Alan Siegel
@alansiegella.bsky.social
"Admirable yet breezy"
–Los Angeles Review of Books
Senior Staff Writer, The Ringer
Order my book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/alan-siegel/stupid-tv-be-more-funny/9781538742846/
–Los Angeles Review of Books
Senior Staff Writer, The Ringer
Order my book! https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/alan-siegel/stupid-tv-be-more-funny/9781538742846/
Pinned
Alan Siegel
@alansiegella.bsky.social
· Feb 24
Stupid TV, Be More Funny
This comprehensive account of the meteoric rise of The Simpsons combines incisive pop culture criticism and interviews with the show’s creative team th...
www.hachettebookgroup.com
I've basically been writing this in my head since I was 10, but now it's finally time to unleash it on the world. My book about the golden age of The Simpsons comes out on June 10. Preorder STUPID TV, BE MORE FUNNY here. www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/alan-...
Reposted by Alan Siegel
NEW EPISODE ALERT! This week on the AWARD-WINNING #HoFCast, @alansiegella.bsky.social comes on to honor America's non-prehistoric cartoon family- The Simpsons! The production, the fandoms, the controversies- PLUS "Naked Gun" (2025) and "King of the Hill" revival reviews!
youtu.be/f9NtJB-Mg_w?...
youtu.be/f9NtJB-Mg_w?...
Season 2, Episode 8 Mini Trailer- "Eye on Springfield" with Alan Siegel
YouTube video by History on Film Podcast
youtu.be
November 10, 2025 at 12:00 PM
NEW EPISODE ALERT! This week on the AWARD-WINNING #HoFCast, @alansiegella.bsky.social comes on to honor America's non-prehistoric cartoon family- The Simpsons! The production, the fandoms, the controversies- PLUS "Naked Gun" (2025) and "King of the Hill" revival reviews!
youtu.be/f9NtJB-Mg_w?...
youtu.be/f9NtJB-Mg_w?...
Ahoy-hoy! I'll be signing copies of Stupid TV, Be More Funny and giving away some old-school Simpsons goodies tomorrow morning from 11 to noon at @blumjordan.bsky.social and @pattonoswalt.bsky.social's Comic Creators Block Party. www.comiccreatorsblockparty.com/2025
November 8, 2025 at 2:31 AM
Ahoy-hoy! I'll be signing copies of Stupid TV, Be More Funny and giving away some old-school Simpsons goodies tomorrow morning from 11 to noon at @blumjordan.bsky.social and @pattonoswalt.bsky.social's Comic Creators Block Party. www.comiccreatorsblockparty.com/2025
Reposted by Alan Siegel
Did you first see Simpsons via reruns on local TV channels? You’re not alone, as millions discovered Springfield in syndication!
On the newest @talksimpsonspod.bsky.social, we’re joined by @foundfootagefest.com for a massive history on Simpsons reruns in the ‘90s!
www.patreon.com/posts/141680...
On the newest @talksimpsonspod.bsky.social, we’re joined by @foundfootagefest.com for a massive history on Simpsons reruns in the ‘90s!
www.patreon.com/posts/141680...
November 5, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Did you first see Simpsons via reruns on local TV channels? You’re not alone, as millions discovered Springfield in syndication!
On the newest @talksimpsonspod.bsky.social, we’re joined by @foundfootagefest.com for a massive history on Simpsons reruns in the ‘90s!
www.patreon.com/posts/141680...
On the newest @talksimpsonspod.bsky.social, we’re joined by @foundfootagefest.com for a massive history on Simpsons reruns in the ‘90s!
www.patreon.com/posts/141680...
Reposted by Alan Siegel
I'm thrilled to announce the pilot episode for a new sports history podcast called Replay Booth. The pilot, "Wilbur Huckle for President," is live now. If you liked Slow Burn and/or One Year and/or Hang Up and Listen, you'll love this www.replaybooth.show/p/replay-boo...
www.replaybooth.show
November 3, 2025 at 2:35 PM
I'm thrilled to announce the pilot episode for a new sports history podcast called Replay Booth. The pilot, "Wilbur Huckle for President," is live now. If you liked Slow Burn and/or One Year and/or Hang Up and Listen, you'll love this www.replaybooth.show/p/replay-boo...
