The Simpsons debuted as a sketch on The Tracey Ullman Show on this day in 1987. It was turned into a half-hour series and premiered on December 17, 1989, less than three years after Fox had begun Primetime broadcasting.

Ullman later sued Fox, claiming her show was the source of the series’ success and was owed a share of the profits — a claim eventually rejected by the courts. It was of little consequence; the Englishwoman’s net worth is said to be £80 million.