20 Hidden Gems from Modern Simpsons

[@TheRealJims]

Big thanks to Matt Selman for providing some picks for this video, as well a NICKtendo for helping out on one of the segments! (What is this, a crossover episode?)

[@freakfoxvevo7915]

You know a Simpsons channel's gone big when one of the crew members notices it.

[@davidmoncholi6746]

Good video jims

[@coquimapping8680]

Yeah, you’re a big channel now.

[@Elvusmiw]

NICKtendo the master of the simpsons

[@milesbaureis504]

@@davidmoncholi6746 Agreed. And I can't believe Matt Selman actually provided his picks! Awesome! And Nicktendo's cameo was awesome too!

[@TheRealJims]

This was a one-off project I had in the works for awhile. I get asked sometimes about some modern episodes that I recommend watching, so I wanted to put together a formal video as a reference point. It was also a good opportunity to talk about some of the more overlooked modern episodes, since I had just talked about some of the heavy-hitter faves with PhantomStrider. There are so many solid episodes that rarely get talked about in general.

[@milesbaureis504]

I really hope you see this comment. I made subtitles for your Kirk Van Houten video. drive.google.com/folderview?id=1-BpQ3U7D3SNi2PhhETwXATEMXmkB37j6 If you think they're good enough, lmk if you need some help with adding them to the video. P.S. Sorry if I seem like I'm spamming, I just can't find my old comments.

[@DOUGL4S1]

Amazing video. I always felt like mid-late Seasons get a lot of undeserving hate, and while the amount of episodes to be considered future classics per season, overall, has decreased (only natural for a show that's been going for 32 Seasons), I commend them for trying different things even if some weren't as great or memorable (or memorable for the wrong reasons). By the way, what's your opinion on Diary Queen?

[@milesbaureis504]

@@DOUGL4S1 I agree with your thoughts on HD Simpsons, and I love that profile pic.

[@Enevan1968]

Please, please, please, do on on Martin Pince!

[@FernandoLopez-xu8do]

Hey those two ideas of more modern recommendations and middle seasons recommendations are good ones and I want to watch them. But the futuristic ones are veeery good (except the one of Bart going back with Jenda). Keep on that way!

[@waywardlaser]

I think the thing that pains me while watching new Simpsons the most is the sound of Julie Kavner's voice. The poor woman has passed her prime and deserves a retirement.

[@Batkenpre]

Same I feel to bad listening to her voice and I once literally yelled let her retire my god

[@Intrspace]

Just recast the voice actor :)

[@NUFC_Adam]

It’s really distracting in the last few seasons. Her voice is fine up until around season 26 then it takes a big decline.

[@NUFC_Adam]

@Kenny McCormick Her voice is especially bad in seasons 31 & 32 when she has to raise her voice or say something that is especially taxing. It’s sad to hear really.

[@i.m.evilhomer5084]

Poor Julie, you can tell she's trying. However, she can still do the rest of the Bouvier family. I know Nancy Cartwright can do a pretty fantastic Marge impression, maybe the showrunners & producers should look into that.

[@cometmoon4485]

What I really like about Saga of Carl is that you can go about and watch previous episodes through the lens that Carl doesn't really consider the tavern guys as his friends, and it makes quite a bit of sense. Lines like: "I'm tired of dumbing down for you" and "This is why I don't talk much". How he seems to be really irritated with being paired with lenny in Mountain of Madness, how he sees himself in the stars that one time when lenny sees Carl- it all adds up and culminates to this episode nicely.

[@TheBcoolGuy]

I'm Swedish and I liked the part with the icelandic. I can understand some of it. Many interests of characters in new or new-ish seasons seem very unlikely, though. Including Homer's approach to old norse (basically the same thing as Icelandic). I am also impressed how they managed to do a "subversion of expectations based on race" without it coming across as preachy woke crap, though this is no doubt to this episode being pretty old and being made when Apu hadn't yet been driven out of town for being foreign and successful and it was okay for Carl to be played by someone who is not black and who defined the character. You know, pretending to be someone else. A little thing called acting.

[@sicksalt7765]

@@TheBcoolGuy Why are you rambling to yourself LMFAO

[@cerdgold225]

​@@sicksalt7765Dude is just posting his thoughts about the episode. No need to be rude.

[@sicksalt7765]

@@cerdgold225 don’t play dumb. “Preachy woke crap”? “A little thing called acting”? That bullshit is completely unprovoked and completely deserving of criticism.

[@ssgoko88]

​@@sicksalt7765I'm on your side these two guys are sycophants who want a platform but for some reason chose someone else's KZbin comment to be that platform

[@Whymust898]

You can reach out to the production staff now? Wow, therealjims is getting big in the Simpsons influencer sphere

[@conradlorgar5508]

... yes that is how social media works, did you think being on a production staff made you only talk to those who work in the industry lol

[@Whymust898]

@@conradlorgar5508 I mean there’s a difference between just reaching out and actually getting a reply. I could tweet or DM all the simpsons writers right now, but it doesn’t mean they’d reply to me

[@conradlorgar5508]

@@Whymust898 if you just spam them.for no reason sure I mean I doubt most people know who they are or care so they probably dont get as many DMs as you think If you have a genuine question for them then I'm sure youd get some reply from at least one

[@DOUGL4S1]

inb4 he guest stars in an episode.

