View source for Bart Simpson

{{Short description|Fictional character from The Simpsons}}
{{About|the cartoon character|the filmmaker|Bart Simpson (filmmaker)}}
{{pp|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox character
| name        = Bart Simpson
| full_name   = Bartholomew JoJo Simpson
| series      = [[The Simpsons]]
| image       = Bart Simpson 200px.png
| image_size  = 170
| alt         = A cartoon image of a yellow boy with yellow, spiky hair, wearing a red T-shirt, blue shorts, and blue shoes.
| first_minor = [[Good Night (The Simpsons)|Good Night]]
| first_major = [[The Tracey Ullman Show]]
| first_date  = April 19, 1987
| creator     = [[Matt Groening]]
| designer    = Matt Groening
| voice       = [[Nancy Cartwright]]
| occupation  = 4th grade student at [[Springfield Elementary School]]
| nationality = American
| family      = {{Plainlist|
* [[Homer Simpson]] (father)
* [[Marge Simpson]] (mother)
* [[Lisa Simpson]] (sister)
* [[Maggie Simpson]] (sister)
}}
| relatives = {{Plainlist|
* [[Grampa Simpson|Abe Simpson]] (grandfather)
* [[Mona Simpson (The Simpsons)|Mona Simpson]] (grandmother; deceased)
* [[Clancy Bouvier]] (grandfather; deceased)
* [[Simpson family#Jacqueline Bouvier|Jacqueline Bouvier]] (grandmother)
* [[Patty and Selma|Patty Bouvier]] (aunt)
* [[Patty and Selma|Selma Bouvier]] (aunt)
* [[Herbert Powell (The Simpsons)|Herbert Powell]] (half-uncle)
* [[Simpson family#Abbey|Abbey]] (half-aunt)
}}
| home        = [[The Simpsons house|742 Evergreen Terrace]], [[Springfield (The Simpsons)|Springfield]], United States
}}

'''Bartholomew Jojo "Bart" Simpson'''{{sfn|Groening|2004|p=6}} is a fictional character from the American animated television series ''[[The Simpsons]]'' who is part of the [[Simpson family]]. Bart made his television debut in the [[The Simpsons shorts|short]] "[[Good Night (The Simpsons)|Good Night]]" on ''[[The Tracey Ullman Show]]'' on April 19, 1987. Cartoonist [[Matt Groening]] created and designed Bart while waiting in the lobby of [[James L. Brooks]]'s office. Initially called to pitch a series of shorts based on his comic strip ''[[Life in Hell]]'', Groening instead developed a new set of characters. Unlike the other Simpson family members, who were named after Groening's relatives, Bart's name is an [[anagram]] of ''brat''. After two years on ''The Tracey Ullman Show'', the Simpson family received their own series, which premiered on [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] on December 17, 1989. Bart has appeared in every episode of ''The Simpsons'' except "[[Four Great Women and a Manicure]]".

At ten years old, Bart is the eldest child and only son of [[Homer Simpson|Homer]] and [[Marge Simpson]] and the brother of [[Lisa Simpson|Lisa]] and [[Maggie Simpson|Maggie]]. Known for his mischievousness, rebelliousness, and disrespect for authority, Bart’s most iconic traits include his [[chalkboard gag]]s in the opening sequence, prank calls to [[Moe's Tavern]], and catchphrases like "Eat my shorts", "''[[¡Ay, caramba!]]''", "Don't have a cow, man!", and "I'm Bart Simpson, who the hell are you?". However, apart from "''¡Ay, caramba!''", these trademarks have largely been retired or used sparingly. Bart has also appeared in ''The Simpsons''' related media, including [[List of The Simpsons video games|video games]], ''[[The Simpsons Movie]]'', [[The Simpsons Ride|''The Simpsons'' Ride]], commercials, [[List of The Simpsons comics|comic books]], and an extensive line of [[merchandise]]. [[Nancy Cartwright]], Bart's voice actor, intended to audition for the role of Lisa, while [[Yeardley Smith]] auditioned for Bart. However, Smith’s voice was deemed too high-pitched for a boy, and she was cast as Lisa instead. Cartwright found Lisa less appealing as a character and opted to try out for Bart, a role she felt better suited her. 

During the first two seasons of ''The Simpsons'', Bart was the show's [[protagonist]], ensuing "Bartmania", which spawned Bart-themed merchandise touting his rebellious persona and pride in underachieving. However, these traits also drew criticism from parents and educators who viewed him as a negative influence on children. By the third season, Homer became the show's figure, and the series shifted its focus to the family as a whole, though Bart remains a [[breakout character]]. Bart is considered one of the most iconic fictional television characters of the 1990s<ref name="s099">{{cite web | last=Parker | first=Jake | title=The 10 Best Characters in 'The Simpsons,' Ranked | website=[[Collider.com|Collider]] | date=May 11, 2024 | url=https://collider.com/simpsons-characters-ranked/ | access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref><ref name="r815">{{cite web | last=Sargeant | first=Rebecca | title=10 Iconic TV Characters That Defined The 1990s | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=May 25, 2024 | url=https://screenrant.com/tv-show-characters-1990s-defined-iconic/ | access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref><ref name="o959">{{cite web | last=Rosenberg | first=Howard | title=Dude of the Year: Bart Simpson was TV's bitingly funny anti-hero in a year that saw both ambitious flameouts and eloquent triumphs | website=[[Los Angeles Times]] | date=December 23, 1990 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-12-23-ca-9707-story.html | access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref> and has been described as an American [[cultural icon]].<ref name="h053">{{cite web | last=Hajek | first=Danny | title='Whoa, Mama!': A Voice Actress's Road To Fame As A 10-Year-Old Boy | publisher=[[NPR]] | date=February 28, 2015 | url=https://www.npr.org/2015/02/28/389575645/whoa-mama-a-voice-actresss-road-to-fame-as-a-10-year-old-boy | access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref><ref name="j592">{{cite web | first=Susan | last=Cheng | title=Emmanuel Mauleón's Illustrations of Black Bart Simpson Ev... | website=Complex | date=January 23, 2014 | url=https://www.complex.com/style/a/susan-cheng/emmanuel-mauleon-black-bart-simpson-bartmania | access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref><ref name="u994">{{cite web | title=Bart's voice tells all | publisher=[[BBC News]] | date=November 10, 2000 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1017238.stm | access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref> [[Time (magazine)|''Time'']] named him one of the [[Time 100: The Most Important People of the Century|100 most important people of the 20th century]], and ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' named him Entertainer of the Year in 1990.<ref name="k288">{{cite magazine | title=Flashback! EW's Entertainers of the Year Since 1990 | magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] | date=November 6, 2008 | url=https://ew.com/gallery/flashback-ews-entertainers-year-1990-0/ | access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref> Cartwright has received several accolades for her portrayal of Bart, including a [[Primetime Emmy Award]] in 1992 and an [[Annie Award]] in 1995. In 2000, Bart and the rest of the Simpson family were honored with a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]].

== Role in ''The Simpsons'' ==
''The Simpsons'' employs a [[floating timeline]], where characters either do not age or age minimally. As such, the show is always presumed to take place in the present year.{{sfn|Friedrich|Colmenares|2017|p=73}}<ref name="v778">{{cite journal | last1=Davis | first1=Amy M. | last2=Gilboy | first2=Jemma | last3=Zborowski | first3=James | title=How Time Works in ''The Simpsons'' | journal=[[Animation (journal)|Animation]] | publisher=[[Sage Publications]] | volume=10 | issue=3 | date=October 19, 2015 | issn=1746-8477 | doi=10.1177/1746847715602403 | doi-access=free | pages=175–188}}</ref> Bart is the eldest child and only son of [[Homer Simpson|Homer]] and [[Marge|Marge Simpson]];{{sfn|Feltmate|2017|p=5}}{{sfn|Neuman|Danesi|Vilenchik|2022|p=51}} he has two younger sisters, [[Lisa Simpson|Lisa]] and [[Maggie Simpson|Maggie]].{{sfn|Stabile|Harrison|2003|p=133}} In several episodes of ''The Simpsons'', events have been tied to specific times, though these timelines are sometimes contradicted in later episodes. On "[[I Married Marge]]" ([[The Simpsons season 3|season three]], 1991), Bart's birth is placed in the early 1980s.<ref name=IMarriedMarge>{{cite episode|title=I Married Marge|episode-link=I Married Marge|series=The Simpsons|credits=[[Jeff Martin (writer)|Martin, Jeff]]; [[Jeffrey Lynch|Lynch, Jeffrey]]|network=Fox|airdate=December 26, 1991|season=03|number=12}}</ref> In "[[Simpsorama]]" (Season 26, 2014), Bart states his birthday as February 23,<ref name=ISimpsorama>{{cite episode|title=Simpsorama|episode-link=Simpsorama|series=The Simpsons|credits=[[J. Stewart Burns]]|network=Fox|airdate=November 9, 2014|season=26|number=6|quote=Prove it! When is your birthday?}} "February 23rd." "Ha! February has no 23rd!" "Yes it does!"</ref> while ''The Bart Book'' by series creator [[Matt Groening]] lists it as April 1.{{sfn|Groening|2004|p=6}} Bart lived with his parents in Springfield's Lower East Side before the family purchased [[The Simpsons house|their first home]].<ref name=LisasFirstWord>{{cite episode|title=Lisa's First Word|episode-link=Lisa's First Word|series=The Simpsons|credits=Martin, Jeff; [[Mark Kirkland|Kirkland, Mark]]|network=Fox|airdate=December 3, 1992|season=04|number=10}}</ref> When [[Lisa Simpson|Lisa]] was born, Bart initially felt jealous of the attention she received but soon warmed to her when her first word turned out to be "Bart".<ref name=LisasFirstWord/> Bart's first day of school occurred in the early 1990s. Initially excited, his enthusiasm was quickly crushed by an indifferent teacher, prompting [[Marge Simpson|Marge]] to worry about him. During recess, Bart befriended [[Milhouse Van Houten|Milhouse]] and began entertaining classmates with gestures and rude jokes. [[Principal Skinner]] warned Bart, "You've just started school, and the path you choose now may be the one you follow for the rest of your life! Now, what do you say?" Bart replied, "Eat my shorts".<ref>{{cite episode|title=Lisa's Sax|episode-link=Lisa's Sax|series=The Simpsons|credits=[[Al Jean|Jean, Al]]; [[Dominic Polcino|Polcino, Dominic]]|network=Fox|airdate=October 19, 1997|season=09|number=03}}</ref> However, the episode "[[That '90s Show (The Simpsons)|That 90's Show]]" ([[The Simpsons season 19|season 19]], 2008) contradicted much of this timeline, revealing that Homer and Marge were childless during the early 1990s.<ref>{{cite episode|title=That '90s Show|episode-link=That '90s Show (The Simpsons)|series=The Simpsons|credits=[[Matt Selman|Selman, Matt]]; Kirkland, Mark|network=Fox|airdate=January 27, 2008|season=19|number=11}}</ref>

Bart's hobbies include [[skateboarding]],<ref>{{cite journal|title='I'm Bart Simpson, who the hell are you?' A Study in Postmodern Identity (Re)Construction|id={{ProQuest|195365310}}|volume=37|issue=37|journal=[[The Journal of Popular Culture]]|last=Ott|first=B. L.|page=63}}</ref> watching [[television]]—particularly [[Krusty the Clown|''The Krusty the Clown Show'']] and its segment ''[[The Itchy & Scratchy Show]]''{{sfn|Neuman|Danesi|Vilenchik|2022|p=56}}—reading [[comic books]], especially [[Radioactive Man (The Simpsons)|''Radioactive Man'']],{{sfn|Neuman|Danesi|Vilenchik|2022|p=56}} playing [[video game]]s,<ref name="u296">{{cite web | last=McWhertor | first=Michael | title=Bart Simpson becomes an esports star in next episode of The Simpsons | website=[[polygon (website)|Polygon]] | date=March 15, 2019 | url=https://www.polygon.com/tv/2019/3/15/18267281/the-simpsons-esports-episode-league-of-legends | access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref> and causing general mischief.<ref name="r263">{{cite web | last1=Summers | first1=Megan | last2=Russell | first2=Tom | title=The Simpsons: Bart's 20 Best Prank Calls To Moe's Tavern, Ranked | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=February 4, 2021 | url=https://screenrant.com/bart-simpsons-best-moe-prank-calls/ | access-date=December 7, 2024}}</ref> His favorite movies are [[Jaws (film)|''Jaws'']] and the ''[[Star Wars]]'' trilogy, while his favorite [[boardgame]]s include ''Hippo in the House'', ''The Game of Lent'', and ''Citizenship''.{{sfn|Terrace|2017|p=200}} Throughout the series, Bart has been a student at [[Springfield Elementary School]], where he is part of [[Edna Krabappel]]'s fourth-grade class.<ref name="k910">{{cite journal | last=Meskill | first=Carla | title=Through the Screen, into the School: Education, subversion, ourselves in The Simpsons | journal=Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education | volume=28 | issue=1 | date=2007 | issn=0159-6306 | doi=10.1080/01596300601073119 | pages=38–39}}</ref><ref name="d697">{{cite web | last=Kosmala | first=Karina | title=10 'The Simpsons' Episodes That Made Us Shed a Tear | website=[[Collider.com|Collider]] | date=October 2, 2022 | url=https://collider.com/10-simpsons-episodes-that-made-us-shed-a-tear/ | access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref> Although too young for full-time work, Bart has taken on several part-time jobs over the years. He works as a bartender at [[Fat Tony (The Simpsons)|Fat Tony]]'s social club in "[[Bart the Murderer]]" ([[The Simpsons season 3|season three]], 1991);<ref>{{cite episode|title=Bart the Murderer|episode-link=Bart the Murderer|series=The Simpsons|credits=[[John Swartzwelder|Swartzwelder, John]]; [[Rich Moore|Moore, Rich]]|network=Fox|airdate=October 10, 1991|season=03|number=04}}</ref> as Krusty the Clown's assistant in "[[Bart Gets Famous]]" ([[The Simpsons season 5|season five]], 1994);<ref>{{cite episode|title=Bart Gets Famous|episode-link=Bart Gets Famous|series=The Simpsons|credits=Swartzwelder, John; [[Susie Dietter|Dietter, Susie]]|network=Fox|airdate=February 3, 1994|season=05|number=12}}</ref> as a doorman in Springfield's [[burlesque|burlesque house]], the Maison Derrière, in "[[Bart After Dark]]" ([[The Simpsons season 8|season eight]], 1996);<ref>{{cite episode|title=Bart After Dark|episode-link=Bart After Dark|series=The Simpsons|credits=Appel, Richard; [[Josh Weinstein|Weinstein, Josh]]|network=Fox|airdate=November 4, 1996|season=08|number=05}}</ref> and briefly owns his own factory in "[[Homer's Enemy]]" ([[The Simpsons season 8|season eight]], 1997).<ref>{{cite episode|title=Homer's Enemy|episode-link=Homer's Enemy|series=The Simpsons|credits=Swartzwelder, John; [[Jim Reardon|Reardon, Jim]]|network=Fox|airdate=May 4, 1997|season=08|number=23}}</ref>

