Mike Reiss: How The Simpsons Changed TV | Reasonably Happy with Paul Ollinger

from Reasonably Happy with Paul Ollinger · host Paul Ollinger

The Simpsons writer and showrunner Mike Reiss shares behind-the-scenes secrets from 36+ years on the iconic animated series. From working with comedy legends like Sam Simon, Al Jean, and Conan O'Brien to writing for Johnny Carson and witnessing the wild beginnings of FOX, Mike recounts hilarious Hollywood stories and life lessons from his travels to 147 countries. He reveals the origin of the Simpsons, why Harvard wasn’t funny, how VCRs and fan feedback helped shape the show, and why the writers’ room was like a "kibbutz but more Jewish." It’s a deep dive into comedy, creativity, and the wild ride of creating a global phenomenon.Follow Mike's Substack: https://substack.com/@mikereissGet Paul's Book: https://www.paulollinger.com/the-book Get full access to Reasonably Happy at words.paulollinger.com/subscribe

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This episode is 57 minutes long.

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This episode was published on May 7, 2025.

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