[@theletterl8948]

@@DOUGL4S1 Therealjims does?

[@lordcharles9786]

The newest episode covering the death of Miss Krabapple and Bart finding her diary was really good

[@carlyskolnik296]

Agreed

[@LechuKawaii]

What's the name of the episode?

[@carlyskolnik296]

@@LechuKawaii diary queen I believe

[@maazahmedpoke]

Wait when did she die? Didnt she get married to ned?

[@whyumad8008]

@@maazahmedpoke when her VA Michelle Wallace died back in 2013

[@AndrewMooreMar]

TheRealJims, you're reeeeaaally challenging about 15 years of stubborness of me avoiding "new" Simpsons episodes. And I'm diggin it. I can't adequately describe how much I love your videos. Please let them be many more. Thanks for this channel and all the work you put on it!

[@ShwartsFN]

2 years and still no reply 💀

[@VaporYTVideo]

I took the time to watch seasons 20-31 in their entirety, it's surprising just how drastic the quality of each episode goes between a few stinkers, a large amount of okay ones, and a few reeeeeally good ones

[@joaquinm9148]

Huh, interesting

[@razkable]

@@joaquinm9148 no hes right..as a simpsons fan seasons 9-11 are very good and 12-19 are still good just not as good as the first 11 seasons..but after that it gets bad usually seasons 20-32...but then theres a few gems...its just mostly meh to bad

[@ColinElkin-ce1337]

I always found that seasons 14-18 were the worst of the series, as it was clear that the writers and producers were burned out from making the movie in parallel with making regular episodes (and probably also being in shock the show had been lasting that long). The post-movie seasons seemed to be a gradual improvement, as a) the movie was finished and behind them, and b) they were completely aware that the show is going to last forever, so they treat production like a marathon rather than a sprint. This means they have to have a balance of good episodes and mediocre episodes for the sake of their own sanity, rather than "sprinting" through the first 8 seasons when they probably assumed that the show would end after 8-11 seasons, like most good sitcoms usually do.

[@overdrive7349]

I feel like any kind of show is like that. There are some good ones and there are some not good ones.

[@rayvenkman2087]

That's a good assessment of why Post-Golden Age Simpsons feels different from Golden Age Simpsons. The consistency factor.

[@Godzilla00X]

I always appreciate your neutral stance to modern Simpsons. I feel like people are super fast to throw it out (understandable) but it's always nice to find someone willing to give it a fair assessment

[@spicybeantofu]

They must be a real fan of the show.

[@daniel-vn4ql]

defentely there are lots of great modern episodes. i have to say session 32 was great. think there was no bad episode.

[@freddiesimmons1394]

@@daniel-vn4ql really? Alright, I'll take you up on that

[@rogerl6212]

It's trash, dude.

[@noaht2005]

That’s what I like about him. He appreciates the whole series and doesn’t simply say ‘modern simpsons bad’

[@ToonrificTariq]

When Nick showed up, my eye’s nearly flew out of their sockets like The Scorpion’s Tale.

[@davidmoncholi6746]

Ha ha I sudod like Nelson

[@NICKtendoReviews]

I channeled a little bit of “asshole Scoob Review” Nick for my review here

[@davidjones3165]

God I hate that episode

[@nessesaryschoolthing]

"Hi, everybody!" "Hi, Dr NICKtendo!

[@jackdaniels7051]

That was about the reaction I had when Jims showed up on EmpLemon.

[@timothygeorge5806]

I love 'The saga of Carl' - it's definitely worth a watch if you haven't seen it yet. I really appreciate that they got the band Sigur Ros to provide music for the episode too, the background music that plays throughout really sets this episode apart from regular episodes.

[@CrowTRobot]

Whoa, I didn't know that. That's awesome.

[@J0000OOOO]

@@CrowTRobot Likenesses of them appear briefly in the episode too.

[@Northbirdy]

Its also my favorite HD episode by far

[@rheubarbarum5423]

Also, it's written by writer of "Jurassic Bark", so obviously must see))

[@ethansloan]

Love that episode.

[@TimL_]

Though not as bright as the originals, every new season has a couple of hidden gems. Interesting list!

[@carlyskolnik296]

Agreed

[@ManlyPuffs]

Season 32 started out rough, but has become one of my favorite modern seasons. I am usually a prudent for newer ones, but The Road to Cincinnati is hands down one of the best episodes.

[@cortomaltese5206]

Haven't watched that one yet. Is it really that good?

[@cipherbunz2612]

@@cortomaltese5206 ive watched it, and i can confirm its really good!!! :D

[@DonutMaster56]

There are three episodes from season 32 that I really enjoy- I, Carambus; The Road to Cincinnati; and The Last Barfighter

[@butterpaladin369]

I'm actually so happy Squirt and the Whale was selected for this list. I remember me and my friend watched a few episodes of the modern era when we were kids and this one we always quoted a lot. Amongst the modern classics, this is one episode I've always had an appreciation for.

[@AdamRossD]

I re-watched this one recently. It's such an emotional gut punch when Lisa has the dream of the whale being rescued and then wakes up to find out the whale has died.

[@acasta403]

I really like the way you presented these episodes. You gave a few pointers about the setup, a handful of reasons why they're fun, but it didn't feel like you gave too much away. That made it really intriguing.

