Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Mike Reiss

Michael Louis Reiss (born September 15, 1959) is an American television comedy writer and producer, renowned for his extensive contributions to the animated series , where he has been one of the longest-serving staff members since its inception. Reiss, alongside , served as for during its third and fourth seasons, overseeing production and writing ten episodes during that period. His work on the series has earned him four for Outstanding Animated Program and a Peabody Award, recognizing episodes such as those from the early acclaimed seasons. Beyond , Reiss co-created the animated sitcom and has contributed to other programs including . He has also authored books like Springfield Confidential: Jokes, Secrets, and Outrageous Interviews from The Simpsons, offering behind-the-scenes insights into the show's production. In recent years, Reiss has engaged in public discussions on comedy's challenges amid shifting cultural sensitivities, including the controversy surrounding the character .

Early life and education

Family background and childhood

Michael Reiss was born on September 15, 1959, in , the middle child in a family of five siblings. His father, a first-generation doctor born in , , had relocated the family to the suburban Connecticut town, where he practiced medicine. Reiss's mother worked as a local journalist, contributing to the family's engagement with community narratives and public discourse. Raised in a Jewish household amid Bristol's predominantly Catholic population of around 50,000, Reiss was one of the few Jewish children in his school and high school, often the sole Jewish student among 1,600 peers. The family's Jewish observance was minimal, limited primarily to his bar mitzvah attendance, reflecting a cultural rather than devout ; his father had briefly worn in youth to appease a non-believing grandfather but abandoned stricter practices. This outsider status in a homogeneous environment fostered an early awareness of cultural differences, with Reiss later describing himself as an "odd duck" who encountered occasional , such as a high school girlfriend's mother ending their relationship due to his Jewish background. Reiss's comedic inclinations emerged young, with his first-grade report card noting, "Mike keeps us laughing all the time," and family dynamics described as full of jokesters. At ages 5 or 6, watching comedians on sparked his desire to write jokes rather than perform, and by 7 or 8, he felt his humor surpassed professionals like , building confidence in . Early television influences, including the Jewish character on , provided models of witty, self-deprecating humor amid a landscape short on Jewish representation, helping cultivate his sharp observational style attuned to societal absurdities.

Formal education and early interests

Michael Reiss grew up in , attending local public schools including Memorial Boulevard Public School, Thomas Patterson School, and Bristol Eastern High School, from which he graduated in 1977. As the only Jewish student in his class, he often felt like an outsider, an experience that may have honed his observational humor. These formative years instilled an early passion for writing and comedy, with Reiss spending weekends crafting material rather than pursuing typical teenage activities. Reiss enrolled at in 1977, drawn primarily by its storied humor publication, , rather than the institution's broader prestige. He graduated in 1981 with a degree in English. During his undergraduate years, Reiss contributed extensively to the Lampoon, an extracurricular pursuit that served as his de facto training ground for professional comedy writing, emphasizing and satirical exaggeration of everyday absurdities. This involvement predated widespread campus speech constraints, allowing unfiltered exploration of humor rooted in cultural and literary critique. His early creative interests manifested through Lampoon parodies, which linked literary analysis from his to comedic , fostering skills in concise, irreverent storytelling that later defined his career. Reiss has credited these experiences—not formal coursework—as the core of his comedy education, viewing the magazine as a meritocratic space for talent over credentials.

Early career

Initial writing gigs

Following his graduation from Harvard University in 1981, Reiss secured his first professional writing position at National Lampoon, the satirical magazine renowned for its irreverent humor and critique of cultural absurdities. There, he contributed articles and comedic pieces that emphasized sharp, unsparing observation over sentimental narratives, aligning with the publication's legacy of prioritizing punchy, reality-based wit. This role, obtained through his prior work at the Harvard Lampoon, provided early training in concise satire without reliance on industry connections. Concurrently in the early 1980s, Reiss freelanced jokes for Starring , submitting material under tight deadlines to the show's writers. He produced hundreds of paid gags, with success gauged by their selection for on-air delivery, demonstrating practical efficacy in high-stakes without insider advantages. These efforts, rooted in his Lampoon , built a portfolio of verifiable output focused on timely, observational humor.

