The Simpsons: Season 4
Season four of The Simpsons, the long‑running American animated sitcom set in the fictional town of Springfield, carries forward the series’ established comedic examination of everyday American life. Created by Matt Groening, James L. Brooks, and Sam Simon, the show follows the everyday misadventures of the Simpson family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie—alongside the town’s eclectic residents. In this fourth ins
Season 4 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening, James L. Brooks, and Sam Simon.
- It is set in Springfield, an average American town, and centers on the Simpson family: Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie.
- The series debuted on Fox on December 17, 1989, establishing its format of satirical humor and family dynamics.
- Prior seasons established the core characters, setting, and tone that season four continues to develop across its twenty‑two episodes.
Season overview
Season four of The Simpsons, the long‑running American animated sitcom set in the fictional town of Springfield, carries forward the series’ established comedic examination of everyday American life. Created by Matt Groening, James L. Brooks, and Sam Simon, the show follows the everyday misadventures of the Simpson family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie—alongside the town’s eclectic residents. In this fourth installment, the narrative continues across twenty‑two episodes, maintaining the series’ blend of satire, family dynamics, and cultural references that have defined earlier seasons. The season builds on the established setting of Springfield as an average American town, preserving the show’s signature animation style and humor while further developing recurring characters and situational comedy. By extending the overarching saga, season four reinforces the series’ reputation for witty social commentary and character‑driven storylines, keeping viewers engaged with familiar personalities and new comedic scenarios within the same familiar world.
Episode Guide
Season 4 Progress Shield
Kamp Krusty
Sep 24, 1992 · 23 min
Bart leads an uprising at Krusty's summer camp after he and Lisa are subjected to a Dickensian sweatshop.
A Streetcar Named Marge
Oct 1, 1992 · 23 min
Marge is cast in a version of "A Streetcar Named Desire," playing Blanche to Ned Flanders' Stanley.
Homer the Heretic
Oct 8, 1992 · 23 min
After skipping church one Sunday morning, Homer decides to quit church altogether and spend Sundays worshiping in his own way -- with cigars and beer.
Lisa the Beauty Queen
Oct 15, 1992 · 23 min
Homer enters Lisa into the Little Miss Springfield Pageant to help her feel better about her looks. But when she must choose between the title and her integrity, she realizes that
Treehouse of Horror III
Oct 29, 1992 · 23 min
A Halloween trilogy includes a murderous Krusty doll; a "King Kong" parody; an invasion of zombies unleashed by Bart's incantation.
Itchy & Scratchy: The Movie
Nov 3, 1992 · 23 min
Bart is punished by being barred from the Itchy and Scratchy movie.
Marge Gets a Job
Nov 5, 1992 · 23 min
Mr. Burns is instantly smitten when Marge takes a job at the nuclear power plant.
New Kid on the Block
Nov 12, 1992 · 22 min
Bart has a crush on his new neighbor, a teenage girl who only has eyes for Jimbo Jones. Bart sets out to prove that Jimbo is not as tough as he seems.
Mr. Plow
Nov 19, 1992 · 23 min
Homer and Barney become competitors in the snow-plowing business.
Lisa's First Word
Dec 3, 1992 · 23 min
While trying to get Maggie to say her first word, Marge and Homer reminisce about Bart's and Lisa's first words.
Homer's Triple Bypass
Dec 17, 1992 · 23 min
Homer sees a discount doctor for a coronary bypass.
Marge vs. the Monorail
Jan 14, 1993 · 23 min
When Springfield gets a sudden windfall, a charismatic traveling salesman convinces the town to build a monorail.
Selma's Choice
Jan 21, 1993 · 23 min
After seeing Aunt Gladys die alone, Aunt Selma wants to get married and have a baby... until she spends a day babysitting Bart and Lisa at Duff Gardens.
Brother from the Same Planet
Feb 4, 1993 · 23 min
When Homer neglects Bart once too often, Bart goes to the Big Brother program to get a new father figure. Stung, Homer replaces Bart with a little brother.
I Love Lisa
Feb 11, 1993 · 23 min
Chief Wiggum's son has a crush on Lisa after she gives him a Valentine out of pity.
Duffless
Feb 18, 1993 · 23 min
After a DUI, Homer swears off beer for a month. Meanwhile, Bart and Lisa's sibling rivalry plays out in the school science fair.
Last Exit to Springfield
Mar 11, 1993 · 23 min
Union president Homer fights to keep the dental plan.
So It's Come to This: A Simpsons Clip Show
Apr 1, 1993 · 23 min
An April Fools' Day prank provides the jumping-off point for Simpson family flashbacks.
The Front
Apr 15, 1993 · 23 min
Lisa and Bart write an Itchy and Scratchy episode; Homer makes up a missing high-school credit.
Whacking Day
Apr 29, 1993 · 23 min
Lisa takes a stand against Springfield's annual snake-bashing festival.
Marge in Chains
May 6, 1993 · 23 min
Overwhelmed by her family's demands during a flu epidemic, Marge accidentally shoplifts at the Kwik-E-Mart and winds up in prison.
Krusty Gets Kancelled
May 13, 1993 · 23 min
Krusty's Hollywood pals help when his show is canceled after a new star causes his ratings to plummet.