The Simpsons Opening Sequence

"Opening Sequence" is another name for the titles. Each episode has this brief, lead-in scene that establishes the members of the Simpsons family, and some of the characters from Springfield. Most episodes use the standard opening or a variation thereof, and the parts of this standard opening sequence are described below. After Season One, the opening was changed significantly, with only a portion of the original animation kept for Season Two. These changes are noted.Information relating to Season One's opening sequence will be given in blue, and information pertaining only to later seasons will appear in red. Further notes on the fully reanimated, high-def, widescreen intro introduced in Season Twenty will appear in green; since this is closer to its predecessor, and to avoid confusion, an absence of green should imply no substantial change in content.

Types Of Openings

"Full Opening" DEBUTED:   January 4, 1990   [7G02] 10 episodes

PARTS:  Title, Springfield Swoop, Chalkboard Gag, Homer Leaves Work, Grocery Check-Out, Lisa's Sax Solo, Homer Driving, Bart Skateboarding, Marge Driving, Lisa On Her Bike, Driveway, Couch Gag, & Credits.

EPISODES:  7G01, 7G02, 7G03, 7G04, 7G06, 7G07, 7G09, 7G10, 7G12, 7G13.

"Full Opening (New)" DEBUTED:   October 11, 1990   [7F03] 140 episodes

PARTS:  Title, Springfield Swoop, Chalkboard Gag, Homer Leaves Work, Grocery Check-Out, Lisa's Sax Solo, Homer Driving, Bart Skateboarding, Marge Driving, Pan Across Springfield, Driveway, Couch Gag, & Credits.

EPISODES:  7F01, 7F02, 7F03, 7F05, 7F06, 7F07, 7F08, 7F09, 7F10, 7F13, 7F14, 7F17, 7F20[6], 7F21, 7F22, 7F23, 8F07[1], 8F09, 8F10, 8F11, 8F14, 8F17, 8F18, 8F19, 8F20, 8F21[2], 8F22[3], 8F23, 8F24, 9F01[4], 9F02, 9F03, 9F05[6], 9F07, 9F08, 9F09[6], 9F10, 9F11, 9F13, 9F16, 9F17, 9F19, 9F20[6], 9F21, 9F22, 2F08, 2F32[5], 3G01, 3G02, 3G03, 4F16, 5F13, 5F17, 5F19, AABF02, AABF03, AABF04, AABF05, AABF06, AABF07, AABF08, AAFB09, AABF10, AABF11, AABF12, AABF13, AABF14, AABF15, AABF16, AABF17, AABF18, AABF19, AABF20, AABF21, AABF22, AABF23, BABF02, BABF03, BABF04, BABF05, BABF06, BABF07, BABF08, BABF09, BABF10, BABF11, BABF12, BABF13, BABF14, BABF15, BABF16, BABF17, BABF18, BABF19, BABF20, BABF22, CABF01, CABF02, CABF03, CABF04, CABF05, CABF06, CABF07, CABF08, CABF09, CABF10, CABF11, CABF12, CABF13, CABF14, CABF15, CABF16, CABF17, CABF18, CABF20, CABF21, CABF22, DABF02, DABF06, DABF07, DABF08, DABF20, EABF14, GABF15, GABF18, HABF04, HABF14, JABF06, JABF12, JABF22, JABF17, KABF03, KABF15, KABF22. HD/WS:  LABF01, LABF02, LABF03, LABF05, LABF07, LABF12.[1] Accounts from the ambiguities list, capsule, syndication cuts guide, and blackboard openings list create multiple and hazy pictures of the true nature of 8F07. The general feel is that the full opening was generated, but butchered by Fox on one or more occasions. The season 3 DVD uses the full version. -mg[2] Chad's tapes had a short opening for 8F21, but everything else (including the season 3 DVD) seems to indicate the full one. -mg[3] The original Fox airing of 8F22 was shortened; the timing, order, and season 3 DVD suggest this one over a condensed version for subsequent airings. -mg[4] 9F01's first US broadcast used the short opening, but all others used the full opening; see the ambiguities list for more on the Global 9F01/9F02 switcheroo. -mg[5] As predicted, 2F32 used a full opening for its original airing, and this is also found on the season 6 DVD. Chad's version of the list had no entry for 2F32, hence my original use of a footnote. -mg[6] The DVD versions of 7F20, 9F05, 9F09, and 9F20 have full openings and different sax solos than previously indicated on this, the sax solo list, and other sources; it seems that Fox used to run summer repeats with shortened openings to save time, and the long versions are most likely correct. -mg

"Full Opening (New, Ext. Chalkboard)" DEBUTED:   February 16, 2003   [EABF05] 1 episode

PARTS:  Title, Springfield Swoop, Chalkboard Gag, Homer Leaves Work, Grocery Check-Out, Lisa's Sax Solo, Marge Driving, Pan Across Springfield, Driveway, Couch Gag, & Credits. [7]

EPISODES:   EABF05.[7] This opening has a few differences from the standard new full opening: the music repeats a little during the swoop; a newly animated Bart stops writing, pulls out an axe, and chops up the blackboard before running out; and Homer driving/Bart on the skateboard are taken out. It's about 6 seconds less than usual.