Entry into television comedy

Reiss transitioned from print humor, including contributions to , to television writing in the mid-1980s through joke scripting for , where he collaborated with future partner . This groundwork in concise, punchy one-liners prepared him for structured formats emphasizing observational realism over didactic messaging. His first staff writing positions came on short-lived or niche comedy series, including Sledge Hammer! (1986–1988), a satirical take on action tropes that ran for two seasons, ALF (1986–1990), centering on an alien's domestic misadventures, and It's Garry Shandling's Show (1986–1990), known for its meta fourth-wall breaks. These gigs, often in competitive environments where writers persisted through merit and adaptability amid network flux, sharpened Reiss's focus on character-driven humor derived from everyday absurdities rather than overt moralizing. This foundation positioned Reiss for an opportunistic break in 1989, when he and Jean were recruited as the inaugural writing staff for , a from animated shorts on . At the time, the project faced industry skepticism as a risky, low-rated cartoon on fledgling , with Reiss later recounting that "nobody else wanted it." The role demanded rapid iteration on dialogue that captured familial dynamics through sharp, realistic wit, setting the stage for the series' enduring appeal without reliance on prevailing ideological trends.

Simpsons tenure

Partnership with Al Jean

Mike Reiss and met as freshmen roommates at in the late 1970s, where their shared interest in humor led them to join , forging a writing partnership that emphasized parody and satire. After graduation in 1981, they continued collaborating at before transitioning to television writing, eventually being hired as among the first staff writers for in 1989. Reiss and Jean co-wrote numerous early episodes, including from season 2, contributing to the show's foundational blend of irreverent family dynamics and broad cultural satire that targeted excesses on both political sides, such as environmental pieties in "Two Cars in Every Garage and Three Eyes on Every Fish" and corporate greed alongside suburban conformity. Their partnership amplified productivity through divided responsibilities, with the duo alternating showrunning duties during seasons 3 (1991–1992) and 4 (1992–1993), overseeing 44 episodes that maintained the series' sharp edge while expanding its character-driven plots. This collaborative structure yielded empirically strong results, as seasons 3 and 4 averaged over 20 million viewers per episode and rank among the show's highest-rated eras based on IMDb user scores exceeding 8.0 for most installments, reflecting audience approval of their balanced approach to humor. However, some critiques, including from fan analyses, point to occasional formulaic tendencies in their episodes—such as repetitive Homer-centric mishaps—attributable to the duo's insular dynamic functioning as an , though these did not undermine overall season acclaim.

Showrunning and key contributions

Reiss co-showran with for seasons 3 (1991–1992) and 4 (1992–1993), overseeing 48 episodes that solidified the series' transition from short sketches to a full-fledged prime-time on . Under their leadership, the show achieved critical acclaim, with season 4 frequently ranked among the highest-quality seasons by outlets like for its sharp scripting and cultural satire. Key episodes included "" (season 3, episode 17, aired February 20, 1992), which featured cameos from 10 players such as , , and , satirizing corporate incompetence and steroid use in sports through Homer's improbable recruitment to the team. Their tenure emphasized rigorous script revisions—up to 40 drafts per —to maintain coherence and punchy dialogue, often resisting network executives' demands to dilute edgy content, such as attempts on religious or political jokes. This approach contributed to the show's Emmy wins, including Outstanding Animated Program for episodes produced under their watch, and helped extend its viability by establishing a template for self-sustaining amid cast aging and format fatigue. Reiss's broader contributions span writing and producing credits on over 700 episodes from season 1 through season 9 and seasons 12 to the present (as of 2025), totaling involvement in approximately 692–703 installments, where he focused on humor derived from everyday absurdities and institutional flaws rather than forced topicality. Critics and fans praise Reiss and Jean's era for preserving the show's boundary-pushing edge, evident in metrics like user ratings averaging 8.0+ for season 4 episodes, which outperformed contemporaries like in key demographics. However, some analyses note that post-season 4 shifts under subsequent showrunners, with Reiss in consulting roles, occasionally prioritized broader appeal over the uncompromised incisiveness of early seasons, correlating with dips in peak viewership from 20+ million to under 10 million by the before streaming stabilization. Their foundational work nonetheless underpinned the series' endurance, with causal factors including diversified revenue from merchandise and tied to the quality benchmark set in seasons 3–4.