[@warrenlehmkuhleii8472]

I never realized your profile was a sleeping Yoshi before.

[@foxyshibata3783]

Same. I never looked at it that closely before.

[@iowsiam492]

Its from an old video of his from like 10 years ago called "tribute to yoshi"

[@HOTD108_]

It's a screenshot from Smash Bros. Brawl, I'm pretty sure.

[@mergieismoronic]

@@HOTD108_ Yeah, it’s from the intro.

[@fazboisproductionsfan]

@@mergieismoronic and it also appears in subspace emissary when link finds yoshi

[@ghyuty17]

Sky Police is probably my favorite post-classic episode. So happy that Matt Selmon nominated it. 500 Keys is a very close second

[@Marylandbrony]

I hope one of your favorites is “The day the earth stood cool” about Springfield being turned into Portland basically. I love the hipster parent characters and is a rare example of reverse travel episode. Also I’m just a sucker for 2010s aesthetics. That episode is a perfect time capsule of that era.

[@BoonMcNougat]

If I'm remembering right, that's the episode that introduced me properly to the Flight of the Conchords, and for that alone I'll remember it fondly.

[@cortomaltese5206]

2010's aesthetics?

[@AlkisenSuper]

@@BoonMcNougat Nope, that was Elementary School Musical. Which if you ask me is a horrible episode.

[@lmao.3661]

it was _literally_ a couple years ago dude

[@CantusTropus]

How can you be nostalgic for an aesthetic that's still dominant? It's not like the 2020s had some sudden design aesthetic revolution.

[@nathanielbacon2661]

Halloween Of Horror is one of my Top 20 Simpsons episodes of all time. So funny, such great observational humor, such an emotional punch when Tailee burns up. The Homer/Lisa story really is moving. And the parody of Time Warp "Grown-up Halloween" is one of the show's best song satires. Just exceptional.

[@cortomaltese5206]

Hot take: season 28s havana wild weekend is really underated. Its honestly great to see the show deal with such a personal theme in elder people's life. But in the end, you can't escape the present. The one about lisas wierd friend and esccapism was cool too.

[@carlycarmine3858]

There's another one in season 28 that's even better: it's the Christmas episode, I just find Sideshow Mel's suffering hilarious and nothing hurts more than getting dumped on Christmas

[@stproducciones9140]

you should do one on the middle seasons. they have a special place in my heart specially since they were the last seasons with the original mexican voice cast that all of latin america fell in love with.

[@Carlos-hk4ot]

Apyo la moción... con toda violencia

[@christiancardenas2975]

Y ya volvieron las voces!!! 😍

[@Ekraelum]

Season 32, they came back!

[@gacd2104]

I have a problem with "Covercraft" which is that Homer asks Apu if he knows how to sing like if The Be Sharps never happened.

[@stryke-jn3kv]

Like classic Simpsons never did that with their multiple ends of the same school year, multiple seasonal holidays, and other such things that can not co-exist in the same continuity and so on. Real Jims even has a video on the floating timeline.

[@jeremysiron9622]

I didn’t mind... there are so many Simpsons episodes that they would have to be so careful on every line of dialogue, they wouldn’t be able to freely write....The stuff that bugs me the most is like “that 90s show” where they took an old story and moved it up to 20 years, it’s already impossible to have the timeline makes sense, there’s no point in changing the time when Homer and Marge met, that could always be the 70s

[@innertuber4049]

@@stryke-jn3kv the difference here is that it's one of the most memorable Apu moments in the classic show, outside of his spotlight immigration episode. Everyone remembers Baby On Board. It just feels weird to have such an important episode seemingly ignored.

[@rosselanor]

I miss Apu. Great character destroyed by so called social justice.

[@innertuber4049]

@@rosselanor I mean, apparently there are a lot of Indian immigrants who don't the existence of the character harmful. Many of whom haven't seen the Simpsons, granted, but if it's a majority, there's at least some addressing warranted, maybe a recast. Personally, I think the writers and Hank did a decent job making him feel like a normal person like everyone else, who happened to come from a different culture, but I wouldn't be offended if they were completely off. Somebody from that culture might, so I see where they were coming from, though I'm kind of tired of them bending over backwards everytime they see a negative review.

[@Wolfdogg]

I'd absolutely love to see a follow-up to this list, whether it's more HD Simpsons or "the middle years".

[@razkable]

for others the show is given flack after season 8 but to me seasons 9-11 are still great ..12 is good..13 is fine..and 14-like 21 are still classic enough mostly..but after that it got really bad ..seasons 22-32 should not exist ..they make like 1-2 good eps a year...if you combined all the good eps from seasons 22-32 they may have like maybe 1 1/2 ok seasons of t.v...thats not good...

[@vphiameradisogaarwa]

I second that idea.

[@caldog619]

Another couple of hidden gems they could potentially include might be “22 for 30”, “Barthood”, “Way of the Dog”, “A Springfield summer Christmas Christmas” and “The road to Cincinnati”.

[@TheZeagon]

wonder where he got the title for his new video lmao

[@janamohr448]

I swear, every video your editing gets better. I started out just loving your series because it got me back in touch with a show I loved, but your videos are just so nice and stylish, helping me understand what you are talking about better, and just being fun to watch. Love your stuff

[@moonstoneuniverse8516]

Russi Taylor loved her last performance she laughed at the script the whole time 🥰🥰🥰 miss her

[@dannythomas417]

Me too. But at least we still have Tress MacNeille with us. She’s the reason I watch this modern shitfest. And her death is most likely the only way it’s gonna end. ‘Cause many people love that woman.

