The top 5 best moments from The Simpsons

The Simpsons has created many hilarious and iconic moments over its 35 year run. We watched Homer be his version of a devoted dad while Marge usually cleaned up his antics. And let's not forget the Simpson kids--Bart, Lisa, and Maggie--who contributed to the moment-making.

It wasn't easy to pick out five when there were so many classics to choose from. You can't go wrong with Homer's constant act-ups or the celebrity guest stars. Or when Mr. Burns wasn't as malevolent while working with his employees or in Springfield, although I highly enjoy him as a villain.

Season 36 premieres on September 29 as part of the new Animation Domination block on FOX. In celebration we're looking back at five moments that defined The Simpsons' lore and legacy.

The Simpsons is TV's longest-running scripted series and has achieved several Emmys for animation, production, and writing. And why wouldn't they? The writers kept the gag lines going after all these years and will continue in season 36.

Now, let's get a laugh or two from the top five moments

Homer attempts to protect his kids from the "Boogeyman" or "Boogeymen"

Season 5, episode 10: "$pringfield (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Legalized Gambling)"

When Lisa is abruptly awakened by her boogeyman nightmare, she tells Homer about it, who is equally afraid of the mythical creature and goes into a crazed protective father mode, shotgun and all. There are two peaks in this moment that I burst out in hysterics. One is Homer kicking open Bart's door and creepily waking him up with a Boogeyman warning, to which the boy responds with a blood-curdling scream.

So would I Bart.

The highlight of the entire moment is when Marge comes home after a night of gambling at Mr. Burns' Casino and is shocked to see the main bedroom in disarray. Naturally, Homer being Homer, he places the blame on Marge, as she might've prevented his stupidity and act. However, as chaotic as the whole scenario is, I give Homer credit for protecting his kids, and calling out his wife's gambling addiction nonchalantly.

Lisa becomes President of the United States

Season 11 episode 17: "Bart To The Future"

Here's one prediction showrunner Al Jean is most proud of--Lisa Simpson becoming POTUS and wearing a nearly identical purple suit to the 2024 Democratic candidate Kamala Harris'. In "Bart of the Future," Bart is given a future reveal by an Indigenous People's Chief at a reservation casino. The now 40 year old Bart is living at the White House, but not as anyone hugely crucial as anyone else, except he's the president's brother.

Moreover, The Simpsons predicted Trump's presidency and financial crunch on the US economy.

Mr. Burns "adopts" Smithers

Season 13, episode 5: "The Blunder Years"

Mr. Burns and Smithers is one of the best and most well-structured duos in the Simpsons' history. It's not so much that Smithers is one of TV's first openly gay men on primetime who's in hot pursuits for his boss, despite being a great running gag, but the warm friendship the two guys share. As Mr. Burns is somewhat of an "ogre," as described by some, Smithers gives an extra hand to the latter to help him run the Springfield Power Plant or with whatever else Mr. Burns may need.

Smithers had a sad backstory, and in "The Blunder Years," we got a deeper look at the man who's more than Mr. Burns' assistant and fall guy. His dad was a scientist at the plant, and when the town was in danger due to a preceding meltdown, Smithers Sr. sacrificed his life in the reactor core to prevent it. The heroic act left the Baby Smithers an orphan, and as gratitude (at least, how I interpreted it.), Burns raises him as his own.

Burns may show that he could have an icy heart with money-perpetrated goals, but "adopting" Smithers proves he does have a warmer core.

Do It For Her

Season 6, episode 13: "And Maggie Makes Three"

When Homer quits his job at the plant an starts his dream occupation at the bowling alley, it seems like things are finally going his way. Besides, he only took the former to get out of debt and provide for his family, and it wasn't something that he loved, despite the good pay.

Marge and Homer celebrate his new career, and she gets pregnant with Maggie. Seeing that his job as a pin jockey won't provide the income to support his new baby, Homer asks for his old job back. After falling in love with Maggie following her birth, the new dad has a reason to take his work seriously. He covers the "special de-emotional plaque" with Maggie's photos so he can cheer up whenever needed.

The Simpsons adopt Santa's Little Helper

Season 1, episode 1: "The Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire"

The moment Santa's Little Helper gained a new home is what brought The Simpsons into my life and somewhat carved my career path as an entertainment journalist. I remember my family and I all sat down together to watch the first ever The Simpsons episode in December 1989. I was a young child (five), but instantly, I felt the Simpson love and knew that the satirical animation was golden.

Homer was depressed after the Christmas budget was spent on Bart's procedure, and he wouldn't get his bonus. To make ends meet and to give his family a good Christmas, Homer gets a second job as a mall Santa. When the pay isn't what he expected, he dabbles in dog racing. In comparison, that didn't grant Homer financial freedom; he and his family got unconditional love and forever bonding with Santa's Little Helper instead.

Pet adoption speedily took off in the 1980s, thanks to the late Bob Barker's advocacy and the increase in the number of animals in the US who needed forever homes. The Simpsons writers should be part of the movement as they masterfully crafted a sweet and original Christmas storyline emulating love and the reason for the season.

Stay tuned for more TV news and features right here on Hidden Remote!