AMC pitchwoman/crack makeup artist who expertly drew on my Jack Horner beard.
November 2, 2025 at 12:18 AM
AMC pitchwoman/crack makeup artist who expertly drew on my Jack Horner beard.
I spent some time with Jim Downey, the guy who has some of the best lines in Billy Madison, One Battle After Another, and The Chair Company. Oh, and he was the longest-tenured writer in SNL history. www.theringer.com/2025/10/21/t...
Looking Back With Jim Downey, the King of Comedy Writers
After decades of influencing the style of ‘Saturday Night Live,’ the most influential comedy institution in America, Downey is finally ready allow himself some retrospection
www.theringer.com
October 21, 2025 at 2:47 PM
I spent some time with Jim Downey, the guy who has some of the best lines in Billy Madison, One Battle After Another, and The Chair Company. Oh, and he was the longest-tenured writer in SNL history. www.theringer.com/2025/10/21/t...
Reposted by Alan Siegel
New PRESS BOX w/ @davidshoemaker.bsky.social:
NBA TV Mega-Preview
Good News (!) at the Washington Post
When Video Replaces Photos
James Franklin on GameDay
Revolt of the College Reporters
A Treasury—Slew?—of NFL Clichés
open.spotify.com/episode/10hR...
NBA TV Mega-Preview
Good News (!) at the Washington Post
When Video Replaces Photos
James Franklin on GameDay
Revolt of the College Reporters
A Treasury—Slew?—of NFL Clichés
open.spotify.com/episode/10hR...
An NBA TV Mega-Preview, Good News About The Washington Post, and Your Favorite NFL Clichés
open.spotify.com
October 21, 2025 at 2:06 PM
New PRESS BOX w/ @davidshoemaker.bsky.social:
NBA TV Mega-Preview
Good News (!) at the Washington Post
When Video Replaces Photos
James Franklin on GameDay
Revolt of the College Reporters
A Treasury—Slew?—of NFL Clichés
open.spotify.com/episode/10hR...
NBA TV Mega-Preview
Good News (!) at the Washington Post
When Video Replaces Photos
James Franklin on GameDay
Revolt of the College Reporters
A Treasury—Slew?—of NFL Clichés
open.spotify.com/episode/10hR...
Reposted by Alan Siegel
This dialogue tracks The Simpsons' arc from subversive art form to merchandising juggernaut, a text whose postmodern irony dismantled the wholesome sitcom mythos of the Reagan era.
With @alansiegella.bsky.social on @amprestigepod.bsky.social
With @alansiegella.bsky.social on @amprestigepod.bsky.social
American Prestige | E229 - How The Simpsons Reshaped American Comedy w/ Alan Siegel
October 7, 2025 · 57 min 23 sec
buff.ly
October 20, 2025 at 1:07 PM
This dialogue tracks The Simpsons' arc from subversive art form to merchandising juggernaut, a text whose postmodern irony dismantled the wholesome sitcom mythos of the Reagan era.
With @alansiegella.bsky.social on @amprestigepod.bsky.social
With @alansiegella.bsky.social on @amprestigepod.bsky.social
Buy Stefan's book, it's great. bookshop.org/p/books/unab...
Happy pub day to me!
Also pictured, bottom to top: Webster's Third (1961); battered Webster's New World (1974; my first dictionary); Webster's Collegiate, Fifth Edition (inscribed by my immigrant father in 1949)
Also pictured, bottom to top: Webster's Third (1961); battered Webster's New World (1974; my first dictionary); Webster's Collegiate, Fifth Edition (inscribed by my immigrant father in 1949)
October 14, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Buy Stefan's book, it's great. bookshop.org/p/books/unab...