Specific episode impacts and satire style

In the episode "Homer's Enemy" (season 8, episode 23, aired May 4, 1997), the character Frank Grimes serves as a foil to , exposing the unrealistic persistence of incompetence in a merit-based through Grimes' futile efforts to enforce accountability amid Homer's unearned success and negligence. This narrative arc underscores causal consequences of personal failings, contrasting Grimes' rigorous self-reliance—rooted in real-world hardships like childhood labor and —with Homer's oblivious luck, thereby critiquing myths of the sympathetic "" who thrives without competence. The episode achieved a Nielsen of 7.7, drawing 7.5 million households, and has been lauded for its unflinching realism, earning an IMDb user of 9.3 as a satirical pinnacle. However, former Mike Reiss expressed disapproval, viewing the portrayal as excessively punitive toward and misaligned with the character's established appeal. Krusty the Clown episodes, such as "Like Father, Like Clown" (season 3, episode 6, aired October 24, 1991), draw on Jewish cultural tropes to satirize entertainment industry self-loathing and identity conflicts, depicting Krusty's rabbinical heritage and bar mitzvah parody without softening for contemporary sensitivities. Reiss, who contributed to early seasons as co-showrunner, highlighted Krusty's pronounced Jewish traits in discussions of the series' humor, including arcs parodying show business assimilation pressures akin to The Jazz Singer. These elements deliver pointed critiques of performative authenticity in media, emphasizing intergenerational tensions and ethnic self-deprecation over idealized portrayals. While early episodes under Reiss's influence garnered acclaim for equal-opportunity —balancing jabs at incompetence, celebrity, and cultural hypocrisy—later developments faced conservative critiques for perceived liberal bias in plots favoring progressive narratives over consistent causal scrutiny, such as environmental or episodes that prioritize sentiment over empirical outcomes. An academic analysis of content found the series disproportionately mocking figures and policies, potentially confirming viewer preconceptions rather than challenging them through deeper . Purists have noted dilutions in satirical edge post-season 9, attributing this to pressures and creative shifts that missed opportunities for unvarnished first-principles deconstructions of societal incentives.

Other professional projects

The Critic and collaborative works

Reiss and co-created the animated sitcom , which premiered on on January 26, 1994, featuring voicing the protagonist Jay Sherman, a neurotic film critic navigating professional rivalries and personal insecurities through satirical takes on tropes. The series produced 23 episodes, with the first 13 airing on amid erratic scheduling that saw initial winter broadcasts pulled after six episodes, the remainder relegated to summer slots, leading to cancellation due to insufficient ratings. Relocated to for a second season in 1995, it aired ten more episodes but ended on May 5, 1995, after network executives, including one reportedly antagonistic toward the show, declined renewal despite incremental viewership gains. The collaboration highlighted innovative techniques, such as blending with licensed live-action film clips for sequences, yet empirical outcomes revealed limitations: the show's dense, insider-focused humor—prioritizing media industry critiques over universal family dynamics—failed to capture mass audiences, averaging Nielsen ratings below competitive peers like emerging live-action comedies. This niche orientation, while fostering a appreciation for its clever scripting and Lovitz's manic delivery, underscored causal factors in its demise, including network volatility and resistance to formats diverging from proven molds, lessons echoed in subsequent joint ventures where adaptability proved insufficient against commercial imperatives.