[@restionSerpentine]

Barthood Is my Go to Recommendation when people say they don't make good simpsons anymore.

[@alicekranyk4173]

It really wasn't that good though, to be real.

[@Onemancheeseburgerapocalips]

Yes, they will never make good Simpsons episodes again. Of course, there were good episodes other than Barthood, but the rest could be counted by fingers.

[@danieltodorov7753]

@@Onemancheeseburgerapocalips You're insane.

[@nicwoolfe3885]

Just finished LS Mark’s big binge yesterday. Ready for the brighter side of modern Simpsons to shine!

[@CrowTRobot]

I understand that the task is gargantuan but I lost interest in LS Mark's video when he kept skipping the bulk of Season 3/Season 4/Season 5 episodes with "it's fine" and one-word jokes as his review. Maybe my expectations were unreasonable.

[@skullcandy14785]

@@CrowTRobot lowkey yes but 6 hours of content is decent binge

[@conradlorgar5508]

@@CrowTRobot I feel the same but I gave up because I had no idea what episode he was referencing since hed just give the title and his opinion on it which like you said went from "its fine" to "it was an interesting episode with some of the jokes going on just long enough to be good like that joke with lisa" While I'm sitting here trying to figure out if I've seen the episode or even which one it is

[@toooydoeur]

Yeah that vid was trash

[@conradlorgar5508]

@@skullcandy14785 just watch a playlist on his page, its basically the same but better

[@doulikebread1283]

I was really happy to seen Halloween of Horror on here - I know it’s a clichéd choice, but I really love that episode, it’s plotting and structure is masterful with Taily, Everscream Terrace and Adult Halloween seamlessly coming together in the end. Honestly, it’s (embarrassingly) possibly my favourite episode of the entire show. And this video was really great by the way, I enjoyed the variation of your usual editing style!

[@jbcatz5]

I really like how well the family is characterised. There’s no jerkass, just a family trying to work through a crisis while not neglecting anyone.

[@jaska8203]

"The most difficult episode to Google" *shows a screenshot of Google where the first result is the searched episode*

[@ManOfEngland12]

Cookies

[@MunkiZee]

@@ManOfEngland12 Nachos

[@frednificent]

I hope he gets fired for that blunder

[@dontspikemydrink9382]

... that is because he wrote episode

[@yyeahsure]

>silent hill 2 music behind the Treehouse of Horror segment Perfect.

[@EndOfSmallSanctuary97]

Silent Hill 2's music is pretty much my favourite music ever

[@MissHashshashin]

its also the silent hill 2 song that seems to be used in every single creepy pasta reading video

[@gabrielandino8738]

"Oh no, Willy didn't make it, and he crushed our boy!"

[@DYLANDUNCAN]

Ugh, what a mess.

[@strangebrooch]

@@DYLANDUNCAN I don't like this new director's cut!

[@NYRfan85]

I'm so glad Halloween of Horror made it on this list...it really is one of the best HD-era episodes. The Homer-Lisa dynamic is just perfect in that episode, and their story is so well-written and truly builds the suspense like any Halloween-themed episode should. Not to mention the animation was top-notch! I also agree with your point about modern Simpsons doing the past-timeline episodes so well. I really do enjoy the episodes focusing on Homer's childhood, and his relationship with his parents. They've really given Homer a great backstory through those episodes.

[@MaxieMeat]

*Sees TheRealJims upload* "Just hook it to my veeeeins!"

[@mathieuleader8601]

I think the Town would have worked well as a Simpsons finale with a post-credits scene with Bart and Lisa in their teens returning to Springfield with an older Maggie

[@i.m.evilhomer5084]

I'm glad people are now going to discover Covercraft. Now "Hoping for a Dream" will get stuck in their head & everyone will demand it get released as a single. Get that # going! An overall fantastic list. Another modern episode I recommend is King Leer. It's got freaking Ray Liotta & Debi Mazar as Moe's dad & sister! Which is just perfect casting right there. Much Apu About Something is another good episode that deals with Apu's family issues with his American born nephew Jay. It has aged really well in light of recent news.

[@thenostalgicyoshi7149]

Personally, my favorite modern episode is "At Long Last, Leave" from season 23. A very unique episode with some very good stuff put into it. It makes perfect sense that it's the 500th episode of the show. I'm glad you put "How I Wet Your Mother," "The Marge-ian Chronicles," "Sky Police," and "Labor Pains" on this list, although "Halloween of Horror" is overrated and "The Good, The Bad and the Drugly" is pretty bad. For me there's definitely more to see than just the first eight seasons, despite the decrease in quality over the years.

[@robertdullnig3625]

After watching this season's Christmas episode, I really like the idea of genre parodies where the Simpsons don't start off as the main characters, and we see an outsider's view of their world.

[@davidriley8316]

I'm going to be bold: I don't think the HD seasons are crap. Not every ep is a winner, but it does capture our times.

[@carlyskolnik296]

Agreed

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

Agreed.

[@MaxOakland]

I don’t think it captures our times as well as old Simpsons captured it’s times

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

@@MaxOakland Eh, actually, it kinda does.

[@tearfulsmiles9901]

Yeah, but our times are crap.

[@mightyfilm]

My personal favorite of recent episodes was actually pretty recent. I think this season, maybe. I forget the title, but the one where Chalmers and Skinner go on a road trip to a Superintendent convention or something. Yeah, we all love Steamed Hams and various clashes between Super Nintendo Chalmers and SKI-I-I-INNERRRR!!! But this episode expands on their relationship with a very satisfying, heartfelt ending. Skinner's earnestness isn't just a series of "lookit how lame he is" gags, and he does come off as a genuine character who really wants to do good by his job. Something I love seeing. Plus, it's nice for an episode to not focus on any of the A-list characters.

[@cortomaltese5206]

I think it's called road o Cincinati

[@carlyskolnik296]

Good choice

[@DrTeeth-ss1ek]

Wow you actually reached out to Matt Selman? That’s awesome!

[@pieandchickeneater]

I really like the new animation you used in regards to the episode countdown

[@ndv135]

"The Saga of Carl" also has a really good score, which isn't something that I normally think about in the Simpsons, so it really caught me off guard the first time.

[@strangebrooch]

"Halloween of Horror" and "Thanksgiving of Horror" are both terrific episodes -- maybe they should do "Christmas of Horror" in season 33 or whatever the next one is. They've clearly got a streak going. Also, the turkey segment in "Thanksgiving of Horror" is pretty hilarious with the captions on. It's all stuff like "[dramatic gobbling]."

[@jbcatz5]

I’d be up for a Christmas themed anthology, especially if there’s more Black Mirror type storytelling like the middle story in Thanksgiving of Horror.

[@bubbletrubble9655]

Krampus tries to kidnap Bart; parody of Jack Frost with a horror twist, maybe the Golem can return for Hanukkah

[@d-manthecaptain1382]

Fun fact, The Squirt and the Whale was one of the only episodes I ever saw when I was younger it really grossed me out, for some reason it didn't traumatize me but it was one of those "I shouldn't be watching this" type feelings, the strange thing is that when ever I remembered that episode, I always misremembered it as an episode of The Replacements with Riley in LIsa's role, I'm not sure why that happened.

[@carvahaunter122]

I looked into Season 21 and a lot of memories resurfaced including the whale one, I remember the explosion scene. But the thing that disturbed me the most was the scene in THOH 19 where Krusty goes feet first into a wood chipper lol

[@willemdafoe6256]

Two modern episode I would suggest are "Forgive and Regret" and "Road to Cincinnati"

[@cortomaltese5206]

Forgive and Regret was so sweet!

[@jonathenlester4044]

You must Attack his heart!

[@schtuff.8207]

Road To Cincinnati is phenomenal

[@razkable]

the good the bad and the drugly is hilarious

[@iowsiam492]

@@schtuff.8207 is that the Chalmers Skinner episode?

[@toon4thought]

Amazing video, Jims. This is a discussion point that I feel you just can't go wrong with, and you more than roll with the opportunity. Like, you've immediately convinced me to check out a handful of these episodes after I get off work.

[@ViscyBiscy]

Its frustrating when I see people shrug off modern Simpsons entirely because the overall quality of a season dropped. Where as classic Simpsons the majority of the season was decent and worth watching, modern Simpsons isn't as solid but there are still a good handful of episodes per season to watch. You just have to sift through a lot of mediocre/bad stuff to get to the gold.

[@vin8754]

Im not watching over 100 episodes that are bad/mediocre to get like 5 good ones

[@tommerker8063]

@@vin8754 that ratio is pretty exagerated, also no one is forcing you to watch them all. if you don't like an episode just skip it. if that is a problem for you maybe look for some professisonal help

[@ShelledHandle]

@@vin8754 honestly I'd say at least half of each HD season is solid

[@kidcharlemagne3044]

@@ShelledHandle agreed. They have reached a point where they have jumped the shark so much that they can just do whatever they want and that’s good. So much better than the confusing in-limbo seasons 12-16

[@obviouspineapple1660]

I agree. Not only are there several good modern episodes, but modern Simpsons seasons as a whole are worlds better than many middle Simpsons seasons, particularly seasons 11-13.

[@DarkHound5]

I have to say, you really nailed a lot of the choices. You've outdone yourself once again.

[@stryke-jn3kv]

I did a binge last year thanks to your channel alone pretty much persuading me to get disney+ and give this seasons a chance so really appreciate these video. You also got all the ones I think are great, including Krusty the Clown which I think is the one that surprised me the most. As someone whose read far too many AVClub reviews over the years for once modern Simpsons absolutely nails the satire to the wall it's that spot on.

[@madfrog148]

I feel like A totally fun thing that Bart will never do again from season 23 should be on this list. It shows a side of Bart that we rarely see: he's worried if he's living his life to the fullest and he shows real honest care for his family and wants them to be happy - even though he doesn't consider that plan of his fully through. Also it's really funny and has a very sweet ending - exactly what I want from a Bart episode.

[@andergustafson6664]

and it features a really good song to convey Bart going through the motions

[@Scarfy397]

The initial plotline always felt a little off to me, but the ending sequence more than made up for it. Decent episode overall.

