How has "The Simpsons" influenced subsequent animated series?

"The Simpsons" has profoundly influenced subsequent animated series by pioneering adult themes in animation. Prior to its debut, animated shows primarily catered to children's audiences with family-friendly content, often avoiding complex social issues or adult humor. "The Simpsons" broke this mold by integrating satirical and often controversial themes that addressed real-world issues such as politics, culture, and family dynamics, all while maintaining humor that appealed to both adults and younger viewers.

This shift allowed later animated series, such as "South Park," "Family Guy," and "Bojack Horseman," to adopt a similar approach, exploring deeper and often more mature subject matter. These shows have taken the groundwork laid by "The Simpsons" and expanded upon it, tackling even more complex themes and pushing the boundaries of what animated programming can address. Thus, the series not only changed the content of animated shows but also encouraged networks to target a broader audience demographic, validating animation as a medium capable of serious storytelling and adult-oriented humor.