Film screenwriting and consulting

Reiss penned the screenplay for the 2009 romantic comedy , directed by and starring as a disillusioned in who finds unexpected fulfillment amid a group of eccentric tourists. The film, inspired by Reiss's travel observations, earned mixed critical reception, with a 5.9/10 rating on from over 21,000 users, and grossed about $20 million worldwide against a modest budget. In animation, Reiss co-wrote the screenplay for : Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009), the third installment in the directed by , collaborating with Michael Berg, , and Yoni Brenner to advance the prehistoric adventure plot involving a subterranean world. The film achieved commercial success, earning over $800 million globally, bolstered by family-oriented humor and amid franchise expansion pressures. Reiss contributed as a story consultant on several animated features, including (2013), where he proposed names for the Minions—yellow henchmen characters—modeled after fellow Simpsons writers to enhance comedic specificity and efficiency in a high-stakes sequel environment. Similar consulting roles extended to (2012) and (2012), focusing on gag refinement within team-driven pipelines that prioritize collective input over individual authorship. These efforts underscore the collaborative constraints of feature film production, where solo directing or writing credits remain rare due to studio oversight and iterative revisions.

Later television and production roles

Reiss maintained his association with into the 2020s, contributing to production on specials such as the 2024 Disney+ holiday release . This work reflects adaptation to the streaming era, where the franchise expanded beyond traditional broadcast with short-form content and exclusive episodes on platforms like Disney+, amid a proliferation of on-demand viewing options that diluted episodic TV's cultural dominance. In 2025, Reiss appeared on podcasts discussing the series' enduring influence on television comedy, crediting its formula of satirical family dynamics for shaping animated storytelling over three decades and more than 692 episodes. He highlighted causal factors like consistent character-driven humor enabling , though he noted external pressures from demands and cultural shifts complicating in later seasons. Critics have attributed perceived creative stagnation in the show's post-2010s episodes to formulaic plotting and reduced risk-taking, contrasting earlier eras' sharper satire; Reiss's reduced day-to-day role post-showrunning shifted focus to advisory and reflective contributions rather than frontline reinvention. Despite this, the franchise's sustained production underscores achievements in commercial viability, with Reiss's oversight in specials demonstrating pragmatic navigation of industry consolidation under .

Publications and books

Springfield Confidential

Springfield Confidential: Jokes, Secrets, and Outright Lies from a Lifetime Writing for is a 2018 non-fiction memoir co-authored by Mike Reiss and Mathew Klickstein. Published by Dey Street Books, an imprint of , on June 12, 2018, the book draws from Reiss's over 30 years as a and on the , offering an insider's account of its production mechanics, personnel dynamics, and historical trivia. The memoir dissects the episode development process, from writers' room brainstorming sessions—often involving dozens crammed into confined spaces—to script revisions, voice collaborations, and celebrity guest contributions. Reiss reveals operational details, such as Matt Groening's rationale for rendering characters in yellow hues to stand out during , and anecdotes about navigating animator feedback and improvisations. While emphasizing the raw, irreverent humor that defined early seasons, the narrative acknowledges self-promotional tendencies inherent to memoirs, prioritizing entertaining disclosures over exhaustive analytical depth. Reiss highlights satire's function in circumventing corporate and network dilutions, portraying The Simpsons as a vehicle for unvarnished commentary amid evolving broadcast pressures, though such insights blend personal reminiscence with selective "outright lies" for comedic effect. The book critiques industry sanitization by recounting instances where sharp jokes survived executive scrutiny, underscoring the writers' persistence in preserving edge against homogenization. These revelations illuminate broader workflows, including tensions between creative autonomy and commercial viability, drawn from Reiss's tenure. Reception was generally favorable, with reviewers praising its anecdotal richness, humor, and accessibility for fans seeking production esoterica; lauded its "wealth of great anecdotes and punchlines," while noted its recreation of the show's highs and lows. It earned a 3.9 average rating on from over 4,700 user reviews and was selected as one of Vulture's top-10 comedy books of 2018, alongside a semi-finalist nod for the Thurber for American Humor. Critics, however, faulted it for insider-focused navel-gazing that skimped on cultural critique or the series' waning quality, viewing it more as promotional memoir than rigorous exposé.