[@qazmko22]

17:53 is legit one of my fave simpsons episodes.. of all time.. it just like the sweet and simple story really is

[@s0lidsnack448]

Really wish I saw "A Totally Fun Thing That Bart Will Never Do Again" or "The Food Wife" on this list...but this is a good roundup nonetheless.

[@westminsterabbey.6916]

I appreciate the use of a different piece of background music to set the tone for each episode. You didn’t have to take the extra time to do that but you did, and it makes a real difference.

[@CrowTRobot]

Middle seasons: I loved I Am Furious Yellow and Weekend at Burnsies. Used to rewatch them for a quick laugh.

[@carlyskolnik296]

Yes love those episodes and I am furious yellow is one of my all time faves

[@thanatosalter]

Really what I'm gathering from this list is The Real Jims really loves episodes with a Homer/Lisa dynamic in it

[@AluminumFusion22]

Well, those episodes tend to be either really sweet or really funny because of how sophisticated Lisa is compared to her dad. Modern Homer has chilled out considerably and his interactions with most characters have relaxed greatly. That's both good and bad though, as Homer's innocent enthusiasm about a particular job or hobby is always a joy to watch and lends itself to great jokes at his expense, but taming Homer's more aggressive, brutish traits takes away from his relatability and makes him too gentle too often.

[@maxresdefault_]

Gah, 16:9 aspect ratio images! Glad to see The Saga of Carl getting some love

[@mikemetzler2393]

I'm so glad you mentioned Thanksgiving of Horror. That is one of my favorite modern simpsons episodes. I also enjoy Livin La Pura Vida

[@carlyskolnik296]

Same

[@hamster6790]

Thx for mentioning that one

[@nitrosherbert888]

Genuinely found to cur with love.To be the most emotionally satisfying episode of the entire series.

[@carlyskolnik296]

Agreed

[@SonofMrPeanut]

On Homer w/ the baby, that's well observed. There's a sweetness and childlike element to Homer's character that makes him appealing, hence the friction when he enters "Jerkass" territory (outside of Flanders).

[@RebelTrooperHoth]

Road to Cincinnati is genuinely one of my favorite episodes ever

[@cortomaltese5206]

In the whole show?

[@RebelTrooperHoth]

@@cortomaltese5206 Yes, I like Chalmer’s dynamic with Skinner, and prefer comedy over heart-felt

[@RetroReviewsMovies]

The fact that “The Burns and the Bees” and “Barthood” don’t even get a mention is criminal.

[@DOUGL4S1]

Barthood got mentioned on his collab with PhantomStrider, which Jims said he wouldn't mention episodes out of.

[@zacbendable6346]

@Kenny McCormick again, he brought up that episode in the phantom strider collab, so it wasnt going to be brought up here. Same with "Barthood"

[@Niniogorila]

The Burns and the bees? There are better episodes in season 20 like No Loan Again, Naturally, Eeny Teeny Maya Moe or Gone Maggie Gone.

[@zacbendable6346]

@Kenny McCormick I haven't seen those ones, sadly. I stopped watching around season 23. 22 was such a letdown I couldnt keep pretending anymore

[@skabogatoXVIII]

But to be fair he is talking about hidden gems so in a sense underrated episodes

[@cipherbunz2612]

500 Keys was probably the first simpsons episode I ever watched (at least as far as I can remember- I remember not recognizing the house when I first saw the episode, so Im assuming this was the first one I watched) and im honestly really glad it was. I liked that episode a lot and thought Lisa's plot was interesting!! Im happy I had a good introduction to modern simpsons and the simpsons in general (excluding the movie, which was my first actual exposure to the series)

[@aperson22222]

You’ve got most of my faves from the ‘10s. I would also include “Four Regrettings and a Funeral” (which even ‘90s-only snobs should find touching thanks to the “We’re really going to miss you Mrs K” chalkboard gag) and “The Yellow Badge of Cowardge.”

[@DOUGL4S1]

I'm not sure anyone else is with me, but I feel like Season 21's To Surveil With Love is a criminally underrated episode. I know, it gets that mostly from the Ke$ha intro, but I feel like it's pretty well edited and a nice change of pace, even tho I am not a fan of Ke$ha (nothing against, just not my favorite style). The main plot about the surveilance system in Springfield is pretty good with some amazing character moments, specially from Chief Wiggum ("Always Act Accordingly to ABC"), and the ending just screams "screw the audience" (since Jims loves to throw this term around so much in Season reviews). The B plot with Lisa being bullied for being blonde is also pretty fun, we get some really funny moments with a pretty big issue many blonde people go through at one point in their life. A solid episode overall.

