About
Matt Groening is an American cartoonist and animator, widely known as the creator of the globally successful television series, 'The Simpsons.' He is also the creative force behind 'Futurama' and 'Disenchantment.' Groening's career began with his comic strip 'Life in Hell,' which gained a cult following. His work is characterized by its satirical humor, distinctive animation style, and sharp social commentary.
Career Timeline
The Simpsons Shorts Begin
Groening created The Simpsons as shorts for 'The Tracey Ullman Show.' The characters began gaining popularity, though Groening was still primarily known for his underground comic 'Life in Hell' and financial rewards were modest.
The Simpsons Series Premiere
The Simpsons debuted as a half-hour series on Fox, quickly becoming a hit. Groening's creation began to demonstrate mainstream appeal, though its cultural phenomenon status was still emerging.
Simpsons Cultural Phenomenon Peak
The Simpsons became the biggest show on television, dominating ratings and pop culture. Merchandise sales exploded, and the show's catchphrases and characters became ubiquitous, making Groening wealthy and famous.
Longest Running Primetime Series
The Simpsons surpassed 'The Flintstones' as the longest-running primetime animated series, cementing its place in television history. Groening's creation became a global institution, generating massive merchandising and syndication revenue.
Futurama Launch
Groening created 'Futurama,' his second successful animated series. While not matching The Simpsons' impact, it developed a devoted cult following and demonstrated Groening's continued creative relevance, adding to his empire.
The Simpsons Movie Success
'The Simpsons Movie' grossed over $527 million worldwide, becoming one of the highest-grossing animated films. This theatrical success brought The Simpsons to a new generation and significantly boosted Groening's wealth.
Disenchantment Netflix Deal
Groening created 'Disenchantment' for Netflix in a lucrative deal, demonstrating his continued relevance in the streaming era. The Simpsons was acquired by Disney in the Fox merger, further cementing its legacy value.
Animation Legend and Icon
As The Simpsons approaches its 40th year on air, Groening remains one of the most influential figures in television history. His creation has become an indelible part of global pop culture, known across generations worldwide. Groening is universally recognized as an S-tier cultural icon whose work has shaped modern animation and comedy.
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Last updated: February 17, 2026