When The Simpsons Went to War With Fox

The Simpsons was made in a bubble that burst long ago .

The network brass would not be involved in the creative side of the show.

The James L. Brooks no-notes rule became legendary.

The more people put their fingers in it, there’s less of a chance you come up with something interesting and unique.

Fox dropped the word genitalia from the episode of " Treehouse of Horror II " 10 Simpsons staffers signed a letter explaining their refusal to replace the word.

The writers held their ground, not over a small detail.

The original draft of the episode was rejected, but the word ended up being approved.

The Simpsons was rarely as offensive as parents thought, even when it wanted to be.

The writers knew that having creative control didn’t give them license to violate broadcast standards.

Jon Vitti , who wrote one of the best Larry Sanders episodes: “ Homer’s Night Out ” The writers room was filled with very smart people, but as erudite people were, they were above all dedicated to producing huge laughs.