[@carlyskolnik296]

It’s a really good and solid one good pick

[@AnimatedChris1987]

Great one as always Jim. I'm sorry to say that I have yet to see most of the entries on this list despite the large binge of Simpsons episodes I did on Disney+ last fall. The only ones I have seen are Halloween of Horror, Thanksgiving of Horror, and The Good, The Bad, and the Drugly. I agree all of them are great ones with Halloween of Horror being possibly one of my top 3 picks for the best HD era episodes. I will give these other episodes a watch on Disney+ once I finish watching The Muppet Show. I know you said you left some of the more obvious choices off the list since you wanted to focus on more hidden gems which is why Brick Like Me and The Book Job were left off even though those would be obvious picks for some of the best HD era episodes. If you want some examples I would give for great HD era episodes in case you ever do another one of these here are some I really liked, and some of which I discovered when watching the newer episodes last fall. One that I really liked was The Food Wife. I found it to be a pretty good episode that gives Marge some spotlight, and I love the idea of the kids finding a hobby they love doing with her, and a lot of the scenes of them talking about exotic foods is quite fascinating to watch. Also, there's a Muppet reference in it. Another one I really liked is The Way of the Dog. I can't remember the last time I felt that emotional watching a Simpsons episode in a long time. Others that I would personally pick are ones I've known about for years like The Great Simpsina and Homer Scissorhands. I found both to be fun episodes with some unique setups that lead to a lot of fun jokes and nice character moments. Bart the Good Guy is another one I liked due to becoming a fan of the MCU. Once again, great video Jim, and I look forward to your Season 10 retrospective.

[@carlyskolnik296]

I agree and I love those episodes

[@iv9638]

Great video man, people are giving never episodes too hard time. It's not as good as it once was but it's still enjoyable.

[@ignorant1126]

XX is by far my favourite Treehouse of Horror, it has me quoting lines like 'we're made from the same dinner! It's pronounced DNA, you idiot', 'I am armed to the teeth' and 'it's jolly, it's loyal, like drinking your best friend', constantly

[@icecreamhero2375]

Some of my favorite later ones. The Book Job, Peeping Mom, Sex Pies and Idiot Scrapes, Gone Maggie Gone, The Totally Fun thing Bart Will never do Again, Undercover Burns, and every treehouse of horror.

[@becks2715]

thanks so much for not bashing these episodes just because you like the classics. don't get me wrong, i love the classics too, but im only 17, and i grew up watching these (i think i watched seasons 20-24 like 100 times, at least), so these are my classics :) a lot of these episodes and more have a special place in my heart that i miss when i watch older episodes. a lot of them may not be perfect, but i love them anyways

[@thecedex]

Saga of Carl is one my my favorite episodes in the entire show. So much so that after seeing this episode I started making plans to go to Iceland which I eventually did 3 years later

[@andrewpelechaty7634]

I watched the Moe/Sweeney/Treehouse segment and it was excellent: faithful enough to ST without being a ripoff, and some great meta ‘play within a play’ gags (like ‘dead’ Homer getting his make up reapplied and the obvious Moe stunt doll).

[@ghostsurfer23]

I'm going to genuinely make an effort to watch every episode on this list, as I'd like to be less cynical about new Simpsons if I can. As for what next, definitely want to see a video on the middle episodes of the show, since a lot of what I consider to be classic Simpsons bleeds into the middle, and the stuff that I don't consider classic I still remember a lot of.

[@Kobolds_in_a_trenchcoat]

Yay. Discussions of modern simpsons episodes that isn't predominantly negative. Honestly that is one of the reasons I subscribed to this channel. I know modern simpsons has quite a few duds but it also has quite a few greats too.

[@deskish3930]

okay i ended up seeing Sky Police because of this video and gotta say i really enjoyed it. the opening act is stupid but funny and the episode probably has the most supportive characterisation for Homer i have seen in the new seasons. I just love how Homer is on board with marge's "review" and in the end sticks up for her

[@Its__Good]

It's weird to watch a top 20 for your favourite TV show of all time..... Containing episodes that you've never seen and never will do.

[@BaboDex]

I love “To Cur With Love”, legit, it’s in my Top 10 Favorite Episodes of the whole show!

[@InsomniacMatt]

MOTHER FU- At number 9, you freaking used the slow version of Sabin and Edgar's theme. Way to hit FF6 AND Simpsons fans in the feels. Good job

[@EntityofDarkness696]

I'm actually shocked that I recognized and have seen a couple of the episodes on this list. I remember liking that Iceland one too.

[@ignorant1126]

It's funny, I grew up on modern Simpsons and loved it, but my tune changed after I found out everyone online hated those episodes. I thought I only liked seasons 20-30 because I was a dumb kid, and that idea was solidified when I saw episode 600 onwards. Childhood long past, the show just didn't work anymore. So, I jumped on the modern Simpsons hate wagon. Only now do I realise how great alot of it was. I mean, Bart and his orphan brother, Lisa finding out what happened to the first bus, Homer's pet dog- these are incredible

[@elisgeorge2420]

honestly it could be because i grew up with the modern episodes on the tv, but having watched every simpsons ep up to season 28 (not done yet) i really don't think the modern eps are as bad as ppl think they are. the animation style jump 19 to 20 is definitely jarring and it took a few episodes to get used to, and the classic episodes are definitely still some of my favourites, but dare i say some of my favourite eps of the show are from the more modern seasons

[@ratboygirl]

idk what counts as "modern" but one episode i remember loving when i was younger was "marge gamer". it had both a bart/marge plot and a lisa/homer plot, too!

[@carlyskolnik296]

Omg yes I love that episode another underrated gem that no one talks about

[@ratboygirl]

@@carlyskolnik296 YESSS so fun. i've been binge-watching lists like this and it hasn't been mentioned in any one of them!!