"Full Opening (New, Lisa to Maggie)" DEBUTED:   January 8, 2006   [HABF03] 1 episode

PARTS:  Title, Springfield Swoop, Chalkboard Gag, Homer Leaves Work, Grocery Check-Out, Lisa's Sax Solo, Marge Driving, Pan Across Springfield, Driveway, Couch Gag, & Credits. [15]

EPISODES:   HABF03.[15] This opening is almost identical to the standard new full opening, except that it's been shortened to remove Homer driving and Bart skateboarding, and the shot of Marge and Maggie driving has been shortened a tad. I see no other edits.

"Full Opening (New, Lisa to Driveway)" DEBUTED:   April 2, 2006   [HABF09] 12 episodes

PARTS:  Title, Springfield Swoop, Chalkboard Gag, Homer Leaves Work, Grocery Check-Out, Lisa's Sax Solo, Driveway, Couch Gag, & Credits.

EPISODES:   HABF09, HABF16, HABF21[16], JABF13, JABF18, JABF19, KABF02, KABF12, KABF14, KABF20. HD/WS:  LABF08, LABF11.[16] Strictly speaking, this is different: it goes from Lisa's solo to Homer's scream, thus skipping the first part of the driveway. For now, it's here.

"Condensed Opening" DEBUTED:   January 24, 1991   [7F11] 41 episodes

PARTS:  Title, Chalkboard Gag, Homer Leaves Work, Grocery Check-Out, Lisa's Sax Solo, Driveway, Couch Gag, & Credits.

EPISODES:   7F11, 7F12, 7F15, 7F16, 7F18, 7F24, 8F01, 8F03, 8F04[8], 8F05, 8F06, 8F08, 8F13, 8F15, 9F06, 9F12, 9F14, 9F15, 9F18, 1F07, 1F09, 1F10, 1F11, 1F19, 2F13[9], 3F23, 5F01, 5F05, 5F14, 5F18, 5F21, DABF04, EABF04, EABF06, EABF16, FABF01, FABF22, HABF13, KABF06, KABF10, KABF18.[8] 8F04's first US broadcast used a shorter opening, but subsequent US airings and all Global airings used a more full version; the season 3 DVD uses a condensed opening with all the right parts, so now it's listed here. -mg[9] As I expected, 2F13 did use the condensed opening, as confirmed by the season 6 DVD and SNPP staff. Welcome home, 2F13 opening classification! -mg

"Short Opening" DEBUTED:   April 25, 1991   [7F19] 157 episodes

PARTS:  Title, Driveway, Couch Gag, & Credits.

EPISODES:   7F19, 8F12, 8F16, 1F01, 1F02, 1F03, 1F05, 1F06, 1F12, 1F13, 2F31, 3F06, 3F09, 3F11, 3F12, 3F13, 3F14, 3F15, 3F16, 3F17, 3F18, 3F19, 3F20, 3F21, 3F22, 3F24, 4F01, 4F04, 4F05, 4F06, 4F07, 4F09, 4F10, 4F11, 4F12, 4F13, 4F14, 4F15, 4F17, 4F18, 4F19, 4F21, 4F22, 4F23, 4F24, 5F04, 5F08, 5F09, 5F11, 5F15, 5F16, 5F20, 5F22, 5F24, DABF01, DABF03, DABF05, DABF09, DABF10, DABF11, DABF12, DABF13, DABF15, DABF16, DABF17, DABF18, DABF22, EABF01, EABF02, EABF03, EABF07, EABF08, EABF09, EABF10, EABF11, EABF12, EABF13, EABF15, EABF17, EABF18, EABF19, EABF20, EABF22, FABF02, FABF03, FABF04, FABF05, FABF06, FABF07, FABF09, FABF10, FABF11, FABF12, FABF13, FABF14, FABF15, FABF16, FABF17, FABF18, FABF19, FABF20, FABF21, GABF01, GABF02, GABF03, GABF04, GABF06, GABF07, GABF08, GABF09, GABF10, GABF11, GABF12, GABF13, GABF14, GABF16, GABF19, GABF20, GABF21, GABF22, HABF01, HABF02, HABF05, HABF06, HABF07, HABF10, HABF11, HABF12, HABF15, HABF18, HABF19, HABF20, HABF22, JABF02, JABF03, JABF04, JABF05, JABF07[17], JABF08, JABF09, JABF10, JABF11, JABF21, KABF01, KABF04, KABF05, KABF07, KABF08, KABF09, KABF11, KABF13, KABF17, KABF19. (See also 2F02[12].) HD/WS:  LABF04, LABF06, LABF09, LABF10.[17] The original US broadcast of this episode was severely shortened, and the opening was left out completely, with the first part of the episode (itself an introduction) taking its place.