==Character==

=== Creation ===
[[File:Matt Groening by Gage Skidmore -retouch.jpg|right|thumb|upright|[[Matt Groening]] (''pictured in 2009'') conceived Bart in 1987.|alt=A man in glasses and a plaid shirt sits in front of a microphone.]]
[[Matt Groening]] first conceived Bart and the rest of the [[Simpson family]] in 1987 while waiting in the lobby of producer [[James L. Brooks]]'s office.<ref name="p299">{{cite web | last=Thielman | first=Sam | title=Happy birthd'oh!: The Simpsons celebrates 30 years of cultural milestones | website=[[The Guardian]] | date=April 19, 2017 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/apr/19/the-simpsons-birthday-30-years-fox-history | access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref><ref name="k770">{{cite web | last=Bianculli | first=David | title=Simpson's Creator Matt Groening | publisher=[[NPR]] | date=February 14, 2003 | url=https://www.npr.org/2003/02/14/1162008/simpsons-creator-matt-groening | access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref> Groening was invited to pitch a series of animated shorts for ''[[The Tracey Ullman Show]]'' and initially planned to adapt his comic strip, ''[[Life in Hell]]''. Upon realizing that adapting the strip would require him to relinquish [[publication right]]s, he quickly decided to create something new.<ref name="a529">{{cite web | last=Cohen | first=Ivan | title=The 12 Most Unexpected Spinoffs in TV History | website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]] | date=November 29, 2016 | url=https://www.vulture.com/2016/11/the-most-unexpected-spinoffs-in-tv-history.html | access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref> Groening hastily sketched a concept for a [[dysfunctional family]],{{sfn|Sito|2006|p=305}}<ref>{{cite magazine|title=It's a family affair?|magazine=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|date=July 1990|page=67|volume=6|issue=4}}</ref> naming the characters after members of his own family.{{sfn|Fink|2019|p=21}}<ref name="r175">{{cite journal | last=UçAn | first=Bahadır | title=An analysis of 'The Simpsons' through visual indicators| page=1148 | journal=Journal of International Social Research | volume=10 | issue=54 | date=December 25, 2017 | issn=1307-9581 | doi=10.17719/jisr.20175434683 | doi-access=free }}</ref> For the rebellious son, he chose the name "Bart", an [[anagram]] of ''brat'',{{sfn|Ezell|2016|p=133}}{{sfn|Pinsky|2007|p=5}} instead of his own name, as he felt "Matt" would not "go over well in a pitch meeting".<ref name="i616">{{cite web | title=Marge Simpson's Namesake Has Died | website=[[HuffPost]] | date=May 7, 2013 | url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/marge-groening-matt-groening-marge-simpson-inspiration_n_3226541 | access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref><ref name="w413">{{cite web | last=Blackall | first=Luke | title=From the Wiggums to chain-smoking aunt Patty: the real-life Groening | website=[[The Independent]] | date=May 7, 2013 | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/from-the-wiggums-to-chainsmoking-aunt-patty-the-reallife-groening-family-behind-the-simpsons-revealed-in-obituary-of-creator-s-mum-8606463.html | access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref> Bart's middle initial, "J", is a homage to animated characters like [[Bullwinkle J. Moose]] and [[Rocket J. Squirrel]] from ''[[The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show]]'', who were named after their creator, [[Jay Ward]].<ref name="x978">{{cite web | last=Bibby | first=Daniel | title=Bart & Homer Simpson's Names Subtly Honor Another Classic Cartoon | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=February 11, 2024 | url=https://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-honors-rocky-bullwinkle-character-names/ | access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref><ref name="q895">{{cite magazine | last=Stransky | first=Tanner | title='Rocky & Bullwinkle': Happy 50th birthday to the sweet duo! (And Boris and Natasha, too!) | magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] | date=November 19, 2009 | url=https://ew.com/article/2009/11/19/rocky-and-bullwinkle-50th-birthday/ | access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref> According to the book ''[[Bart Simpson's Guide to Life]]'', his full middle name is "JoJo".<ref name="y247">{{cite web | last=Pierce-Bohen | first=Kayleena | title=10 Facts Only Die-Hard Fans Of The Simpsons Would Know | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=September 25, 2023 | url=https://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-obscure-facts/ | access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref>

Bart was initially conceived as, according to ''[[The Oregonian]]'', "a much milder, troubled youth given to existential angst who talks to himself" but the character was changed due to [[Nancy Cartwright]]'s voice acting.<ref>{{cite news |title=Christmans is 'Life in Hell' for The Simpsons|date=December 17, 1989|work=[[The Oregonian]]|last=Farrell|first=Peter}}</ref> Groening, the creator of ''The Simpsons'', has credited various sources as inspirations for Bart's character. His older brother, Mark Groening, influenced Bart's rebellious attitude. Mark introduced him to a variety of comics, including [[Mad (magazine)|''Mad'']] (when it was still a comic), ''[[Donald Duck in comics|Donald Duck]]'', ''[[Uncle Scrooge]]'', ''[[Little Lulu]]'', and ''[[Tales from the Crypt (comics)|Tales From the Crypt]]'', all of which were sources of inspiration for Matt.<ref>{{cite web|last=Paul|first=Alan|title=Life in Hell|work=[[Flux (magazine)|Flux]]|date=September 30, 1995|url=http://www.snpp.com/other/interviews/groening95.html|access-date=December 26, 2005|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208235641/http://www.snpp.com/other/interviews/groening95.html|archive-date=February 8, 2007}}</ref> Bart was envisioned as an exaggerated version of the typical misbehaving child, combining the extreme traits of characters like [[Tom Sawyer]] and [[Huckleberry Finn]].{{sfn|Waltonen|Du Vernay|2014|p=182}} Groening described Bart as "what would happen if the son of [[Eddie Haskell]] [from ''[[Leave It to Beaver]]''] got his own show".<ref>{{cite news |title=With spirit of youthful rebellion, 'Simpsons' creator takes on success |last=Kolbert|first=Elizabeth|date=March 11, 1993|work=[[Orlando Sentinel]]}}</ref> He also noted his disappointment with the premise of ''[[Dennis the Menace (1959 TV series)|Dennis the Menace]]'', which inspired him to create a character who was genuinely mischievous.<ref>{{cite news|last=Groening|first=Matt|year=2005|title=Commentary for "[[Two Bad Neighbors]]", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Seventh Season''|publisher=[[20th Century Fox]]}}</ref> Bart first appeared alongside the Simpson family on April 19, 1987, in ''[[The Tracey Ullman Show]]'' [[The Simpsons shorts|short]] "[[Good Night (The Simpsons short)|Good Night]]".{{sfn|Coffman|Richmond|1997|p=14}}<ref name="u828">{{cite web | last=Tallerico | first=Brian | title='The Simpsons' at 30: Six Era-Defining Episodes | website=[[The New York Times]] | date=September 28, 2018 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/28/arts/television/simpsons-history-season-30-timeline.html | access-date=November 26, 2024}}</ref> In 1989, these shorts were developed into ''The Simpsons'', a half-hour series on the [[Fox Broadcasting Company]],<ref name="s787">{{cite web | last=Ortved | first=John | title=The Simpsons Family Values: How the Cartoon Took Over TV | website=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] | date=July 5, 2007 | url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2007/08/simpsons200708?srsltid=AfmBOoov6_MhRIP-W7X_IkrOMxHI8xGIoMzxYvu8fhvg-liiZBYylU3c | access-date=November 26, 2024}}</ref><ref name="a058">{{cite web | last=Tyler | first=Adrienne | title=The Simpsons' Opening Sequence Had A Continuity Error For 20 Years | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=April 7, 2020 | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-opening-credits-homer-boxes-garage-continuity-error/ | access-date=November 26, 2024}}</ref> where Bart and the Simpson family became the central characters.<ref name="b306">{{cite web | last=Gunning | first=Cathal | title=The Simpsons Season 35 Finally Addressed One Of The Show's Biggest Mysteries | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=October 9, 2023 | url=https://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-season-35-characters-age-mystery/ | access-date=November 26, 2024}}</ref>

===Design===
[[File:Bart - Good Night.png|right|200px|thumb|Bart in his first televised appearance in "[[Good Night (The Simpsons)|Good Night]]".|alt=A cartoon image of a yellow boy with spiky hair in bed.]]
The Simpson family was designed to be easily recognizable in silhouette.<ref name="h479">{{cite web | title=25 things you never knew about The Simpsons | first=Michael | last=Hogan | website=[[The Daily Telegraph]] | url-access=subscription | date=December 15, 2014 | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/the-simpsons/11289466/25-things-you-never-knew-about-the-simpsons.html | access-date=November 28, 2024}}</ref><ref name="x786">{{cite web | title=21 things you never knew about The Simpsons | website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] | first=Michael | last=Hogan | date=December 27, 2014 | url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/21-things-you-never-knew-about-the-simpsons-20141219-12b5jj.html | access-date=November 28, 2024}}</ref> The characters were initially crudely drawn because Groening submitted rough sketches to the animators, expecting them to refine the designs; instead, the animators simply traced over his original drawings.<ref name="q232">{{cite web | last=Bachor | first=Kenneth | last2=Lin | first2=Joseph C. | title=The 30 Best Celebrity Cameos on The Simpsons | website=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] | date=August 21, 2014 | url=https://time.com/3154233/simpsons-television-celebrity-entertainment/ | access-date=November 28, 2024}}</ref> Bart's early design, featured in the first shorts, included spikier hair with spikes of varying lengths.<ref>{{cite news|first=David|last=Silverman|author-link1=David Silverman (animator)|last2=Archer|first2=Wes|author-link2=Wes Archer|year=2004|title=Illustrated commentary for "[[Treehouse of Horror IV]]", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Fifth Season''|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> This was later standardized to nine evenly sized spikes. At the time, Groening primarily worked in [[black and white]] and, without considering the eventual use of color, designed Bart's spikes to appear as an extension of his head.<ref>{{cite news|first1=Mike B.|last1=Anderson|author-link1=Mike B. Anderson|last2=Groening|first2=Matt|author-link2=Matt Groening|last3=Michels|first3=Pete|author-link3=Pete Michels|year=2006|title="A Bit From the Animators", illustrated Commentary for "[[All Singing, All Dancing]]", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Ninth Season''|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> Unique to Bart, these design features are not replicated in other characters, although some background characters in the first few seasons shared his spiky [[hairline]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Groening|first1=Matt|last2=Reiss|first2=Mike|author-link2=Mike Reiss|last3=Kirkland|first3=Mark|author-link3=Mark Kirkland|year=2002|title=Commentary for "[[Principal Charming]]", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Second Season''|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref>

