First step: I’m reading the new book by Mike Reiss, who has been a writer on “The Simpsons” for 30 seasons. I’m halfway through, and it’s a very enlightening read. My biggest takeaway so far is how hard the staff works on the show. For two seasons, Mike was one of the showrunners, and he worked 100-hour weeks, 51 weeks a year. He finally took Christmas week off, but as he was leaving for Hawaii, he read an Entertainment Weekly article that proclaimed that the current season was the worst one ever, and it ruined his trip. (Last year, EW called it the “best season ever.” Thanks a lot.)
There are guest passages from former writers like Conan O’Brien, and celebrities who have voiced characters on the show. And lots of insight into Springfield and characters and how episodes are created. (Each one takes nine months from writing to animation to editing.)
Very good. Very recommended.