Other writings and memoirs

Reiss has employed dark humor in personal writings to confront mortality and loss, as seen in his November 2024 social media post following his mother's death, where he quipped about awarding himself an "Emmy for Best New Orphan." This approach underscores comedy's role in realistically processing grief, eschewing sentimental narratives for candid self-mockery amid familial bereavement. Beyond major publications, Reiss contributed satirical children's books that subtly probe holiday consumerism and sharing dynamics, including How Murray Saved Christmas (1999), featuring a Hanukkah Harry-like figure disrupting Christmas commercialism, and Santa Claustrophobia (2004), lampooning Santa's isolation in a chimney-bound farce. These works reveal early experimentations in accessible satire, adapting adult comedic structures to youth audiences while highlighting behavioral incentives in festive settings. In essays and commentary, Reiss has critiqued aging in , challenging industry myths of perpetual youth by detailing sustained creativity into later decades, as evidenced by his ongoing Simpsons tenure spanning over 30 years without creative decline. Such pieces emphasize empirical in comedy writing over ageist tropes, attributing endurance to iterative skill refinement rather than demographic renewal.

Awards and recognition

Emmy Awards

Mike Reiss earned four for Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming Less Than One Hour) during his tenure as writer and producer on , spanning the 1990s and 2000s. These honors recognized the show's production teams for episodes and seasons exemplifying sharp satirical writing and animation, with Reiss contributing to scripts and oversight that emphasized character-driven humor and cultural commentary. A key early win came in 1990 for the Season 1 episode "," where Reiss served as co-producer amid the nascent animated primetime landscape, helping establish as a for adult-oriented with over 20 million weekly viewers at peak. Subsequent victories, including 2001 for the episode "" (featuring Homer's temporary arc), highlighted sustained innovation in a category contested by rivals like , which received nominations but secured fewer animated program during overlapping runs, underscoring ' edge in empirical metrics such as Nielsen ratings averaging 15-20 million households per episode in winning seasons. These accolades reflect The Simpsons' verifiable dominance in animation comedy, evidenced by its record-breaking 36 total Primetime Emmys as of 2025, yet the Television Academy's voting body—predominantly Hollywood professionals with documented left-leaning ideological tilts—has drawn criticism for systemic biases that may amplify recognition for content aligning with institutional norms over contrarian or broadly apolitical satire. Despite such critiques, Reiss's wins align with the show's causal on genre standards, prioritizing audience engagement and craft over niche appeals.

Peabody and other honors

Reiss received a Peabody Award for his creative contributions to The Simpsons, an honor recognizing excellence in electronic media storytelling and public service through broadcast programming. This accolade, typically conferred on teams or programs rather than individuals, underscores the series' influence on cultural discourse via satirical commentary on American life. One source attributes two Peabody Awards to Reiss's tenure, though most records confirm one tied to the show's early seasons. For The Critic, Reiss shared a 1995 Annie Award nomination with Al Jean for Best Individual Achievement for Creative Supervision in the Field of Animation, highlighting innovations in adult-oriented animated satire despite the series' short run. Earlier in his career, Reiss won a 1991 CableACE Award for writing the episode "My Mother the Wife" on It's Garry Shandling's Show, an accolade from the National Academy of Cable Programming that predates The Critic but reflects his foundational work in boundary-pushing comedy scripting. In 2006, Reiss and jointly received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Writers Guild of America's Animation Writers Caucus, acknowledging their enduring impact on animated television writing, including collaborative development of character-driven humor and production oversight. These honors, drawn from industry bodies focused on craft excellence, affirm Reiss's role in sustaining high-caliber output amid evolving media landscapes, though the proliferation of similar recognitions in entertainment can dilute perceptions of exclusivity.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Reiss married Denise Reiss, whom he met at Harvard University; the couple resides in New York City and frequently travels abroad together to destinations including Iran, North Korea, Libya, and Iraq, often documenting their experiences in podcasts and writings as a form of shared adventure. Raised as the middle child in a Jewish family of five siblings in Bristol, Connecticut—where his household was reportedly the only Jewish one in town—Reiss grew up amid a tradition of familial humor, with parents who fostered a joke-filled environment that shaped his comedic inclinations from an early age. Reiss and his wife have no children. In 2024, Reiss's mother, Elinor Reiss, a former , died; he publicly addressed the loss with characteristic , self-awarding an "Emmy for Best New " in a that reflected his family's witty coping style.

