The Simpsons Marathon on FXX: The 21 Early Episodes You Need to See

Break out the DVRs, doughnuts and Duff beer...you're going to need them for FXX's history-making marathon

By Chris Harnick Aug 21, 2014 4:54 PMTags
The SimpsonsFox

Grab your doughnuts and Duff beer, because FXX's Every Simpsons Ever marathon of The Simpsons is now in full swing. The12-day marathon will showcase more than 500 episodes of the long-running Fox animated series to kick off its syndication run on the FX sister channel.

The marathon started at 10 a.m. ET today, Thursday, Aug. 21, and will conclude on Monday, Sept. 1 at 11:30 p.m., making it the longest-running marathon in TV history. All episodes will be shown chronologically through season 25 with The Simpsons Movie airing after episode 400.

Chances are you're going to watch some quality Simpsons episodes over these 12 days. But nobody has time for all 552 episodes, right? If you do, we're jealous. If you're like us and only have a limited amount of time and DVR space, here are the episodes you need to watch and when you can watch them.

Fox Broadcasting/FXX

"Treehouse of Horror," Aug. 21, 5:30 p.m.
Why: It's the first "Treehouse of Horror" episode! ‘Nuff said.

"Bart Gets Hit by a Car," Aug. 21 9 p.m.
Why: Classic Lionel Hutz and Mr. Burns action here.

"Lisa's Substitute," Aug. 22, 1:30 a.m.
Why: A very memorable Lisa Simpson episode featuring Dustin Hoffman.

"Stark Raving Dad," Aug. 22, 3:30 a.m.
Why: Michael Jackson. Homer's pink shirt. Lisa's birthday. Need we say more?

"When Flanders Failed," Aug. 22, 4:30 a.m.
Why: Ned Flanders forever.

Fox Broadcasting/FXX

"Flaming Moe's," Aug. 22, 8 a.m.
Why: Moe steals Homer's idea for a drink and the results? A fine episode.

"Bart the Lover," Aug. 22, 11 a.m.
Why: Bart decides to get revenge on Mrs. Krabappel (Marcia Wallace) and essentially catfishes her before realizing that the teacher he viewed as a villain is a real person.

"Kamp Krusty," Aug. 22, 3:30 p.m.
Why: What happens at Kamp Krusty stays at Kamp Krusty.

"Mr. Plow," Aug. 22, 7:30 p.m.
Why: Homer and Barney face-off as rival plow drivers.

"Marge vs. the Monorail," Aug. 22, 9 p.m.
Why: You already know you're going to be watching this episode.

"I Love Lisa," Aug. 22, 10:30 p.m.
Why: Ralph Wiggum crushes hardcore on Lisa thanks to Valentine's Day. "I Choo-Choo-Choose You."

"Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy," Aug. 23, 9 a.m.
Why: Lisa is not impressed with her favorite doll, Malibu Stacy. With the original creator, voiced by Kathleen Turner, she sets out to make a new doll.

Fox Broadcasting/FXX

"Bart's Girlfriend," Aug. 23, 4:30 p.m.
Why: Meryl Streep voices the mischievous Jessica Lovejoy.

"Bart vs. Australia," Aug. 23, 9 p.m.
Why: Admit it, this episode had you thinking about the toilets Down Under.

"Bart Sells His Soul," Aug. 24, 3:30 a.m.
Why: Alf's back, in Pog form.

"Lisa the Vegetarian," Aug. 24, 4 a.m.
Why: Lisa meets Paul McCartney and his late wife Linda and gives up meat in this poignant episode.

"Two Bad Neighbors," Aug. 24, 8 a.m.
Why: George Bush moves in next door and all bets are off.

"22 Short Films About Springfield," Aug. 24, 12 p.m.
Why: A fine character spotlight.

"You Only Move Twice," Aug. 24, 3 p.m.
Why: Hank Scorpio!

"The Springfield Files," Aug. 24, 7 p.m.
Why: Mulder and Scully come to Springfield in this The X-Files crossover.

"The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson," Aug. 25, 3 a.m.
Why: A tale we all know so well.

Hat tip to Vulture for the full marathon schedule.