Bart's head is described by director [[Mark Kirkland]] as having a basic rectangular shape, resembling a [[coffee can]]. Similarly, Homer's head is rectangular with a dome on top, while spheres are used to define the heads of Marge, Lisa, and Maggie.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Archer|first1=Wes|last2=Groening|first2=Matt|last3=Kirkland|first3=Mark|year=2005|title="A Bit From the Animators", Illustrated commentary for "[[Summer of 4 Ft. 2]]", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Seventh Season''|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> In the episode "[[The Blue and the Gray (The Simpsons)|The Blue and the Gray]]", Bart, along with Lisa and Maggie, humorously addresses the lack of a visible border distinguishing his hair from his head.<ref>{{cite episode|title=The Blue and the Gray|episode-link=The Blue and the Gray (The Simpsons)|series=The Simpsons|credits=[[Rob LaZebnik]]|network=Fox|airdate=February 13, 2011|season=22|number=13}}</ref> In the [[The Simpsons season 7|season seven]] (1995) episode "[[Treehouse of Horror VI]]", Bart, alongside Homer, was rendered as a three-dimensional character for the first time in the "Homer<sup>3</sup>" segment of the episode. The computer animation was provided by [[Pacific Data Images]]. While designing the 3D model of the character, the animators did not know how they would show Bart's hair. They realized that there were vinyl Bart dolls in production and purchased one to use as a model.<ref name="3D">{{cite news|last1=Oakley|first1=Bill|author-link1=Bill Oakley|last2=Weinstein|first2=Josh|author-link2=Josh Weinstein|last3=Johnson|first3=Tim|author-link3=Tim Johnson (film director)|last4=Silverman|first4=David|author-link4=David Silverman (animator)|last5=Mirkin|first5=David|author-link5=David Mirkin|last6=Cohen|first6=David X.|author-link6=David X. Cohen|title="Homer in the Third Dimension" (2005), in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Seventh Season''|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref>

=== Voice ===
[[File:Nancy Cartwright.jpg|alt=A blonde middle-aged woman smiling with a black background|left|200px|thumb|[[Nancy Cartwright]] (''pictured in 2007'') voices Bart.]]
Bart's voice is provided by [[Nancy Cartwright]],{{sfn|Browne|Browne|2001|p=737}}<ref name="n954">{{cite web | title=Bart Simpson voice used to promote Scientology | website=[[The Daily Telegraph]] | url-access=subscription | date=January 29, 2009 | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/4382672/Bart-Simpson-voice-used-to-promote-Scientology.html | access-date=November 30, 2024}}</ref> who also voices several other child characters on ''The Simpsons'', including [[Nelson Muntz]],<ref name="k637">{{cite web | last=Boardman | first=Madeline | title='The Simpsons': See the voice actors behind your favorite characters | website=[[Entertainment Weekly]] | date=April 29, 2016 | url=https://ew.com/gallery/the-simpsons-voices-actors/ | access-date=November 30, 2024}}</ref><ref name="g377">{{cite web | last=Aubrey | first=Elizabeth | title=Sabrina Carpenter fans shocked to discover her aunt is the voice of Bart Simpson | publisher=[[NME]] | date=July 10, 2024 | url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/sabrina-carpenter-fans-shocked-to-discover-her-aunt-is-the-voice-of-bart-simpson-3773518 | access-date=November 30, 2024}}</ref> [[Ralph Wiggum]],<ref name="g377"/> [[Todd Flanders]],{{sfn|Browning|Picart|2014|p=166}} and [[Kearney Zzyzwicz]].{{sfn|Perlmutter|2018|p=553}} After [[Dan Castellaneta]] and [[Julie Kavner]] were cast as Homer and Marge, respectively, due to their existing roles on ''The Tracey Ullman Show'',<ref name="z494">{{cite web | title=D'oh, you're the voice | website=[[The Age]] | date=February 27, 2003 | url=https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/doh-youre-the-voice-20030227-gdvamr.html | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref> the producers held auditions for the roles of Bart and Lisa. [[Yeardley Smith]] initially auditioned for Bart, but casting director [[Bonita Pietila]] felt her voice was too high-pitched. Reflecting on the experience, Smith recalled, "I always sounded too much like a girl. I read two lines as Bart, and they said, 'Thanks for coming!'".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1565538/simpsons-trivia-from-swearing-lisa-to-burns-sexual-smithers/ |title='Simpsons' Trivia, From Swearing Lisa To 'Burns-Sexual' Smithers |access-date=January 15, 2022 |date=July 26, 2007 |author=Carroll, Larry |publisher=[[MTV News]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071220140402/http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1565538/20070725/story.jhtml |archive-date=December 20, 2007 }}</ref> She was subsequently cast as Lisa instead.<ref name="m386">{{cite web | last=King | first=Darryn | title=Why Lisa Simpson Matters | website=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] | date=February 26, 2018 | url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/02/why-lisa-simpson-matters?srsltid=AfmBOorwsnUX_qdkPoAwWSsEG2bptCdqVYLDrUuXgvMaW1ZRBFpFxdaH | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref> On March 13, 1987, Nancy Cartwright auditioned for the role of Lisa.<ref name="i801">{{cite web | title=Bart Simpson: The shorts that ate the world | website=[[The New Zealand Herald]] | date=January 3, 2001 | url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/bart-simpson-the-shorts-that-ate-the-world/AOTICOHPYZTRIAMHAJ2SZSQWJM/ | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref> However, upon discovering that Lisa was described only as the "middle child" with little personality at the time, she became more interested in Bart, who was characterized as "devious, underachieving, school-hating, irreverent, [and] clever".<ref name="i801"/>{{sfn|Cartwright|2000|pp=35–40}} Groening allowed her to audition for Bart, and after hearing her read, he immediately offered her the role.<ref name="BBC News">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/1017238.stm|title=Bart's voice tells all|access-date=May 16, 2007|date=November 10, 2000|publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> Cartwright is the only one among the [[List of The Simpsons cast members|six primary ''Simpsons'' cast members]] who had formal voice acting training prior to joining the show.{{sfn|Turner|2004|p=21}}

According to ''[[The Guardian]]'', Cartwright's natural speaking voice bears "no obvious traces of Bart".<ref name="y825">{{cite web | last=Brockes | first=Emma | title=That's my boy | website=[[The Guardian]] | date=August 1, 2004 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2004/aug/02/broadcasting.edinburgh04 | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref> The voice she uses for Bart came naturally to her, as she had previously incorporated elements of it into roles on shows like ''[[My Little Pony]]'', ''[[Snorks]]'', and ''[[Pound Puppies]]''.<ref name="y825">{{cite web | last=Brockes | first=Emma | title=That's my boy | website=[[The Guardian]] | date=August 1, 2004 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2004/aug/02/broadcasting.edinburgh04 | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref><ref name="l405">{{cite web | title=That's my boy | website=[[The Age]] | date=November 4, 2004 | url=https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/thats-my-boy-20041104-gdyx8r.html | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref> Cartwright describes Bart's voice as easy to perform, stating, "Some characters take a little bit more effort, upper respiratory control, whatever it is technically. But Bart is easy to do. I can just slip into that without difficulty".<ref name="y825"/> To provide variety, she typically records five or six takes of each line, allowing producers more options to work with.<ref name="BBC News"/> Even in [[flashforward]] episodes, Cartwright continues to voice Bart; for example, in the episode "[[Lisa's Wedding]]" ([[The Simpsons season 6|season six]], 1995), Bart's voice was electronically pitched lower to reflect his age.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mirkin|first=David|author-link=David Mirkin|year=2005|title=Commentary for "[[Lisa's Wedding]]", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season''|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> Despite Bart's widespread fame, Cartwright is seldom recognized in public. When she is recognized and asked to perform Bart's voice in front of children, she declines, explaining that it "freaks [them] out".<ref name="i159">{{cite web | last=Brockes | first=Emma | title=Bart's big mouth | website=[[Salon (website)|Salon]] | date=August 2, 2004 | url=https://www.salon.com/2004/08/02/bart_2/ | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref> During the [[The Simpsons season 1|first season]] of ''The Simpsons'', Fox Network prohibited Cartwright from giving interviews to avoid revealing that Bart was voiced by a woman.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bart Simpson's secret: he's a woman|last=Bark|first=Ed|date=July 15, 1990|work=[[Ottawa Citizen]]}}</ref>

Cartwright was initially paid [[US dollar|US$]]30,000 per episode for her work on ''The Simpsons'' until 1998.<ref name="l144">{{cite web | last=Hontz | first=Jenny | title=Cartwright’s vox to pop for 'Simpsons' | website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=March 26, 1998 | url=https://variety.com/1998/tv/news/cartwright-s-vox-to-pop-for-simpsons-1117469167/ | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref><ref name="p643">{{cite web | last1=Block | first1=Alex Ben | last2=Masters | first2=Kim | title='Simpsons' Cast Blinks in Salary Showdown With Fox (Exclusive) | website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] | date=October 7, 2011 | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/simpsons-cast-fox-pay-cut-245648/ | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref> That year, a pay dispute arose, during which Fox threatened to replace the six main voice actors and even began preparing for new casting.<ref name="Glaister">{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/04/02/1080544690429.html|title=Simpsons actors demand bigger share|access-date=October 26, 2008|date=April 3, 2004|last=Glaister|first=Dan|work=[[The Age]]|location=Melbourne|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202171844/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/04/02/1080544690429.html|archive-date=December 2, 2008|url-status=live}}
</ref><ref name="s696">{{cite web | last=Snierson | first=Dan | title=Harry Shearer to exit 'The Simpsons'? | website=[[Entertainment Weekly]] | date=May 8, 2015 | url=https://ew.com/article/2015/05/08/harry-shearer-exiting-simpsons/ | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref> The conflict was ultimately resolved, and Cartwright's salary increased to $125,000 per episode.<ref name="y759">{{cite web | last=Barrett | first=Patrick | title=D'oh! Simpsons go on strike | website=[[The Guardian]] | date=April 1, 2004 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2004/apr/01/broadcasting.uknews | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref><ref name="o315">{{cite web | last=Stowe | first=Dusty | title=How Much Does The Cast Of The Simpsons Get Paid? | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=October 2, 2017 | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-cast-salary-paid/ | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref> In 2004, the voice cast pushed for higher wages, seeking $360,000 per episode.<ref name="l796">{{cite web | title=D'oh! Am I Underpaid?; Negotiations Are Stalled for Voice Actors in 'The Simpsons' | website=[[The New York Times]] | url-access=subscription | first=Bernard | last=Weinraub | author-link=Bernard Weinraub | date=April 14, 2004 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/14/arts/d-oh-am-i-underpaid-negotiations-are-stalled-for-voice-actors-in-the-simpsons.html | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref><ref name="e937">{{cite web | last=Block | first=Alex Ben | title=The ‘Simpsons” Pay Disputes | website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] | date=October 11, 2011 | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/simpsons-pay-disputes-246835/ | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref> After a brief argument, the dispute was settled, and Cartwright's pay was raised to $250,000 per episode.<ref name="t905">{{cite web | last=Collins | first=Scott | title='Simpsons' Cast, Fox Reach Deal | website=[[Los Angeles Times]] | url-access=subscription | date=May 1, 2004 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-may-01-fi-simpsons1-story.html | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref><ref name="g965">{{cite web | last=Schneider | first=Michael | title=Voices carry at Fox | website=[[variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=May 2, 2004 | url=https://variety.com/2004/scene/markets-festivals/voices-carry-at-fox-1117904168/ | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref> In 2008, further negotiations increased the cast's salaries to approximately $400,000 per episode.<ref name="h432">{{cite web | last=Byrne | first=Ciar | title=Homer's no loser with a voice worth $400,000 per show | website=[[The Independent]] | date=June 3, 2008 | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/homer-s-no-loser-with-a-voice-worth-400-000-per-show-839589.html | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref><ref name="i903">{{cite web | last=Wortham | first=Jenna | title=Simpsons Ink Deal for 20th Season, Score More D'Oh | website=[[WIRED]] | date=June 3, 2008 | url=https://www.wired.com/2008/06/simpsons/ | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref> However, in 2011, Fox demanded production cost reductions, threatening to cancel the series if costs were not cut. In response, Cartwright and the other main cast members agreed to a 30{{nbsp}}percent pay reduction, lowering their per-episode earnings to just over $300,000.<ref>{{cite news|last=Block|first=Alex Ben|title='The Simpsons' Renewed for Two More Seasons|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/simpsons-renewed-two-more-seasons-245748|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=October 15, 2011|date=October 7, 2011}}</ref> By 2016, Cartwright was paid $315,000 per episode, which, according to [[Variety (magazine)|''Variety'']], made her one of the highest-paid voice actors at the time.<ref name="w127">{{cite web | last=Bryant | first=Jacob | title=Highest-Paid TV Comedy Stars | website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]| date=October 4, 2016 | url=https://variety.com/gallery/highest-paid-tv-actors-comedy-dwayne-johnson-big-bang-theory/nancy-cartwright-3/ | access-date=December 1, 2024}}</ref>

