Beginning with The Simpsons Christmas Special, the first season of the legendary prime-time animated series bore more of a resemblance to the cartoon shorts shown on The Tracy Ullman Show that show was spun off from than to the sharp social satire it would become. Premiering in late 1989, the show introduced viewers to the titular family, Bart, Homer, Marge, Lisa, and Maggie, as well as the countless other inhabitants of Springfield. First-season episodes saw the family get their dog, Santas Little Helper, try therapy, and face the devious Sideshow Bob (Kelsey Grammer) for the first time. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide