Matt Groening Explains Why He Made The Simpsons Yellow

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Matt Groening, creator of iconic animated series The Simpsons, has revealed why most of the characters are yellow.

The Simpsons first debuted on our TV screens more than three decades ago and has become a staple of many people's childhood and adulthood.

But even after all these years of excellent satirical comedy and wit, there is still one question left lingering on our minds: Why are they yellow?

The creator of the beloved show shared with the BBC back in 2007 that the reason he made the iconic characters yellow was so that the cartoon would appear unique.

Credit: PictureLux / The Hollywood Archive / Alamy

In the interview, Groening said it wasn't his idea but rather an animator who proposed the color yellow - and Groening was immediately sold.

"An animator came up with the Simpsons' yellow and as soon as she showed it to me I said, 'This is the answer!'" Groening revealed.

"When you’re flicking through channels with your remote control, and a flash of yellow goes by, you’ll know you’re watching The Simpsons," he added.

Groening also mentioned that he did not want to pick the "conventional cartoon colors" for the characters.

Obviously, the idea to use the bright color was genius, as the TV series has been hailed as the longest-running scripted show after a whopping 33 years on the air.

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Back when the show first debuted, it must have taken viewers a long time to get used to seeing characters with bright yellow skin tones.

While choosing the distinct color was a stroke of intellect by Groening and his team, there may be some scientific evidence behind the success of the show.

The color theory may have had an effect on the decision to go with the bright color, as yellow is also understood to have a psychological impact on the brain.

Due to the way our eyes process light, the color is the most visible shade to the human eye, and it also symbolizes positivity and happiness.

The creators' decision to make a cartoon about a family - who sticks out like a sore thumb in a color that represents joy - was a smart choice for the show's longevity.

I mean, there’s no other TV show like it.

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