=== Hallmarks ===
In the [[The Simpsons opening sequence|opening sequence]] of many episodes of ''The Simpsons'', the camera zooms in on Springfield Elementary School, where Bart is shown writing lines on a chalkboard. This recurring feature, known as the "[[chalkboard gag]]", varies from episode to episode.{{sfn|Turner|2004|p=71}} The messages often include political humor, such as "[[First Amendment to the United States Constitution|The First Amendment]] does not cover burping",<ref>{{cite episode|title=Lemon of Troy|episode-link=Lemon of Troy|series=The Simpsons|credits=[[Brent Forrester|Forrester, Brent]]; Reardon, Jim|network=Fox|airdate=May 14, 1995|season=06|number=24}}</ref> [[popular culture|pop culture]] references like "[[The Sixth Sense|I can't see dead people]]",<ref>{{cite episode|title=Take My Wife, Sleaze|episode-link=Take My Wife, Sleaze|series=The Simpsons|credits=Swartzwelder, John; [[Neil Affleck|Affleck, Neil]]|network=Fox|date=November 28, 1999|season=11|number=08}}</ref> and meta-commentary such as "I am not a 32-year-old woman" or "Nobody reads these anymore".{{sfn|Turner|2004|p=71}} The animators can create these gags quickly and sometimes adjust them to reflect current events.<ref name="z743">{{cite web | last=Tsang | first=Christopher | title=The Simpsons Video Reveals 700th Episode Couch Gag | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=March 19, 2021 | url=https://screenrant.com/simpsons-show-700-episode-couch-gag-reveal/ | access-date=December 7, 2024}}</ref> For example, in the episode "[[Homer the Heretic]]" ([[The Simpsons season 4|season four]], 1992), the chalkboard gag read, "I will not defame New Orleans". This was an apology for a controversial song in the previous week's episode, "[[A Streetcar Named Marge]]", which had described the city as a "home of pirates, drunks, and whores".<ref name="q396">{{cite web | last=Kurland | first=Daniel | title=The Simpsons: 15 Episodes That Were Censored | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=September 3, 2017 | url=https://screenrant.com/the-simpsons-episodes-scenes-censored/ | access-date=December 7, 2024}}</ref><ref name="n461">{{cite web | last=Vrabel | first=Jeff | title=FXX's "Simpsons World" App: Here's Your Comprehensive A to Z | website=[[GQ (magazine)|GQ]] | date=October 21, 2014 | url=https://www.gq.com/story/simpsons-world-app-guide | access-date=December 7, 2024}}</ref>

An early hallmark of Bart's character was his [[prank call]]s to [[Moe's Tavern]], where he would ask owner [[Moe Szyslak]] for a fictitious person with a [[gag name]].<ref name="r263" /> Moe would try to find that person, eventually realizing it was a prank and responding with angry threats, unaware that Bart was the caller. These calls were inspired by the [[Tube Bar prank calls|Tube Bar recordings]], a series of prank calls to bar owner Louis "Red" Deutsch, whose profane reactions influenced Moe's violent temperament.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hudsonreporter.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15354520&BRD=1291&PAG=461&dept_id=523586&rfi=6|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080925085614/http://www.hudsonreporter.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15354520&BRD=1291&PAG=461&dept_id=523586&rfi=6|archive-date=September 25, 2008|title=Joke on 'Simpsons' started in JC|access-date=October 30, 2008|date=August 10, 2005|work=[[Jersey City Reporter]]|last=Kaulessar|first=Ricardo}}</ref> The prank calls first appeared in the episode "[[Homer's Odyssey]]" ([[The Simpsons season 1|season one]], 1990), the third episode to air.<ref name="y694">{{cite web | last=Gornael | first=J.S. | title=The 10 Best Running Gags in 'The Simpsons' | website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] | date=May 12, 2024 | url=https://collider.com/the-simpsons-running-gags/ | access-date=December 7, 2024}}</ref> Over time, it became increasingly difficult for the writers to create new fake names and Moe's subsequent responses, leading to the pranks being phased out as a regular feature by the [[The Simpsons season 4|fourth season]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Reiss|first=Mike|year=2001|title=Commentary for "[[Moaning Lisa (The Simpsons)|Moaning Lisa]]", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete First Season'' |publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref><ref name="Some">{{cite news|author-link1=James L. Brooks|last1=Brooks|first1=James L.|last2=Groening|first2=Matt|last3=Jean|first3=Al|author-link3=Al Jean|year=2001|title=Commentary for "[[Some Enchanted Evening (The Simpsons)|Some Enchanted Evening]]", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete First Season''|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> However, they have occasionally resurfaced in later episodes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/916/916381p1.html|title=The Simpsons: "Lost Verizon" Review|access-date=November 3, 2008|date=October 6, 2005|last=Canning|first=Robert|website=[[IGN]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081009060657/http://tv.ign.com/articles/916/916381p1.html|archive-date=October 9, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>

The catchphrase "Eat my shorts" originated as an [[ad-lib]] by Cartwright during one of the show's early table readings, inspired by an incident from her high school years.<ref name="g797">{{cite web | last=Welsh | first=Daniel | title=The Simpsons Voice Actor Reveals Surprising Origin Story Of 1 Of The Show's Most Iconic Catchphrases | website=[[HuffPost]] | date=July 9, 2024 | url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/nancy-cartwright-reveals-history-bart-simpson-catchphrase_uk_668cf2b0e4b08f09c1fb11fd | access-date=December 7, 2024}}</ref> While performing with the marching band at Fairmont High School, the group chanted "Eat my shorts" instead of their usual cheer, "Fairmont West! Fairmont West!".<ref name="g385">{{cite web | last=Hewitt | first=Scott | title=Voice of TV’s Simpsons character shares a more personal tale | website=[[The Columbian]] | date=September 22, 2017 | url=https://www.columbian.com/news/2017/sep/22/voice-of-tvs-simpsons-character-shares-a-more-personal-tale/ | access-date=December 7, 2024}}</ref> This phrase may also reference ''[[The Breakfast Club]]'' (1985), where the character John Bender uses it against Principal Vernon.<ref name="k518">{{cite web | last=Curovic | first=Irina | title=10 Best Pop Culture References Created By The Breakfast Club | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=May 17, 2019 | url=https://screenrant.com/best-pop-culture-breakfast-club/ | access-date=December 7, 2024}}</ref> Bart's other notable catchphrases include "''[[¡Ay, caramba!]]''" and "Don't have a cow!".<ref name="v311">{{cite web | last=Southern | first=Keiran | last2=Angeles | first2=Los | title=Ay caramba! Homer Simpson stops throttling Bart | website=[[The Times]] | url-access=subscription | date=November 7, 2023 | url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/ay-caramba-homer-simpson-stops-throttling-bart-qkrj87k8n | access-date=December 7, 2024}}</ref><ref name="b263">{{cite web | last=Hughes | first=Jason | title='The Simpsons': Bart Finally Learns Meaning Of 'Ay Caramba!' | website=[[HuffPost]] | date=November 25, 2013 | url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/simpsons-bart-learns-meaning-ay-caramba-video_n_4335614 | access-date=December 7, 2024}}</ref><ref name="z868">{{cite web | last=Harmon | first=Steph | title='Don't have a cow': The Simpsons response to Apu racism row criticised as 'toothless' | website=[[The Guardian]] | date=April 10, 2018 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2018/apr/10/dont-have-a-cow-the-simpsons-response-to-apu-racism-row-criticised-as-toothless | access-date=December 7, 2024}}</ref> The former was inspired by a Portuguese flamenco dancer,{{sfn|Reiss|Klickstein|2018|p=108}} while the latter, popularized in the 1950s, originated from the British phrase "Don't have kittens".{{sfn|Reiss|Klickstein|2018|p=108}} Both were prominently featured on merchandise like T-shirts during the show's early seasons.{{sfn|Turner|2004|p=25}}<ref name="Time">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/time100/artists/profile/simpson.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525125524/http://www.time.com/time/time100/artists/profile/simpson.html|title=Bart Simpson|archive-date=May 25, 2009|access-date=May 16, 2007|date=June 8, 1998|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|url-status=dead}}</ref> Another catchphrase, "Cowabunga", was borrowed from Chief Thunderthud of ''[[The Howdy Doody Show]]''.<ref name="z052">{{cite web | last=Epstein | first=Leonora | title=What The Hell Does 'Cowabunga' Mean, Anyhow? | website=[[BuzzFeed]] | date=June 21, 2013 | url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/leonoraepstein/what-the-hell-does-cowabunga-mean-anyhow | access-date=December 12, 2024}}</ref>

[[File:Bart Simpson - Skateboarding.png|thumb|upright=0.65|Bart's nude scene in ''[[The Simpsons Movie]]''.|alt=A cartoon drawing of a yellow nude child skateboarding outdoors, with a leaf covering his genitalia.]]

Bart frequently appears nude in ''The Simpsons'', often through [[mooning]].<ref name="Time"/> In ''[[The Simpsons Movie]]'' (2007), he is featured in a scene where he skateboards completely nude.<ref name="a832">{{cite web | last=Graham | first=Adam | title=Movie review: Weird prevails in ‘Once Upon a Time in Venice’ | website=[[Detroit News]] | date=June 16, 2017 | url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/movies/2017/06/15/movie-review-upon-time-venice/102902964/ | access-date=December 12, 2024}}</ref><ref name="m370">{{cite web | last=Collett-White | first=Mike | title=Early peek at Simpsons movie: Lisa goes green, Bart goes nude | website=[[The Globe and Mail]] | date=July 6, 2007 | url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/early-peek-at-simpsons-movie-lisa-goes-green-bart-goes-nude/article689045/ | access-date=December 12, 2024}}</ref> While various objects obscure his genitalia throughout the sequence, there is a brief moment where his penis is visible.<ref name="m117"/> This scene was among the first created for the film, but producers were initially concerned it might result in an [[R rating (Motion Picture Association)|R rating]].<ref name="m117">{{cite web | last=Snierson | first=Dan | title='The Simpsons Movie': 10 Stories on the 10th Anniversary | website=[[Entertainment Weekly]] | date=July 27, 2017 | url=https://ew.com/movies/2017/07/27/the-simpsons-movie-10th-anniversary/ | access-date=December 12, 2024}}</ref> However, the [[Motion Picture Association of America]] ultimately rated the film [[PG-13]] for "irreverent humor throughout".<ref name="u277">{{cite web | title=Simpsonania | publisher=[[CBS News]] | date=July 25, 2007 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/simpsonania/ | access-date=December 12, 2024}}</ref><ref name="l934">{{cite web | last=Chocano | first=Carina | title=Where's the fire? | website=[[Los Angeles Times]] | url-access=subscription | date=July 27, 2007 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-jul-27-et-simpsons27-story.html | access-date=December 12, 2024}}</ref> The scene was later recognized by Entertainment Weekly as one of the 30 Unforgettable Nude Scenes.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20229685_5,00.html|title=Bodies of Work: 30 Unforgettable Nude Scenes|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|last=Raphael|first=Lisa|year=2008|access-date=October 30, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081027181236/http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0%2C%2C20229685_5%2C00.html|archive-date=October 27, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Personality===
{{quote box|width=30em|bgcolor=Khaki|align=right|quote=Like any good [[punk rock]]er, Bart had the nihilism thing down from the very beginning. Though not so much pissed off as extremely undisciplined, the Bart Simpson of the ''Ullman'' shorts is either fighting with his sister, inciting his father into murderous levels of rage, executing dangerous stunts that end in cartoonish levels of disaster, or simply spitting snarky [[one-line joke|one-liners]] at whatever authority figures cross his path. This appetite for destruction continued to be the defining feature of the smart-assed boy who dominated many episodes of the first few seasons of ''The Simpsons''–the version that spawned Bart-mania–though his methods and motivations show considerably more nuance than the white-trash Bart of the ''Ullman'' era.|source=—&nbsp;Chris Turner, author{{sfn|Turner|2004|p=124}}}}

Bart's character traits of rebelliousness and disrespect for authority have been compared to that of America's founding fathers, and he has been described as an updated version of [[Tom Sawyer]] and [[Huckleberry Finn]], rolled into one.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Cantor|first=P.|title=The Simpsons: Atomistic Politics and the Nuclear Family|journal=Political Theory|volume=27|issue=6|pages=734–749|date=December 1999|doi=10.1177/0090591799027006002|jstor=192244|s2cid=143998133|issn=0090-5917}}</ref> In his book ''[[Planet Simpson]]'', [[Chris Turner (author)|Chris Turner]] describes Bart as a [[Nihilism|nihilist]], a philosophical position that argues that existence is without objective meaning, purpose, or [[intrinsic value (ethics)|intrinsic value]].{{sfn|Turner|2004|p=124}}