[@carlyskolnik296]

@@ratboygirl wow if I had a list it would probably be somewhere :) this episode was a majorly good watch and I always watch it when it comes on tv

[@razkable]

true..another good one is the bots episode...homer and bart bond and do robot battles..the jokes and heart writes itself....you can tell its going to be good from just the plot summary

[@carlyskolnik296]

@@razkable I love that one

[@Ihasnotomato]

You know what? Like many people, I'm not an HD simpsons fan, in fact I havent seen a single episode on this list, but by golly you've done a great job of convincing me to check these out! I'm thinking about having a marathon day where I'll watch all these episodes with an open minded perspective :)

[@sneckie]

AMAZING transitions in this episode. Well done!

[@chokfigaming]

:o that’s a sleeping yoshi?! How did I not realize your pfp was so cute?!

[@TheDanishGuyReviews]

The background artists have loved their signs recently. I keep having to rewind to catch them.

[@warandpoetry9542]

I've always had a soft spot for "All about Lisa" from season 19. It's a great episode about the nature of show business with some amazing sideshow Mel content. The coin collecting plot ain't bad either.

[@carlyskolnik296]

I love that one

[@maxordman4100]

Wow it’s so nice to see you and Nicktendo get along so well. I enjoy his Channel a lot. It’s nice to hear you guys interact together a little. I also like that Serfsons episode a lot. I’m always down for the Simpsons doing a fun whacky parody.

[@anamelessyoutuber1462]

Both Brick Like Me and Barthood are big highlights from the HD era in my opinion.

[@reinholdagustin7029]

The thumbnail looks like it's waiting to become a meme.

[@ipm9630]

Bart hood is one of my favourite Hd simpsons episodes

[@MLittleBrony]

i haven't seen a lot of modern Simpsons (especially not recently), but i remember kinda liking the one where Homer and Marge are competing food bloggers. also Flanders' Ladder, i really liked that one.

[@McCheeseincakes]

I'm surprised you didn't include the Homer and Wiggum bong scene from the episode "Barthood"

[@Gee3Oh]

Nice to see The Squirt and The Whale on the list. I loved that episode when it aired and felt it was a standout. I still chuckle to myself when I think of Homer saying "From now on the Simpsons are living.. Intermittently"

[@ledetbrothers9210]

What’s amazing about the Simpsons nowadays is that it still isn’t a bad show. It’s a average sitcom with no original ideas most of the time yes, but for the longest-running animated show on television, it’s amazing how it’s still somewhat quality. Family Guy couldn’t avoid total seasonal rot in its 20 year run. Spongebob couldn’t escape it in its 20 year run. Fairy OddParents couldn’t dodge it in 18 years. But the Simpsons somehow did for over 30 years, and I commend the crew for that.

[@ryanluchuck8445]

Great choices. Pay Pal is also a very strong episode about Marge and Lisa's relationship.

[@100milesperhour7]

Can't wait for the Season 32 Retrospective!

[@JezMM]

Glad to see The Squirt and the Whale and My Brother Where Bart Thou, I'm only a few seasons into the HD switch on my watchthrough of the entire series in order on Disney+ but those were two major highlights for me. The former even made me a bit tearful at one moment which not even classic Simpsons' more emotional episodes manage that often (some real Lisa's Pony vibes). And the latter was just absolutely adorable, my only gripe was that Lisa was a bit too much of a brat to Bart earlier in the episode for her heartfelt moment near the end to 100% land (also poor Charlie what did he do to deserve his send-off lol). While the focus is on Bart and Charlie, I really enjoy Lisa in this episode too in spite of her brattiness. Aside from those two the surprise highlights for me have been: Gone Maggie Gone (S20E13) - I enjoyed the mystery gimmick to this episode and honestly Homer's Maggie hand is one of my favourite stupid visual gags in the whole series. Loan-a-Lisa (S22E02) - Fantastic Lisa/Nelson interaction episode, and Marge and Homer's b-plot is entertaining too. MoneyBART (S22E03) - Like My Brother Where Bart Thou, this one is a really great sibling conflict episode for Bart & Lisa. Days of Future Passed (S23E09) - A shoe-in, most people already know this one, but yeah it's great and if it was pitched as a potential series finale, I would have had no issues with this being the end. This is actually the episode I watched today in my slow marathon of the entire series and beyond being a really nice heartfelt episode, I forgot how it has SO many laugh-out-loud gags. I now notice that the common thread here is that these are almost all really good Lisa-focused episodes. Lisa has a bit of a reputation for becoming unbearable as the series progresses but actually watching everything in order has re-instated her as my favourite of the main cast. (Maybe it's the latter half of the 20+ seasons that gave her that reputation?)

[@rheubarbarum5423]

Bad reputation of Lisa is kinda overblown. Even just referring to HD seasons, Lisa gets really solid, substantial episodes (especially compared to Bart-centered ones, which are often having weird premises at best). Second half of 20+ has strong in many aspects Lisa-focused episodes like "Halloween of Horror", "Girl's Code" and "Springfield Splendor".

[@bradleycombs2626]

You should do a video on how the Simpsons should recreate the show to rejuvenate. I know there are a lot of ideas out there like time shift, divorce, add or subtract characters, or many other ideas I’ve seen mentioned.

[@Johnnycpublic]

Awesome that you got matt selman for this list. New Simpson's has alot of stinkers but that just makes the good ones even better.

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

Nah, more like a bit of stinkers, a bunch of mehs, good ones and great ones.

[@pyrolee17]

Every video is a gift, this man is batting 1000!