Reposted by Alan Siegel
I wrote about Diane Keaton
Diane Keaton Was Effortlessly Original
The beloved actor was simultaneously the coolest person in Hollywood and also the person least aware of what anyone else thought was cool
www.theringer.com
October 13, 2025 at 2:00 PM
I wrote about Diane Keaton
Reposted by Alan Siegel
My new book, UNABRIDGED, published by @groveatlantic.bsky.social, is out! It took a long time to report and write and I'm proud of it and would be grateful if you bought it and would love to see people when I'm traveling to promote it. Consider this an official book thread
October 10, 2025 at 9:36 PM
My new book, UNABRIDGED, published by @groveatlantic.bsky.social, is out! It took a long time to report and write and I'm proud of it and would be grateful if you bought it and would love to see people when I'm traveling to promote it. Consider this an official book thread
Big thanks to Dan and Derek for having me on. More Simpsons talk!
E229 - How The Simpsons Reshaped American Comedy w/ @alansiegella.bsky.social
Alan Siegel of @the-ringer.bsky.social joins the show to talk about the golden age of the Simpsons and the effect it had on American culture.
Link in the replies 🔽
Alan Siegel of @the-ringer.bsky.social joins the show to talk about the golden age of the Simpsons and the effect it had on American culture.
Link in the replies 🔽
October 7, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Big thanks to Dan and Derek for having me on. More Simpsons talk!
If you need a Simpsons fix, the great @bookshop.org has free shipping today and tomorrow. bookshop.org/p/books/stup...
Stupid Tv, Be More Funny: How the Golden Era of the Simpsons Changed Television-And America-Forever
How the Golden Era of the Simpsons Changed Television-And America-Forever
bookshop.org
October 7, 2025 at 4:02 PM
If you need a Simpsons fix, the great @bookshop.org has free shipping today and tomorrow. bookshop.org/p/books/stup...
Reposted by Alan Siegel
RIP Kimberly Hébert Gregory, who played Belinda Brown in Vice Principals. If you want to know how funny and smart she was, I talked to her for this story back in the spring. www.theringer.com/2025/05/01/t...
October 5, 2025 at 4:55 PM
RIP Kimberly Hébert Gregory, who played Belinda Brown in Vice Principals. If you want to know how funny and smart she was, I talked to her for this story back in the spring. www.theringer.com/2025/05/01/t...
A prophecy foretold.
October 2, 2025 at 3:32 PM
A prophecy foretold.
Reposted by Alan Siegel
Merriam survives on snarky posts, games, and sharper SEO. With U.S. lexicographers down from about 200 to under 50, this piece urges treating dictionaries as public goods amid fights over words like insurrection and woke.
By @stefanfatsis.bsky.social in @theatlantic.com
buff.ly/ycOMo0K
By @stefanfatsis.bsky.social in @theatlantic.com
buff.ly/ycOMo0K
Is This the End of the Dictionary?
Obsolete (adj.): no longer in use or no longer useful
buff.ly
September 29, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Merriam survives on snarky posts, games, and sharper SEO. With U.S. lexicographers down from about 200 to under 50, this piece urges treating dictionaries as public goods amid fights over words like insurrection and woke.
By @stefanfatsis.bsky.social in @theatlantic.com
buff.ly/ycOMo0K
By @stefanfatsis.bsky.social in @theatlantic.com
buff.ly/ycOMo0K
Reposted by Alan Siegel
Wrote about FBI raids on bootleg Bart Simpson shirts, @alansiegella.bsky.social’s fantastic new book on it, and how an animated show helped shape our modern times for @the-independent.com
www.independent.co.uk/arts-enterta...
www.independent.co.uk/arts-enterta...
The Simpsons didn’t predict the modern world – it shaped it
The record-breaking animation may be returning for a 37th season, but many fans have long switched off. If ‘The Simpsons’ is struggling to make an impact, it only has its own success to blame, writes ...
www.independent.co.uk
September 28, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Wrote about FBI raids on bootleg Bart Simpson shirts, @alansiegella.bsky.social’s fantastic new book on it, and how an animated show helped shape our modern times for @the-independent.com
www.independent.co.uk/arts-enterta...
www.independent.co.uk/arts-enterta...