Bart's rebellious attitude has made him a disruptive student at [[Springfield Elementary School]], where he is an underachiever and proud of it.<ref name="Gets an F">{{cite episode|title=Bart Gets an "F"|episode-link=Bart Gets an "F"|series=The Simpsons|credits=[[David M. Stern|Stern, David M.]]; Silverman, David|network=Fox|airdate=October 11, 1990|season=02|number=01}}</ref> He is constantly at odds with his teacher [[Edna Krabappel|Ms. Krabappel]], [[Principal Skinner]], and occasionally [[Groundskeeper Willie]].<ref>{{cite episode|title=Girly Edition|episode-link=Girly Edition|series=The Simpsons|credits=[[Larry Doyle (writer)|Doyle, Larry]]; Kirkland, Mark|network=Fox|airdate=April 19, 1998|season=09|number=21}}</ref> Bart does poorly in school and is well aware of it, having once declared, "I am dumb, okay? Dumb as a post! Think I'm happy about it?"<ref name="Gets an F"/> On one occasion, Lisa successfully proves that Bart is dumber than a [[hamster]], although Bart ultimately outsmarts her.<ref name="Duffless">{{cite episode|title=Duffless|episode-link=Duffless|series=The Simpsons|credits=Stern, David M.; Reardon, Jim|network=Fox|airdate=February 18, 1993|season=04|number=16}}</ref> Bart's thoughts are often illogical; he once thought if he died and reincarnated as a butterfly, he would be able to burn the school down without being suspected, thinking that he would be able to hold a gas can as a butterfly.<ref>{{cite episode|title='Round Springfield|episode-link='Round Springfield|series=The Simpsons|credits=Stern, Joshua; Ventimilia, Jeffrey|network=Fox|airdate=April 30, 1995|season=6|number=22}}</ref> He has also thought if he wrote his name in wet cement, people who see it after it dries will wonder how he managed to write his name in solid cement.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Lemon of Troy|episode-link=Lemon of Troy|series=The Simpsons|credits=[[Brent Forrester|Forrester, Brent]]|network=Fox|airdate=May 14, 1995|season=6|number=24}}</ref> In "[[Separate Vocations]]" ([[The Simpsons season 3|season three]], 1992), Bart becomes hall monitor and his grades go up, suggesting that he struggles mainly because he does not pay attention, not because he is stupid.<ref name="Vocations">{{cite episode|title=Separate Vocations|episode-link=Separate Vocations|series=The Simpsons|credits=[[George Meyer|Meyer, George]]; Lynch, Jeffrey|network=Fox|airdate=February 27, 1992|season=03|number=18}}</ref> This idea is reinforced in "[[Brother's Little Helper]]" ([[The Simpsons season 11|season eleven]], 1999), in which it is revealed that Bart has [[Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder|attention deficit disorder]].<ref>{{cite episode|title=Brother's Little Helper|episode-link=Brother's Little Helper|series=The Simpsons|credits=Meyer, George; Kirkland, Mark|network=Fox|airdate=October 3, 1999|season=11|number=02}}</ref> His lack of smarts can also be attributed to the hereditary "Simpson Gene", which affects the intelligence of most male members of the Simpson family.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Lisa the Simpson|episode-link=Lisa the Simpson|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=[[Ned Goldreyer|Goldreyer, Ned]]; Dietter, Susie|network=Fox|airdate=March 8, 1998|season=09|number=17}}</ref> Although he gets into endless trouble and can be sadistic, shallow and selfish, Bart also exhibits many qualities of high integrity. He has, on a few occasions, helped Principal Skinner and Mrs. Krabappel:<ref name="Confidential">{{cite episode|title=Grade School Confidential|episode-link=Grade School Confidential|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=[[Bill Oakley|Pulido, Rachel]]; [[Susie Dietter|Dietter, Susie]]|network=Fox|airdate=April 6, 1997|season=08|number=19}}</ref> In "[[Sweet Seymour Skinner's Baadasssss Song]]" ([[The Simpsons season 5|season five]], 1994), Bart accidentally got Skinner fired and befriended him outside the school environment. Bart missed having Skinner as an adversary and got him rehired, knowing that this would mean that the two could no longer be friends.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Sweet Seymour Skinner's Baadasssss Song|episode-link=Sweet Seymour Skinner's Baadasssss Song|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=[[Bill Oakley|Oakley, Bill]]; [[Josh Weinstein|Weinstein, Josh]]; [[Bob Anderson (director)|Anderson, Bob]]|network=Fox|airdate=April 28, 1994|season=05|number=19}}</ref>

Due to Bart's mischievousness and Homer's often uncaring and incompetent behavior, the two have a turbulent, jaded, violent, and at times borderline sadistic relationship. Bart regularly addresses Homer by his first name instead of "Dad", while Homer in turn often refers to him as "the boy".<ref name="First Word">{{cite episode|title=Lisa's First Word|episode-link=Lisa's First Word|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=Martin, Jeff; Kirkland, Mark|network=Fox|airdate=December 3, 1992|season=04|number=10}}</ref> Homer has a short temper and when enraged by Bart will strangle him on impulse in a cartoonishly violent manner.<ref>Groening, Matt. (2002). Commentary for "[[Simpson and Delilah]]", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Second Season'' [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.</ref> One of the original ideas for the show was that Homer would be "very angry" and oppressive toward Bart, but these characteristics were toned down somewhat as their characters were explored.<ref>Groening, Matt. (2004). Commentary for "[[Marge on the Lam]]", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Fifth Season'' [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.</ref> Marge is a much more caring, understanding and nurturing parent than Homer, but she also refers to Bart as "a handful" and is often embarrassed by his antics.<ref name="Defined"/> In "[[Marge Be Not Proud]]" ([[The Simpsons season 7|season seven]], 1995), she felt she was mothering Bart too much and began acting more distant towards him after he was caught shoplifting. At the beginning of the episode, Bart protested at her over-mothering but as her attitude changed, he felt bad and made it up to her.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Marge Be Not Proud|episode-link=Marge Be Not Proud|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=Scully, Mike; [[Steven Dean Moore|Moore, Steven Dean]]|network=Fox|airdate=December 17, 1995|season=07|number=11}}</ref> Despite his attitude, Bart is sometimes willing to experience humiliation if it means pleasing his mom.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Marge's Son Poisoning|episode-link=Marge's Son Poisoning|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=[[Daniel Chun|Chun, Daniel]]; Anderson, Mike B.|network=Fox|airdate=November 13, 2005|season=17|number=05}}</ref> Marge has expressed an understanding for her "special little guy" and has defended him on many occasions. She once said "I know Bart can be a handful, but I also know what he's like inside. He's got a spark. It's not a bad thing&nbsp;... Of course, it makes him ''do'' bad things."<ref name="Defined"/>
{{quote box|width=30em|bgcolor=Khaki|align=left|quote=Bart is a really good boy. He's just mischievous. He's not bad, like characters who followed him such as [[Eric Cartman|[Eric] Cartman]] (''[[South Park]]'') or [[Beavis]] and [[Butt-head|Butthead]]. Bart can do some nasty things, but they seem so tame, by today's standards. What was shocking 19 years ago, when the show started, isn't the least bit shocking today. Bart hasn't changed.|source=—&nbsp;[[Nancy Cartwright]]<ref name=Sentinel>{{cite news|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/movies/orl-ent-cartwright072507,0,318783.story|title=Nancy Cartwright, voice of Bart Simpson, has personal theme: 'Simpsons Forever'|access-date=September 13, 2008|date=July 25, 2007|last=Moore|first=Roger|work=[[Orlando Sentinel]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015162851/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/movies/orl-ent-cartwright072507%2C0%2C318783.story|archive-date=15 October 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

Bart shares a [[sibling rivalry]] with his younger sister, Lisa, but has a buddy-like relationship with his youngest sister Maggie, due to her infant state. While Bart has often hurt Lisa, and even fought her physically, the two are often very close.<ref name="Duffless" /><ref name="First Word"/> Bart cares for Lisa deeply and has always apologized for going too far.<ref name="Thanksgiving"/> He also believes Lisa to be his superior when it comes to solving problems and frequently goes to her for advice.<ref name="Vocations"/> Bart is also highly protective of Lisa: When a bully destroys her box of cupcakes in "[[Bart the General]]" ([[The Simpsons season 1|season one]], 1990), Bart immediately stands up for her.<ref name="General"/>

Bart is portrayed as a popular cool boy<ref name="Summer"/> and has many friends at school. Out of all of them his best friend is [[Milhouse Van Houten]], although Bart has at times shown embarrassment about their friendship.<ref name="Summer">{{cite episode|title=Summer of 4 Ft. 2|episode-link=Summer of 4 Ft. 2|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=[[Dan Greaney|Greaney, Dan]]; Kirkland, Mark|network=Fox|airdate=May 19, 1996|season=07|number=25}}</ref> Bart is a bad influence on Milhouse, and the two have been involved in a lot of mischief together. Because of this behavior, [[Luann Van Houten|Milhouse's mother]] forbids Milhouse from playing with Bart in "[[Homer Defined]]" ([[The Simpsons season 3|season three]], 1991). While at first he pretended that he did not care, Bart eventually realizes that he needs Milhouse, and Marge manages to convince Mrs. Van Houten to reconsider.<ref name="Defined">{{cite episode|title=Homer Defined|episode-link=Homer Defined|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=[[Howard Gewirtz|Gewirtz, Howard]]; Kirkland, Mark|network=Fox|airdate=October 17, 1991|season=03|number=05}}</ref> Milhouse is a frequent target for local bullies Nelson Muntz and his friends [[Jimbo Jones|Jimbo]], [[Dolph (The Simpsons)|Dolph]], and [[Kearney Zzyzwicz|Kearney]]. At times, Bart also finds himself at the hands of their abuse. Despite being the more socially powerful of the two, Bart's social popularity has temporarily subsided in various episodes either due to extreme embarrassment caused by his family or other people (or even himself) or an unfortunate coincidence. Milhouse describes their social standing as "Three and a half. We get beat up, but we get an explanation."<ref name="Confidential"/> While Bart and the bullies have been adversaries at times, with Bart once declaring war on Nelson,<ref name="General">{{cite episode|title=Bart the General|episode-link=Bart the General|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=Swartzwelder, John; Silverman, David|network=Fox|airdate=February 4, 1990|season=01|number=05}}</ref> the school bullies actually like Bart for his ways and hang out with him at times, especially Nelson who eventually becomes close friends with him.<ref>{{cite episode|title=The Haw-Hawed Couple|episode-link=The Haw-Hawed Couple|series=The Simpsons|series-link=The Simpsons|credits=Selman, Matt; Clements, Chris|network=Fox|airdate=February 4, 1990|season=18|number=08}}</ref>

Bart is one of the biggest fans of children's television host [[Krusty the Clown]]. He once declared, "I've based my whole life on Krusty's teachings", and sleeps in a room filled with Krusty merchandise. He has helped the clown on many occasions, for example, foiling [[Sideshow Bob]]'s attempt to frame Krusty for armed robbery in "[[Krusty Gets Busted]]" ([[The Simpsons season 1|season one]], 1990), reuniting Krusty with his estranged father in "[[Like Father, Like Clown]]".<ref name="LFLC">{{cite episode|title=Like Father, Like Clown|episode-link=Like Father, Like Clown|series=The Simpsons|credits=[[Jay Kogen|Kogen, Jay]]; [[Wallace Wolodarsky|Wolodarsky, Wallace]]; [[Brad Bird|Bird, Brad]]; Lynch, Jeffrey|network=Fox|airdate=October 4, 1991|season=3|number=6}}</ref> and helping Krusty return to the air with a comeback special and reignite his career in "[[Krusty Gets Kancelled]]".<ref name="KGK">{{cite episode|title=Krusty Gets Kancelled|episode-link=Krusty Gets Kancelled|series=The Simpsons|credits=Swartzwelder, John; Silverman, David|network=Fox|airdate=May 13, 1993|season=04|number=22}}</ref> For his part, Krusty has remained largely ignorant of Bart's help and treats Bart with disinterest.<ref name="LFLC"/> One summer, Bart enthusiastically attended Kamp Krusty, which turned out to be a disaster, with Krusty nowhere to be seen. Bart keeps his hopes up by believing that Krusty would show up, but is soon pushed over the edge, and finally decides that he is sick of Krusty's shoddy merchandise and takes over the camp. Krusty immediately visits the camp in hopes of ending the conflict and manages to appease Bart.<ref name="KK">{{cite episode|title=Kamp Krusty|episode-link=Kamp Krusty|series=The Simpsons|credits=Stern, David M.; Kirkland, Mark|network=Fox|airdate=September 24, 1992|season=04|number=01}}</ref>{{sfn|Turner|2004|pp=128–129}} One of the original ideas for the series was that Bart worshiped a television clown but had no respect for his father, although this was never directly explored.<ref name="NPR">{{cite interview|last=Groening|first=Matt|subject-link=Matt Groening|interviewer=[[Terry Gross]]|title=Fresh Air|publisher=[[NPR]]|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1476480|location=Philadelphia|date=October 23, 2003|access-date=October 29, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2007/07/20/talking-about-simpsons/|title=Talking about ''The Simpsons''|access-date=October 29, 2008|date=July 20, 2007|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080930053655/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C20047268%2C00.html|archive-date=September 30, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> Because of this original plan, Krusty's design is basically Homer in clown make-up.<ref name=Smith>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1565538/20070725/story.jhtml|title='Simpsons' Trivia, From Swearing Lisa To 'Burns-Sexual' Smithers|access-date=July 29, 2007|date=July 26, 2007|last=Carroll|first=Larry|publisher=MTV|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071220140402/http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1565538/20070725/story.jhtml|archive-date=December 20, 2007}}</ref> When Bart foiled Sideshow Bob's plans in "Krusty Gets Busted", it sparked a long-standing feud between the two. The writers decided to have Bob repeatedly return to get revenge on Bart. They took the idea of the [[Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner|Coyote chasing the Road Runner]] and depicted Bob as an intelligent person obsessed with catching a bratty boy.<ref name="JeanBW">Jean, Al. (2003). Commentary for "[[Black Widower]]", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Eighth Season'' [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.</ref> Bob has appeared in fourteen episodes, generally plotting various evil schemes which often have to do with getting revenge on Bart (and sometimes the entire Simpson family by proxy), but is always foiled in the end.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvsquad.com/2007/11/25/the-simpsons-funeral-for-a-friend/|title=The Simpsons: Funeral for a Fiend|website=[[TV Squad]]|last=Keller|first=Richard|access-date=October 29, 2008|date=November 25, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081020043209/http://www.tvsquad.com/2007/11/25/the-simpsons-funeral-for-a-friend/|archive-date=October 20, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception and cultural influence==

===Bartmania===
In 1990, Bart quickly became one of the most popular characters on television in what was termed "Bartmania".{{sfn|Turner|2004|pp=120–121}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Cartoon leads a revolt against apple-pie family&nbsp;– Simpsons|date=July 8, 1990|last=Cassidy|first=John|work=[[The Sunday Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22062437-5009160,00.html|title=Simpsons set for big screen|access-date=October 27, 2008|date=July 15, 2007|work=[[The Daily Telegraph (Sydney)|The Daily Telegraph]]|archive-date=March 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301032414/http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22062437-5009160,00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/04/29/business/cashing-in-on-a-hot-new-brand-name.html|title=Cashing in on a Hot New Brand Name|last=Kleinfield|first=N.R.|access-date=October 27, 2008|date=April 29, 1990|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> He became the most prevalent ''Simpsons'' character on memorabilia, such as T-shirts. In the early 1990s, millions of T-shirts featuring Bart were sold;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/12/30/business/the-t-shirt-industry-sweats-it-out.html?smid=url-share|title=The T-Shirt Industry Sweats It Out|access-date=September 18, 2008|date=October 7, 1990|last=Barmash|first=Isador|work=The New York Times}}</ref> as many as one million were sold on some days.<ref name="Shirts">{{cite journal|url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20114134,00.html|title=Bart Simpson–Defiant, Saw-Topped and Cheeky—the Brat Terrible Gave Underachievers a Good Name|access-date=September 18, 2008|date=December 31, 1990|journal=[[People (magazine)|People]]|volume=34|issue=26}}</ref> Believing Bart to be a bad role model, several American public schools banned T-shirts featuring Bart next to captions such as "I'm Bart Simpson. Who the hell are you?" and "Underachiever ('And proud of it, man!')".<ref name="mikescully"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/12/30/business/the-t-shirt-industry-sweats-it-out.html|title=Overacheiver&nbsp;– and Learning to Deal With It, Man|access-date=September 18, 2008|date=December 30, 1990|last=Rohter|first=Larry|work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>Burey, Chris. (1990). [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] report about the Bart Simpson T-shirt controversy included as an Easter Egg in ''The Simpsons: The Complete First Season'' (2001) [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.</ref> ''The Simpsons'' merchandise sold well and generated [[United States dollar|$]]2&nbsp;billion in revenue during the first 14 months of sales.<ref name="mikescully"/> The success of Bart Simpson merchandise inspired an entire line of [[black market]] [[counterfeit]] items, especially T-shirts. Some featured Bart announcing various slogans, others depicted redesigns of the character, including "Teenage Mutant Ninja Bart, Air Simpson Bart, [and] RastaBart".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/1990/07/27/bootleg-simpsons-shirts/|title=But is it Bart?|access-date=October 28, 2008|date=July 27, 1990|last=Svetkey|first=Benjamin|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003050127/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C317834%2C00.html|archive-date=October 3, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> Matt Groening generally did not object to bootleg merchandise, but took exception to a series of "[[Nazism|Nazi]] Bart" shirts which depicted Bart in Nazi uniform or as a [[white power skinhead]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/wired/archive/7.02/futurama_pr.html|title=One-Eyed Aliens! Suicide Booths! Mom's Old-Fashioned Robot Oil!|access-date=October 30, 2008|year=1999|last=Kelly|first=Kevin|magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004174227/http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/7.02/futurama_pr.html|archive-date=October 4, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> 20th Century Fox sued the creator of the shirts, who eventually agreed to stop making them.<ref>{{cite news|title=Metzger stops ' Nazi Bart' T-shirt sales|date=June 4, 1991|work=[[Houston Chronicle]]|agency=Associated Press}}</ref>

Bart became so associated with Fox that, when bidding in 1993 to [[NFL on Fox|show pro football]], the network had to assure the [[NFL]] and reporters that the character would not announce games.<ref name="curtis20181213">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2018/12/13/18137938/nfl-fox-deal-rupert-murdoch-1993-john-madden-terry-bradshaw-howie-long-jimmy-johnson-cbs-nbc|title=The Great NFL Heist: How Fox Paid for and Changed Football Forever|last=Curtis|first=Bryan|date=December 13, 2018|website=The Ringer|access-date=December 13, 2018}}</ref> Due to the show's success, over the summer of 1990 Fox decided to switch ''The Simpsons''{{'}} timeslot so that it would move from 8:00&nbsp;p.m. [[Eastern Time Zone|ET]] on Sunday night to the same time on Thursday, where it would compete with ''[[The Cosby Show]]'' on [[NBC]], the [[Nielsen ratings#Annual Top-Rated Shows|number one show]] at the time.<ref name="BGFCom"/><ref name="Steals">{{cite news|title='Simpsons' steals away Cosby viewers|date=May 9, 1991|page=4|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|last=Cerone|first=Daniel}}</ref> Through the summer, several news outlets published stories about the supposed "Bill vs. Bart" rivalry.<ref name="BGFCom">Brooks, James L.; Groening, Matt; Jean, Al; Reiss, Mike; Silverman, David. (2002). Commentary for "[[Bart Gets an 'F']]{{-"}}, in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Second Season'' [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.</ref><ref name="Shirts"/> The August 31, 1990 issue of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' featured a picture of [[Bill Cosby]] wearing a Bart Simpson T-shirt.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/1990/08/31/bill-cosby-vs-bart-simpson/|title=Cosby's Brood vs. The Radical Dood|access-date=September 3, 2008|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=August 31, 1990|first=Tim|last=Appelo|archive-date=November 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103193025/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,318085,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> "[[Bart Gets an 'F']]{{-"}} ([[The Simpsons season 2|season two]], 1990) was the first episode to air against ''The Cosby Show'', and it received a lower [[Nielsen ratings|Nielsen rating]], tying for eighth behind ''The Cosby Show'', which had an 18.5 rating. The rating is based on the number of household televisions that were tuned into the show, but [[Nielsen Media Research]] estimated that 33.6&nbsp;million viewers watched the episode, making it the number one show in terms of actual viewers that week. At the time, it was the most watched episode in the history of the Fox Network,<ref>{{cite news|title=Don't have a cow, man! More viewers watch "The Simpsons" than "Cosby"!|date=October 18, 1990|page=C5|work=[[Deseret News]]|last=Pierce|first=Scott D.}}</ref> and it is still the highest rated episode in the history of ''The Simpsons''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://television.aol.com/feature/the-simpsons/3|title='The Simpsons' Best Episodes: No. 15&nbsp;– 11|access-date=September 3, 2008|publisher=[[AOL]]|last=Potts|first=Kimberly|year=2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015172241/http://television.aol.com/feature/the-simpsons/3|archive-date=October 15, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> Because of his popularity, Bart was often the most promoted member of the Simpson family in advertisements for the show, even for episodes in which he was not involved in the main plot.<ref>Groening, Matt; Jean, Reiss; Moore, Rich; Reiss, Mike; Vitti, Jon. (2002). Commentary for "[[Lisa's Substitute]]", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Second Season'' [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.</ref>

Bart was described as "television's king of 1990",<ref>{{cite news|title=Television in 1990&nbsp;– Among bright spots: 'Civil War,' CBS, 'Simpsons'|date=December 30, 1990|last=McDaniel|first=Mike|work=The Sunday Times}}</ref> "television's brightest new star"<ref>{{cite news|title=Bart Simpson was ray of hope in a year of generally drab television|date=December 30, 1990|last=Boone|first=Mike|work=[[The Gazette (Montreal)|The Gazette]]}}</ref> and an "undiminished smash".<ref name="Shirts"/> ''Entertainment Weekly'' named Bart the "entertainer of the year" for 1990, writing that "Bart has proved to be a rebel who's also a good kid, a terror who's easily terrorized, and a flake who astonishes us, and himself, with serious displays of fortitude."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/1990/12/28/bart-simpson-1990-entertainer-year/|title=1. Bart Simpson|access-date=September 15, 2008|date=December 28, 1990|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Harris|first=Mark|archive-date=November 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103192921/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,318928,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the United States [[United States House of Representatives elections, 1990|congressional]], [[United States Senate elections, 1990|senatorial]] and [[United States gubernatorial elections, 1990|gubernatorial]] elections of 1990, Bart was one of the most popular [[write-in candidate]]s, and in many areas was second only to [[Mickey Mouse]] amongst fictional characters.<ref>{{cite news|title=Write-ins Galore: Cast of Ballot Characters Widens|date=December 30, 1990|last=Potter|first=Bruce|work=[[Richmond Times-Dispatch]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Mickey, Bart fit write-in at ballot box|date=November 9, 1990|last=Stromberg|first=Amy|work=[[Sun-Sentinel|South Florida Sun-Sentinel]]|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1990-11-09/news/9002240447_1_write-in-votes-bart-simpson-election-day|access-date=June 30, 2017|archive-date=September 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914172710/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1990-11-09/news/9002240447_1_write-in-votes-bart-simpson-election-day|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the 1990 [[Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade]], Bart made his debut as one of the giant helium-filled balloons for which the parade is known.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bart Simpson, 'Falloon' floats debut at Macy's N.Y. Thanksgiving Parade|date=November 23, 1990|last=Stromberg|first=Amy|work=[[The Press of Atlantic City]]}}</ref> This was referenced in ''The Simpsons'' in the episode "[[Bart vs. Thanksgiving]]", which aired the same day as the parade, where Homer tells Bart, "If you start building a balloon for every flash-in-the-pan cartoon character, you turn the parade into a farce!" Meanwhile, behind and unbeknownst to him, the television briefly shows a Bart Simpson balloon.<ref name="Thanksgiving">{{cite episode|title=Bart vs. Thanksgiving|episode-link=Bart vs. Thanksgiving|series=The Simpsons|credits=Meyer, George; Silverman, David|network=Fox|airdate=November 22, 1990|season=02|number=07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/simpsons/episodeguide/season2/page7.shtml|title=Bart vs. Thanksgiving|access-date=October 30, 2008|last1=Martyn|first1=Warren|last2=Wood|first2=Adrian|year=2000|publisher=BBC}}</ref>

The album ''[[The Simpsons Sing the Blues]]'' was released in September 1990 and was a success, peaking at No. 3 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]<ref name="Billboard">{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.chartFormatGroupName=Albums&model.vnuArtistId=22526&model.vnuAlbumId=378393|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301051415/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.chartFormatGroupName=Albums&model.vnuArtistId=22526&model.vnuAlbumId=378393|archive-date=March 1, 2009|title=Artist Chart History&nbsp;– The Simpsons|publisher=Billboard charts|access-date=October 28, 2008}}</ref> and becoming certified 2× platinum by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]].<ref name="RIAA">{{cite web|url=http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=Simpsons&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25|title=RIAA Searchable database&nbsp;– Gold and Platinum|publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America]]|access-date=November 5, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151103134319/http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=Simpsons&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25|archive-date=November 3, 2015}}</ref> The first single from the album was the [[Hip hop music|pop rap]] song "[[Do the Bartman]]", performed by Nancy Cartwright and released on November 20, 1990. The song was written by [[Bryan Loren]], a friend of [[Michael Jackson]].<ref name="fact">{{cite web|url=http://www.factmag.com/2015/07/22/the-simpsons-do-the-bartman-michael-jackson-bryan-loren/|website=[[Fact (UK magazine)|Fact]]|title=Michael Jackson Didn't Write 'Do The Bartman' After All|access-date=July 22, 2015|date=July 22, 2015}}</ref> Jackson was a fan of ''The Simpsons'', especially Bart,<ref>[[#Cartwright|Cartwright]], pp. 115–117</ref> and had called the producers one night offering to write Bart a number one single and do a guest spot on the show.<ref name="Brooks">Brooks, James L. (2003). Commentary for "Stark Raving Dad", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Third Season'' [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.</ref> Jackson eventually guest starred in the episode "[[Stark Raving Dad]]" ([[The Simpsons season 3|season three]], 1991) under the pseudonym John Jay Smith.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/simpsons/episodeguide/season3/page1.shtml|title=Stark Raving Dad|access-date=October 28, 2008|last1=Martyn|first1=Warren|last2=Wood|first2=Adrian|year=2000|publisher=BBC}}</ref> While the song was never officially released as a single in the United States, it was successful in the United Kingdom. In 1991 it was the number one song in the UK for three weeks from February 16 to March 9 and was the seventh best-selling song of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theofficialcharts.com/all_the_no1_songs.php?show=5|title=All the Number 1 Singles–1990s|access-date=December 1, 2008|publisher=Official Charts Company|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217004651/http://www.theofficialcharts.com/all_the_no1_songs.php?show=5|archive-date=December 17, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> It sold half a million copies and was certified gold by the [[British Phonographic Industry]] on February 1, 1991.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/platinum/platinumright.asp?rq=search_plat&r_id=18135|title=Certified awards|access-date=October 28, 2008|publisher=[[British Phonographic Industry]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080525230952/http://www.bpi.co.uk/platinum/platinumright.asp?rq=search_plat&r_id=18135|archive-date=May 25, 2008}}</ref>

===Bart as a role model===
{{quote box|width=30em|bgcolor=Khaki|align=right|quote=I now have a 7-year-old boy and a 9-year-old boy, so all I can say is, I apologize. Now I know what you guys were talking about. My standard comment is, If you don't want your kids to be like Bart Simpson, don't act like Homer Simpson.|source=—&nbsp;[[Matt Groening]], in a 1998 interview when asked, "How do you respond to critics who consider Bart Simpson a dreadful role model for children?"<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/27/magazine/on-sunday-december-27-1998-questions-for-matt-groening.html|title=Questions for Matt Groening|access-date=October 28, 2008|date=December 27, 1998|work=[[The New York Times Magazine]]}}</ref>}}
Bart's rebellious nature, which frequently resulted in no punishment for his misbehavior, led some parents and conservatives to characterize him as a poor role model for children.{{sfn|Turner|2004|p=131}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6252856.stm|title=Is The Simpsons still subversive?|access-date=August 6, 2007|date=June 29, 2007|last=Rosenbaum|first=Martin|work=BBC News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070825051633/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6252856.stm|archive-date=August 25, 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> Robert Bianco of the ''[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]'' wrote that "[Bart] outwits his parents and outtalks his teachers; in short, he's the child we wish we'd been, and fear our children will become."<ref>{{cite news|title=Weekend TV: Beer'N' Bart giving parents prime-time hangover|date=June 28, 1990|last=Bianco|first=Robert|work=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]}}</ref> In schools, educators claimed that Bart was a "threat to learning" because of his "underachiever and proud of it" attitude and negative attitude regarding his education.<ref name="BartaBrat">{{cite news|title=Is Bart a brat? Popular cartoon kid as annoying to some as he is funny to others|date=June 2, 1990|last=Freedman|first=Donna|work=[[Anchorage Daily News]]}}</ref> Others described him as "egotistical, aggressive and mean-spirited."<ref name="CoolDude">{{cite news|title=Bart Simpson: Cool dude or smart-aleck menace?|date=June 1, 1990|last=Dunne|first=Mike|work=[[The Sacramento Bee]]}}</ref> In response to the criticism, [[James L. Brooks]] said, "I'm very wary of television where everybody is supposed to be a role model, you don't run across that many role models in real life. Why should television be full of them?"<ref name="NoNeed">{{cite news|title=About Bart: No need to have a Cow, Man|date=October 15, 1990|last=Shales|first=Tom|work=[[The Roanoke Times]]}}</ref>

In 1990 [[William Bennett]], who at the time was [[Office of National Drug Control Policy|drug czar]] of the United States, visited a [[drug rehabilitation|drug treatment center]] in [[Pittsburgh]] and upon noticing a poster of Bart remarked, "You guys aren't watching ''The Simpsons'', are you? That's not going to help you any."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nationalreview.com/01may00/goldbergprint050100.html|title=Homer Never Nods|access-date=October 28, 2008|date=May 1, 2000|last=Goldberg|first=Jonah|work=[[National Review]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012003551/http://www.nationalreview.com/01may00/goldbergprint050100.html|archive-date=October 12, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> When a backlash over the comment ensued, Bennett apologized, claiming he "was just kidding"<ref>{{cite news|title=Drug czar 'just kidding'|date=May 26, 1990|work=[[Edmonton Journal]]|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> and saying "I'll sit down with the little spike head. We'll straighten this thing out."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/23/us/the-1992-campaign-political-memo-in-capital-and-on-coast-lines-drawn-on-quayle.html|title=The 1992 Campaign: Political Memo; In Capital and on Coast, Lines Drawn on Quayle|access-date=October 28, 2008|date=May 23, 1992|last=Berke|first=Richard L.|work=The New York Times}}</ref> In a 1991 interview, [[Bill Cosby]] described Bart as a bad role model for children, calling him "angry, confused, frustrated". In response, [[Matt Groening]] said, "That sums up Bart, all right. Most people are in a struggle to be normal. He thinks normal is very boring, and does things that others just wished they dare do."<ref>{{cite news|title=A Badder Bart|date=September 25, 1991|work=[[The Record (Bergen County)|The Record]]}}</ref> On January 27, 1992, then-President [[George H. W. Bush]] said, "We are going to keep on trying to strengthen the American family, to make American families a lot more like [[the Waltons]] and a lot less like the Simpsons."<ref name="mikescully">{{cite news|first=Nick|last=Griffiths|title=America's First Family|url=http://snpp.com/other/articles/firstfamily.html|work=[[The Times Magazine]] |pages=25, 27–28|date=April 15, 2000|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811014602/http://www.snpp.com/other/articles/firstfamily.html|archive-date=August 11, 2014 }}</ref> The writers rushed out a tongue-in-cheek reply in the form of a short segment which aired three days later before a rerun of "[[Stark Raving Dad]]" in which Bart replied, "Hey, we're just like the Waltons. We're praying for an end to the Depression, too."{{sfn|Turner|2004|p=230-231}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2007/08/simpsons200708|title=Simpson Family Values|last=Ortved|first=John|access-date=August 26, 2008|date=August 2007|work=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080827213908/http://www.vanityfair.com./culture/features/2007/08/simpsons200708|archive-date=August 27, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>

Although there were many critics of the character, favorable comments came from several quarters. Columnist [[Erma Bombeck]] wrote, "Kids need to know that somewhere in this world is a contemporary who can pull off all the things they can only fantasize about, someone who can stick it to their parents once in a while and still be permitted to live."<ref name="BartaBrat"/> In 2003, Bart placed first in a poll of parents in the United Kingdom who were asked "which made-up character had the most influence" on children under 12 years old.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/uk/newsid_2972000/2972291.stm|title=Bart Simpson is your top role model|date=April 24, 2003|access-date=October 28, 2008|work=[[CBBC Newsround]]}}</ref>

===Commendations===
[[File:The Simpsons star.jpg|thumb|right|In 2000, Bart, along with the rest of the Simpson family, were awarded a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]].]]
In 1998, ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' named Bart one of the 100 most important people of the 20th century. He was the only fictional character to make the list.<ref name="Time">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/time100/artists/profile/simpson.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525125524/http://www.time.com/time/time100/artists/profile/simpson.html|title=Bart Simpson|archive-date=May 25, 2009|access-date=May 16, 2007|date=June 8, 1998|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|url-status=dead}}</ref> He had previously appeared on the cover of the edition of December 31, 1990.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,1101901231,00.html|title=Bart Simpson|access-date=May 16, 2007|date=December 31, 1990|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070621064653/http://www.time.com/time/covers/0%2C16641%2C1101901231%2C00.html|archive-date=June 21, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was also ranked No. 48 in ''[[TV Guide]]''{{'}}s "50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time" in 1996<ref>{{Cite news|title=TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time|work=[[TV Guide]]|date=December 14, 1996}}</ref> and both he and Lisa ranked No. 11 in ''TV Guide's'' "Top 50 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time" in 2002.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archives.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/TV/07/30/cartoon.characters.list/|title=CNN&nbsp;– TV Guide's 50 Greatest Cartoon Characters|access-date=March 14, 2007|date=July 30, 2002|publisher=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070320230753/http://archives.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/TV/07/30/cartoon.characters.list/|archive-date=March 20, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2022, ''[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]'' writers claimed that Bart is the 26th best cartoon character of all time.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/the-50-best-cartoon-characters-of-all-time/#26-bart-simpson-the-simpsons | title=The 50 Best Cartoon Characters of All Time | publisher=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]] | date=May 10, 2010 | access-date=April 4, 2022 | archive-date=April 4, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404051515/https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/the-50-best-cartoon-characters-of-all-time/#26-bart-simpson-the-simpsons | url-status=dead }}</ref>

At the [[44th Primetime Emmy Awards]] in 1992, Cartwright won a [[Primetime Emmy Award]] for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance|Outstanding Voice-Over Performance]] for voicing Bart in the [[The Simpsons season 3|season three]] episode "[[Separate Vocations]]". She shared the award with five other voice actors from ''The Simpsons''.<ref>{{cite news|title=Briefing–'Simpsons' score big in Prime-Time Emmys|date=August 3, 1992|page=L20|work=[[Daily News of Los Angeles]]}}</ref> Various episodes in which Bart is strongly featured have been nominated for Emmy Awards for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program (for Programming Less Than One Hour)|Outstanding Animated Program]], including "[[Radio Bart]]" in 1992, "[[Future-Drama]]" in 2005, "[[The Haw-Hawed Couple]]" in 2006 and "[[Homer's Phobia]]", which won the award in 1997.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emmys.org/awards/awardsearch.php|title=Primetime Emmy Awards Advanced Search|publisher=Emmys.org|access-date=September 13, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914045417/http://www.emmys.org/awards/awardsearch.php|archive-date=September 14, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1995, Cartwright won an [[Annie Award]] for "Voice Acting in the Field of Animation" for her portrayal of Bart in an episode.<ref name="A23">{{cite news|url=http://annieawards.org/23rdwinners.html|title=Legacy: 23rd Annual Annie Award Nominees and Winners (1995)|access-date=October 16, 2007|publisher=Annie Awards|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013221349/http://annieawards.org/23rdwinners.html|archive-date=October 13, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2000, Bart and the rest of the Simpson family were awarded a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] located at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=September 4, 2008|url=http://www.tibp.com/cgi-bin/foxweb.dll/wlx/dir/wlxdirectory?cc=WOFAME++++&lcName=The+Simpsons|title=Hollywood Icons|publisher=Hollywood Chamber of Commerce}}</ref>

In 2014 Bart Simpson became the second mascot of Russian football club [[FC Zenit Saint Petersburg]], wearing number 87 on his back (referring to the character's debut in 1987; the club's first mascot is a blue-maned lion).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://itar-tass.com/sport/1413625|script-title=ru:Барт Симпсон стал талисманом футбольного клуба "Зенит"|publisher=[[ITAR TASS]]|language=ru|date=September 1, 2014|access-date=September 1, 2014}}</ref>

===Merchandising===
Alongside T-shirts, Bart has been included in various other ''The Simpsons''-related merchandise, including air fresheners, baseball caps, bumper stickers,<ref name="Shirts"/> cardboard standups, refrigerator magnets, key rings, buttons, dolls, posters, figurines, clocks, [[soapstone]] carvings, [[Chia Pet]]s, bowling balls and boxer shorts.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bart Simpson items big sellers|date=July 7, 1990|work=Ottawa Citizen}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://shop.fox.com/search_sli.php?asug=&w=bart|title=Search Results for Bart|access-date=April 3, 2012|publisher=Fox Shop|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105032729/http://shop.fox.com/search_sli.php?asug=&w=bart|archive-date=November 5, 2016}}</ref> ''The Bart Book'', a book about Bart's personality and attributes, was released in 2004.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Groening|first1=Matt|last2=Morrison|first2=Bill|title=The Bart Book|publisher=HarperCollins|year=2005|isbn=978-0-06-111660-5|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/bartbooksimpsons00matt}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/14879993/publishing-war-begins-over-tenets-cia-book|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402114505/http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/14879993/publishing-war-begins-over-tenets-cia-book|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 2, 2015|title=Publishing war begins over Tenet's CIA book|date=November 8, 2004|last1=Bedard|first1=Paul|last2=Parker|first2=Suzi|last3=Kaplan|first3=David E.|work=[[U.S. News & World Report]]|volume=137|issue=16|page=6}}</ref> Other books include ''[[Bart Simpson's Guide to Life]]''. ''[[The Simpsons and Philosophy: The D'oh! of Homer]]'', which is not an official publication, includes a chapter analyzing Bart's character and comparing him to the "[[Friedrich Nietzsche|Nietzschean]] ideal".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/09/weekinreview/word-for-word-deconstructing-simpsons-aristotelian-logic-bart-homer-it-platonic.html|title=Word for Word/Deconstructing 'The Simpsons'; The Aristotelian Logic of Bart And Homer. Or Is It Platonic?|access-date=October 29, 2008|date=September 9, 2001|last=Blair|first=Jayson|work=The New York Times}}</ref>