"Cut & Condensed Opening" DEBUTED:   December 16, 1993   [1F08] 47 episodes

PARTS:  Title, Chalkboard Gag, Driveway, Couch Gag, & Credits.

EPISODES:   1F08, 1F14, 1F15, 1F16, 1F17, 1F18, 1F20, 1F21, 1F22, 2F01, 2F04, 2F05, 2F06, 2F07, 2F09, 2F10[12], 2F11, 2F12, 2F14, 2F15, 2F16, 2F17, 2F18, 2F19, 2F20, 2F21, 2F22, 2F33, 3F01, 3F02, 3F03[13], 3F05, 3F07, 3F08, 3F10, 3G04, 4F03, 4F08, 5F03, 5F06, 5F07, 5F10, 5F12, 5F23, DABF21, FABF08, GABF05.[12] 2F10's original airing used this opening, and so does the season 6 DVD. Previously this was listed under the "short opening." -mg[13] 3F03 was listed with a short opening when I took over this list, but the season 7 DVD uses this one, and I've confirmed the episode was originally broadcast with it. -mg

"Short Opening (With Chalkboard)" DEBUTED:   May 5, 2002   [DABF14] 1 episode

PARTS:  Title, Chalkboard Gag-slash-Driveway, Couch Gag, & Credits. [10]

EPISODES:   DABF14.[10] This opening cuts from Bart exiting his classroom to Marge's view of Homer running from the car. It has the same length as a short opening, suggesting that the blackboard gag was spliced in late.

"Very Short Opening" DEBUTED:   April 23, 1995   [2F02] 1 episode

PARTS:  Title, Credits.

EPISODES:   2F02[11].[11] The original broadcast of 2F02 used the same opening as 1F06, but for some reason this ultra-short opening was used on its sole Fox repeat on the date above. Count this with the short openings if you like; I'm keeping it here for now, though. See also DVD companion. -mg

"Special Opening" DEBUTED:   December 17, 1989   [7G08] 30 episodes

PARTS:  Varied. (Each Treehouse of Horror is included here, as well as various unusual or non-intros.)

EPISODES:   7G05, 7G08, 7G11, 7F04, 8F02, 9F04, 1F04, 2F03, 3F04, 3F31, 4F02, 4F20, 5F02, AABF01, BABF01, BABF21, CABF19, DABF19, EABF21, FABF23, GABF17, HABF08[14], HABF17, JABF01, JABF14, JABF15, JABF20, JABF16, KABF16, KABF21. (See also JABF07[17].)DESCRIPTIONS Treehouse of Horror (many of which end with special TV credits): 7F04: Marge disclaimer and tombstones (straight into Act I) 8F02: Marge disclaimer and tombstones (straight into Act I) 9F04: Homer disclaimer (Hitchcock) and tombstones, plus skeleton couch gag 1F04: Tombstones, plus zombie couch gag 2F03: Marge disclaimer interrupted by Bart and Homer, tombstones and more, mismatched parts couch gag 3F04: Krusty headless horseman, plus noose couch gag 4F02: Homer lights his hand on fire, plus grim reaper couch gag 5F02: Network censor, plus electrocution couch gag AABF01: Halloween-style reanimation of blackboard and driveway, plus Freddy and Jason couch gag BABF01: Kang and Kodos tell bad warm-up jokes, plus past TOH character couch gag BABF21: "The Munsters" parody opening CABF19: Simpsons trick-or-treating at Burns mansion DABF19: Simpsons and Ned summon ghost of Maude (first to say "Treehouse of Horror" on-screen) EABF21: Violence erupts over a candy fight, Kang and Kodos bemoan November scheduling (first to say full correct title, with Roman numerals, on-screen) FABF23: "Keeping it Kodos" (starring Kang!) GABF17: Kang and Kodos accelerate a baseball game and destroy the universe HABF17: Burns and Smithers "crypt-keeper" intro JABF16: Marge kills animated Fox promo bugs and bakes them into a meatloaf KABF16: Jab at 2008 election with voting machines killing people and so forth Variations on usual opening: 7G05, 7G11: Clouds, swoop, but to Simpson house/action instead of SES for very short opening (straight into Act I) 3F31: 138th Episode Spectacular intro by Troy McClure, then modified clouds/swoop, blackboard to driveway, many couch gags HABF08: Edited version of UK live-action opening JABF01, KABF21: Reanimated with Christmasy variations (slight musical differences between the two) JABF20: Reanimated "reconstruction" followup to the movie Other: 7G08: Title card for Christmas special (straight into Act I) 4F20: Spinoff Showcase introduction by Troy McClure JABF14: "24" opening parody and setup JABF15: "Family Portrait" (MG25) somewhat inaccurately specified as "20 years ago" for 400th episode and approximate 20-year anniversary of Ullman shorts [14] The original broadcast of HABF08 used an edited version of the live-action opening, but its repeat used a traditional animated opening with different components. The animated version does not match any of the other categories, though; it's like a full opening, late to start, missing the grocery check-out, and trimming part of Maggie driving. Note that this is not the way the live-action one was cut. -mg