The Simpsons is an animated sitcom created by Matt Groening and broadcast on FOX. The series, which debuted in December 1989, focuses on the lives of the Simpson family - Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. The show is set in the fictional town of Springfield, and lampoons many aspects of the human condition, as well as American culture, society as a whole, and television itself. The series has spawned more than 500 episodes as well as a theatrical feature film, a large series of comic books and other merchandise and publications.
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In the third season episode "The Otto Show" (originally aired April 23, 1992) the Simpson family takes in Otto, the bus driver. After days of lounging around the house and leaching off the family, Marge tries to convince Otto to get a job and do something with his life. Marge says "Otto, you can't just sit there watching TV all day." Otto perks up and says, "You know you're right, I should do a little reading. You got any of those Where's Waldo books?". Disheartened, Marge replies, "um...no." |
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In the "Dial Z for Zombies" segment of "Tree House of Horror III" (originally aired October 29, 1992) Bart finds himself in the library where he stumbles upon a fictitious Where’s Waldo? titled "Find Waldo Yet Again". Bart opens the book only to find a very empty and uncrowded scene with Waldo standing on the beach. Bart responds saying "He’s not even trying anymore!" According to the DVD audio commentary on the episode, the animator's altered Waldo's look (such as his trademark bobble hat) to avoid any potential legal complications. |
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The episode "Bart’s Comet" (originally aired February 5, 1995) finds the town of Springfield in a panic as the news of an impending comet headed for the town spreads. The episode reaches a dramatic climax as the entire town of Springfield jams into Ned Flander's bomb shelter to protect themselves from the comet. In one shot of the crowd packed in the shelter, which fills the entire frame with people, one can spot a yellow-skinned Waldo hidden within the crowd of characters. |
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The episode "Hello Gutter, Hello Fadder" (originally aired November 14, 1999) references Waldo again. While eating cereal, Homer notices a Where’s Waldo? scene on the back of the cereal box (similar to the Waldo appearance on Life Cereal boxes in the mid '90s). Delighted, Homer picks up the box exclaiming, "Ooh, Where's Waldo?". Homer attempts to search for Waldo, but with no luck. Annoyed about not being able to spot Waldo, Homer states that "this would be a lot easier without all these people." After several more moments of looking Homer screams out, "Waldo, where are you?"; and as if on cue, a yellow skinned Waldo suddenly walks past the kitchen window behind Homer. |
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In the comic strip "Give me Merchandising or Give Me Death" after when Bart and Milhosue enter the Convention Center, there's a cameo apperance by Waldo |
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The Simpsons Comic #49 (published in June 2000) features a story where Maggie goes missing. The comic book's cover parodies a Where’s Waldo? scene with the citizens of the town of Springfield and the title "Where's Maggie?". The cover even features a yellow skinned Waldo hidden among the crowd. |
