Make Your Way 6, Schulbuch mit Audio-CD und CD-ROM

My favourite sitcom Sitcoms My favourite sitcom US and UK sitcoms What makes a good sitcom? Becoming familiar with … “The Simpsons” is an American animated TV series created by Matt Groening. In 2008, it was placed first on Entertainment Weekly’s “Top 100 Shows of the Past 25 Years”. • Read the magazine article. In one colour underline all the evidence of the show’s success (e.g.: the world’s longest running sitcom) – in another colour underline all the reasons given for this success (e.g.: It’s a very well-written show). 1 • Discuss your answers with a partner. Are you a fan of the show? What other reasons can you think of to explain why the show is so popular. Woo-hoo! Simpsons make sitcom history Everyone’s favourite TV family, the Simpsons, are about to make TV history, as Fox an- nounced a deal yesterday to renew the cartoon for a 23rd season starting in fall 2011. This will bring the show to 515 episodes, including a milestone 500th to be broadcast in early 2012. “The Simpsons” premiered as a series on Dec. 17, 1989. In 2009, “The Simpsons” surpassed the record of 435 episodes held by “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” (shown on ABC from 1952 to 1966) and is now recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s longest running sitcom (in terms of episode count). The secret of the show’s longevity has been its ability to continually find a new audience while keeping its old fans happy. “It’s a very well-written show – sharp and satirical,” said Tim Brooks, television historian. “It started off as “The Bart Simpson Show” and it has gone off in a lot of different directions. It continues to mock the culture and has a very loyal audience.” It also has the advan- tage that none of its characters ever have to grow old and, unlike live actors, they can’t hold out for more money (though there was a contract dispute in 2008 with some of the cast who provided their voices). But perhaps the biggest sign of the show’s greatness is the fact that over the years “The Simpsons” has attracted an unbelievable range of guest stars from actors to musicians to politicians. Anyone who’s anyone wants to get on the show. “The Simpsons” has won dozens of awards, including 27 Primetime Emmy Awards, and it was even awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. a milestone 500 th : die 500. Folge als Jubiläumsfolge in terms of episode count: was die Anzahl der Folgen angeht anyone who’s anyone: ein jeder, der „jemand ist“ 166 4 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv