Maggie Simpson Maggie's occasional speaking parts and other vocalisations are currently provided by Nancy Cartwright, but she has also been voiced by guest stars James Earl Jones, Elizabeth Taylor and Jodie Foster, and by series regulars Yeardley Smith and Harry Shearer. Maggie has appeared in various media relating to "The Simpsons" – including video games, "The Simpsons Movie", "The Simpsons" Ride, commercials and comic books – and has inspired an entire line of merchandise. "The Simpsons" uses a floating timeline in which the characters do not physically age, and as such the show is assumed to be set in the current year.
The Simpsons (franchise) most of the first three seasons. In 1990, Bart quickly became one of the most popular characters on television in what was termed "Bartmania". On February 9, 1997, "The Simpsons" surpassed "The Flintstones" with the episode "The Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie Show" as the longest-running prime-time animated series in the United States. In 2004, "The Simpsons" replaced "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" (1952 to 1966) as the longest-running sitcom (animated or live action) in the United States. In May 2007, "The Simpsons" reached their 400th episode at the end of the eighteenth season. Hallmarks of the show include