mic and neutralizes a lot of disquietude.

I’ve been listening for a few years and have enjoyed the banter and learning new details about the show.

However, cut back on the political chatter and culture war commentary. I share a lot of the hosts opinions, but I don’t want to keep hearing about the 2024 election on a Simpsons podcast. I listen to political podcasts often and don’t need that discussion creeping in to what had been escapism listening for me.