Reposted by Alan Siegel
Put together some thoughts here.
In an earlier time he would have been the kind of writer being paid $5 a word by magazines to go write about whatever he pleased. And no one would be pissed off or jealous about it either.
www.welcometohellworld.com/life-is-a-pr...
In an earlier time he would have been the kind of writer being paid $5 a word by magazines to go write about whatever he pleased. And no one would be pissed off or jealous about it either.
www.welcometohellworld.com/life-is-a-pr...
September 27, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Put together some thoughts here.
In an earlier time he would have been the kind of writer being paid $5 a word by magazines to go write about whatever he pleased. And no one would be pissed off or jealous about it either.
www.welcometohellworld.com/life-is-a-pr...
In an earlier time he would have been the kind of writer being paid $5 a word by magazines to go write about whatever he pleased. And no one would be pissed off or jealous about it either.
www.welcometohellworld.com/life-is-a-pr...
Reposted by Alan Siegel
it was such a pleasure to edit this charming and hilarious @joshgondelman.bsky.social take on balding. i giggled to myself pretty much the whole way through it
I was asked by @gqmagazine.bsky.social to write a little bit about just going bald in the age of widespread head-shaving and affordable, believable hair transplants...so I did!
Nothing Looks Cooler Than Not Caring You’re Balding
In a polarized culture that demands balding men pick a side, opting for the follicular middle ground is a refreshing act of honesty.
www.gq.com
September 26, 2025 at 4:53 PM
it was such a pleasure to edit this charming and hilarious @joshgondelman.bsky.social take on balding. i giggled to myself pretty much the whole way through it
Reposted by Alan Siegel
wrote about THE SIMPSONS, a show people can't stop quoting to me even tho i have never seen an entire episode. (s/o to @alansiegella.bsky.social for sending me his book despite this).
To Artistic Freedom: The Cause Of, And Solution To, All Of Life’s Problems | Defector
People have been quoting The Simpsons to me so often, and for so long, that even if I don’t recognize the quote, I am able to recognize that it’s from The Simpsons. When I do recognize the quote, it’s...
defector.com
September 26, 2025 at 4:26 PM
wrote about THE SIMPSONS, a show people can't stop quoting to me even tho i have never seen an entire episode. (s/o to @alansiegella.bsky.social for sending me his book despite this).
Happy 77th birthday to the late, great Phil Hartman, The Simpsons' skeleton key.
September 25, 2025 at 1:41 AM
Happy 77th birthday to the late, great Phil Hartman, The Simpsons' skeleton key.
Reposted by Alan Siegel
it's Virtual Springfield on the stream today with @alansiegella.bsky.social talking about his book!! www.twitch.tv/libtron NOW
libtron - Twitch
TV Month: Simpsons Week: Virtual Springfield with Alan Siegel !tv
www.twitch.tv
September 23, 2025 at 7:15 PM
it's Virtual Springfield on the stream today with @alansiegella.bsky.social talking about his book!! www.twitch.tv/libtron NOW
Reposted by Alan Siegel
Some news: yesterday was my last at Rolling Stone. For now, I'm going solo, doing all my TV reviewing, recapping, etc., at my newsletter. I hope you'll consider subscribing. Many more details here:
Don't stop believing
Some news, as they say
alansepinwall.ghost.io
September 16, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Some news: yesterday was my last at Rolling Stone. For now, I'm going solo, doing all my TV reviewing, recapping, etc., at my newsletter. I hope you'll consider subscribing. Many more details here:
Robert Redford's supernatural charisma perfectly summed up in this anecdote from Sam Kashner's Vanity Fair story about Mike Nichols casting The Graduate. www.vanityfair.com/news/2008/03...
September 16, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Robert Redford's supernatural charisma perfectly summed up in this anecdote from Sam Kashner's Vanity Fair story about Mike Nichols casting The Graduate. www.vanityfair.com/news/2008/03...