The Critic was a 1994-1995 American prime time animated series about the life of film critic Jay Sherman (voiced by Jon Lovitz). The series was produced by Al Jean, Mike Reiss and James L. Brooks, who also worked on The Simpsons, therefore explaining why The Critic was often referenced on the show.
Marge invites Jay to come to Springfield to help judge the Springfield Film Festival. In one scene Jay Sherman is introduced to Bart Simpson who, in a self aware scene about this crossover, mutters: "Why do I suddenly feel so dirty?", after praising his show.
Jay is seen in a cell at an insane asylum repeating "it stinks" while a doctor is trying to calm him by saying "Yes, Mr. Sherman. Everything stinks." The line "It stinks!" was Sherman's catchphrase on The Critic.
Homer and Bart Simpson made a brief appearance in "Dial M for Mother". During an interview with Geraldo Rivera, Jay is asked about talking over the heads of his audience and does just that in his answer. An annoyed family watching changes the channel to The Simpsons, where Homer—after stepping on a rake—exclaims, "D'oh!" and Bart replies, "Ay caramba!" The family's father comments, "Now, this I understand."
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"A Song for Margo"
The children at the Oliver Twist preschool are making Simpsons merchandise.
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"From Chunk to Hunk"
A Fox network executive calls Jay and asks him to emulate Bart, Homer, Marge, and Maggie.
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"All the Duke's Men"
A short melody when JFK kisses Marilyn Monroe was reused from the Simpsons episode "Treehouse of Horror III".
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"Dukerella"
Jay and Alice go to a costume ball dresses up as Homer and Marge to meet Duke, Alice's sister crush.