Bart has appeared in other media relating to ''The Simpsons''. He has appeared in every one of [[List of The Simpsons video games|''The Simpsons'' video games]], including ''[[The Simpsons: Bart vs. the World|Bart vs. the World]]'', ''[[Bart Simpson's Escape from Camp Deadly]]'', ''[[The Simpsons: Bart vs. the Space Mutants|Bart vs. the Space Mutants]]'', ''[[The Simpsons: Bart's House of Weirdness|Bart's House of Weirdness]]'', ''[[The Simpsons: Bart vs. The Juggernauts|Bart vs. The Juggernauts]]'', ''[[The Simpsons: Bartman Meets Radioactive Man|Bartman Meets Radioactive Man]]'', ''[[The Simpsons: Bart's Nightmare|Bart's Nightmare]]'', ''[[The Simpsons: Bart & the Beanstalk|Bart & the Beanstalk]]'' and ''[[The Simpsons Game]]'', released in 2007.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Walk|first=Gary Eng|title=Work of Bart|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=November 5, 2007|url=https://ew.com/article/2007/11/09/bart-and-homer-guns-n-roses/|access-date=October 29, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081017135647/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C20158366%2C00.html|archive-date=October 17, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> Alongside the television series, Bart regularly appears in issues of [[List of The Simpsons comics|''Simpsons Comics'']], which were first published on November 29, 1993, and are still issued monthly, and also has his own series called ''Bart Simpson Comics'' which have been released since 2000.<ref name="gazette">{{cite news|title=Groening launches Futurama comics|work=[[The Gazette (Colorado Springs)|The Gazette]]|date=November 19, 2000|last=Radford|first=Bill}}</ref><ref name="msnbc">{{cite web|url=http://cagle.msnbc.com/hogan/features/simpsons_sundays/simpsons_on_sundays.asp|title=Sundays with the Simpsons|access-date=October 29, 2008|last=Shutt|first=Craig|publisher=[[MSNBC]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070708094751/http://cagle.msnbc.com/hogan/features/simpsons_sundays/simpsons_on_sundays.asp|archive-date=July 8, 2007}}</ref> Bart also plays a role in [[The Simpsons Ride]], launched in 2008 at [[Universal Studios Florida]] and [[Universal Studios Hollywood|Hollywood]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/simpsons-ride-featur-1657/|title=Simpsons ride features 29 characters, original voices|access-date=October 29, 2008|date=April 9, 2008|work=Los Angeles Times|last=MacDonald|first=Brady|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914144851/http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/simpsons-ride-featur-1657/|archive-date=September 14, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> Bart appears as a playable character in the [[toys-to-life]] video game ''[[Lego Dimensions]]'', released via a "Fun Pack" packaged with a Gravity Sprinter accessory in November 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/andyrobertson/2015/11/03/lego-dimensions-wave-2/|title='Lego Dimensions' Wave 2 Adds Doctor Who World And Hire-able Minifigures|first=Andy|last=Robertson|website=[[Forbes]]}}</ref>

Bart, and other ''The Simpsons'' characters, have appeared in numerous [[Television advertisement|television commercials]] for [[Nestlé]]'s [[Butterfinger]] candy bars from 1990 to 2001, with the slogan "Nobody better lay a finger on my Butterfinger!"<ref>{{cite news|title=Don't lay a finger on his Butterfinger|date=June 1998|journal=Prepared Foods|volume=167|issue=6|page=37}}</ref> Lisa would occasionally advertise it too. Matt Groening would later say that the Butterfinger advertising campaign was a large part of the reason why Fox decided to pick up the half-hour show.<ref>{{cite news|title=A Portrait of the Bartist&nbsp;– The Simpsons' Matt Groening has fulfilled his dream of invading mainstream U.S. pop culture|date=May 13, 1995|work=[[Star Tribune]]}}</ref> The campaign was discontinued in 2001, much to the disappointment of Cartwright.<ref name=Adweek/> Bart has also appeared in commercials for [[Burger King]] and [[Ramada|Ramada Inn]].<ref name=Adweek>{{cite news|url=http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising/nancy-cartwright-spot-82706|title=Nancy Cartwright on the Spot|access-date=October 29, 2008|date=November 21, 2005|work=[[Adweek]]}}</ref> In 2001, [[Kellogg's]] launched a brand of cereal called "Bart Simpson Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch", which was available for a limited time.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archives.cnn.com/2001/SHOWBIZ/News/09/10/showbuzz/index.html#2|title=D'Oh! Eat Homer for breakfast|access-date=September 3, 2008|date=September 10, 2001|publisher=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430161747/http://archives.cnn.com/2001/SHOWBIZ/News/09/10/showbuzz/index.html|archive-date=April 30, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,184538,00.html|title=Cereal Numbers|access-date=October 28, 2008|date=November 15, 2001|last=Fonseca|first=Nicholas|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|archive-date=October 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012035246/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,184538,00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Before the half-hour series went on the air, Matt Groening pitched Bart as a spokesperson for [[Jell-O]]. He wanted Bart to sing "J-E-L-L-O", then burp the letter O. His belief was that kids would try to do it the next day, but he was rejected.<ref>Groening, Matt. (2001). Commentary for "[[There's No Disgrace Like Home]]", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete First Season'' [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.</ref>

On April 9, 2009, the [[United States Postal Service]] unveiled a series of five 44-cent stamps featuring Bart and the four other members of the Simpson family. They are the first characters, other than ''[[Sesame Street]]'' characters, to receive this accolade while the show is still in production. The stamps, designed by Matt Groening, were made available for purchase on May 7, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Simpsons stamps launched in US|url=http://newslite.tv/2009/05/08/the-simpsons-stamps-launched-i.html|website=Newslite|date=May 8, 2009|access-date=May 8, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090828035658/http://newslite.tv/2009/05/08/the-simpsons-stamps-launched-i.html|archive-date=August 28, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2009/pr09_048.htm?from=home_newsandannounce&page=SimpsonsStandingOvation|title=The Simpsons Get 'Stamping Ovation' To Tune of 1 Billion Stamps|date=May 7, 2009|publisher=[[United States Postal Service]]|access-date=May 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606080140/http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2009/pr09_048.htm?from=home_newsandannounce&page=SimpsonsStandingOvation|archive-date=June 6, 2011}}</ref>

==References==
=== Notes ===
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

=== Bibliography ===
* {{cite book | last1=Browne | first1=Ray Broadus | author-link1=Ray B. Browne | last2=Browne | first2=Pat | title=The Guide to United States Popular Culture | publisher=[[Bowling Green State University Popular Press]] | date=2001 | isbn=978-0-87972-821-2}}
* {{cite book | last=Browning | first=John Edgar | last2=Picart | first2=Caroline Joan "Kay" | title=Dracula in Visual Media | publisher=[[McFarland & Company]] | date=2014 | isbn=978-0-7864-6201-8}}
* {{cite book|last=Cartwright|first=Nancy|title=My Life as a 10-Year-Old Boy|year=2000|publisher=Hyperion Books|isbn=978-0-7868-8600-5|title-link=My Life as a 10-Year-Old Boy}}
* {{cite book | last=Ezell | first=Silas Kaine | title=Humor and Satire on Contemporary Television | publisher=[[Taylor & Francis]] | date=2016 | isbn=978-1-317-11941-8}}
* {{cite book | last=Fink | first=Moritz | title=The Simpsons: A Cultural History | publisher=[[Rowman & Littlefield]] | date=2019 | isbn=978-1-5381-1617-3}}
* {{cite book | last=Feltmate | first=David | title=Drawn to the Gods | publisher=[[New York University Press]] | date=2017 | isbn=978-1-4798-9036-1}}
* {{cite book | last=Friedrich | first=Daniel | last2=Colmenares | first2=Erica | title=Resonances of El Chavo del Ocho in Latin American Childhood, Schooling, and Societies | publisher=[[Bloomsbury Publishing]] | date=2017 | isbn=978-1-4742-9888-9}}
* {{cite book |last=Groening |first=Matt |author-link=Matt Groening |title=Simpsons World: The Ultimate Episode Guide: Seasons 1–20 |title-link=Simpsons World: The Ultimate Episode Guide: Seasons 1–20 |date=2010 |publisher=[[HarperCollins]] |isbn=9780061711282 |editor1-last=Richmond |editor1-first=Ray |editor1-link=Ray Richmond |edition=1st |editor2-last=Gimple |editor2-first=Scott M. |editor-last3=McCann |editor-first3=Jessie L. |editor-last4=Seghers |editor-first4=Christine |editor-last5=Bates |editor-first5=James W.}}
* {{cite book |last=Groening |first=Matt |author-link=Matt Groening |title=The Bart Book |date=2004 |publisher=[[HarperCollins]] |isbn=978-0007191697}}
* {{cite book|last=Groening|first=Matt|author-link=Matt Groening|editor1-first=Ray|editor1-last=Richmond|editor1-link=Ray Richmond|editor2-first=Antonia|editor2-last=Coffman|title=The Simpsons: A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family|edition=1st|year=1997|publisher=[[HarperPerennial]]|lccn=98141857|ol=433519M|oclc=37796735|isbn=978-0-06-095252-5|ref={{sfnref|Richmond & Coffman|1997}}|title-link=The Simpsons episode guides#The Simpsons: A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family}}
* {{cite book |first1=Yair | last1=Neuman | first2=Marcel | last2=Danesi | first3=Dan | last3=Vilenchik | title=Using AI for Dialoguing with Texts: From Psychology to Cinema and Literature | publisher=[[Taylor & Francis]] | date=2022 | isbn=978-1-0008-0678-6}}
* {{cite book | last=Perlmutter | first=David | title=The Encyclopedia of American Animated Television Shows | publisher=[[Rowman & Littlefield]] | date=2018 | isbn=978-1-5381-0374-6}}
* {{cite book | last=Pinsky | first=Mark | title=The Gospel According to the Simpsons | publisher=[[Presbyterian Publishing Corporation]] | date=2007 | isbn=978-0-664-23160-6}}
* {{cite book | last=Reiss | first=Mike | last2=Klickstein | first2=Mathew | title=Springfield Confidential | publisher=[[Dey Street Books]] | date=2018 | isbn=978-0-06-274803-4}}
* {{cite book |first=Tom | last=Sito | author-link=Tom Sito | title=Drawing the Line: The Untold Story of the Animation Unions from Bosko to Bart Simpson | publisher=[[University Press of Kentucky]] | date=2006| isbn=978-1-0008-0678-6}}
* {{cite book | last=Stabile | first=Carol A. | last2=Harrison | first2=Mark | title=Prime Time Animation | publisher=[[Routledge]] | date=2003 | isbn=978-0-415-28326-7}}
* {{cite book | last=Terrace | first=Vincent | title=Television Series of the 1980s | publisher=[[Rowman & Littlefield]] | date=2017 | isbn=978-1-4422-7831-8}}
* {{cite book|last=Turner|first=Chris|author-link=Chris Turner (author)|title=Planet Simpson: How a Cartoon Masterpiece Documented an Era and Defined a Generation|others=Foreword by [[Douglas Coupland]]|edition=1st|year=2004|location=Toronto|publisher=Random House Canada|oclc=55682258|isbn=978-0-679-31318-2|title-link=Planet Simpson}}
* {{cite book |first1=Karma | last1=Waltonen | first2=Denise | last2=Du Vernay | title=The Simpsons in the Classroom: Embiggening the Learning Experience with the Wisdom of Springfield | publisher=[[McFarland & Company]] | date=2014 | isbn=978-0-7864-5692-5}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book|editor-last=Alberti|editor-first=John|year=2003|title=Leaving Springfield: The Simpsons and the Possibility of Oppositional Culture|publisher=Wayne State University Press|isbn=978-0-8143-2849-1|title-link=Leaving Springfield}}
* {{cite book|last1=Brown|first1=Alan|last2=Logan|first2=Chris|year=2006|title=The Psychology of The Simpsons|publisher=BenBella Books|isbn=978-1-932100-70-9|title-link=The Psychology of The Simpsons}}
* {{cite book|last=Conard|first=Mark T.|editor1-last=Irwin|editor1-first=William|editor2-last=Skoble|editor2-first=Aeon|title=The Simpsons and Philosophy: The D'oh! of Homer|chapter=Thus Spake Bart: On Nietzsche and the Virtues of Being Bad|year=1999|location=Chicago|publisher=Open Court|isbn=978-0-8126-9433-8|title-link=The Simpsons and Philosophy: The D'oh! of Homer}}
* {{Cite book|last1=Groening|first1=Matt|last2=Morrison|first2=Bill|title=The Bart Book|publisher=HarperCollins|year=2005|isbn=978-0-06-111660-5|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/bartbooksimpsons00matt}}
* {{cite book|last=Groening|first=Matt|year=2001|title=Bart Simpson's Guide to Life|publisher=Harper Perennia]|isbn=978-5-558-68551-0|title-link=Bart Simpson's Guide to Life}}
* {{cite book|last=Groening|first=Matt|title=The Simpsons Uncensored Family Album|year=1991|publisher=HarperCollins|isbn=978-0-06-096582-2|title-link=The Simpsons Uncensored Family Album}}
* {{cite book|last=Pinsky|first=Mark I|title=The Gospel According to The Simpsons: The Spiritual Life of the World's Most Animated Family|year=2004|publisher=Westminster John Knox Press|location=Louisville, Kentucky|isbn=978-0-664-22419-6|url=https://archive.org/details/gospelaccordingt00mark}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20171128220633/http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0003013/ Bart Simpson] on [[IMDb]]

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