Travels and personal adventures

Mike Reiss has undertaken extensive global travel, visiting 134 countries, often to remote or politically unstable locations such as , , , and , typically accompanied by his wife, Denise. These journeys, spanning decades, reflect a pattern of curiosity-driven rather than conventional , with Reiss documenting encounters in his 2023 What Am I Doing Here?: A Simpsons' Writer Visits the World's Hellholes and his newsletter "Now I've Seen Everything!", which focuses on perilous travel experiences. Reiss's adventures include expeditions to extreme environments, such as a trip to the and ascents like , undertaken as personal pursuits amid the demands of his professional life. He has described these travels as stemming from his wife's enthusiasm for discovery, which he accommodates despite initial reluctance, leading to visits to sites of historical or geopolitical interest where safety risks— including potential for civil unrest or logistical failures—are empirically evident but often minimized in retrospective accounts. A notable exploit occurred in summer 2022, when Reiss participated in an OceanGate expedition to the Titanic wreckage aboard the Titan submersible, completing four 10-hour dives from a support ship in the North Atlantic. His wife had planned to join but remained aboard the mothership due to a positive COVID-19 test; during the Titanic-specific dive, the submersible experienced compass malfunctions, deviated 500 yards off course due to currents, and lost all communication with the surface vessel for periods, highlighting operational vulnerabilities in deep-sea environments. The pre-dive waiver explicitly referenced "death" three times, underscoring acknowledged perils that materialized in the June 2023 Titan implosion, which Reiss had anticipated as unlikely to end in rescue given the vessel's design limitations and communication precedents from his own trips.

Public views and commentary

Cultural and political perspectives

Reiss has participated in numerous speaking engagements at Jewish community events, emphasizing the significant influence of Jewish creators on and broader animation history, including elements that defy contemporary political sensitivities. In 2013, he presented on "Jews and Toons" at the Jewish , discussing the show's Jewish writers, actors, and characters like , while highlighting how these contributors drew from unfiltered cultural traditions rather than sanitized norms. Similar talks at venues like the Virginia Beach Simon Family explored Judaism's thematic presence in cartoons, positioning as a vehicle for irreverent amid a landscape often critical of such portrayals. Reiss identifies culturally as Jewish while rejecting religious observance, describing himself as an atheist who appreciates Jewish cultural contributions but dismisses beliefs. His public commentary reflects a staunch defense of Jewish interests, as seen in a 2023 social media post stating, "Whether you're , or Harvard, don't screw with the Jews," issued amid heightened scrutiny of following the on . He has similarly condemned figures like for antisemitic rhetoric, framing such blame as persistent and unfounded. While acknowledging The Simpsons' general left-leaning satirical bent, Reiss has critiqued trends toward excessive caution in depictions of cultural issues, advocating for boundary-pushing humor over deference to sensitivities. In his 2018 memoir Springfield Confidential, he dismissed a challenging the character as a "nasty little ," defending the show's tradition of ethnic caricature as performative exaggeration rather than malice, noting that voice actors routinely portray roles diverging from their own identities. This stance contrasts with prevailing industry pressures for representational conformity, aligning with his broader resistance to in favor of unvarnished on topics including Israel-Palestine dynamics, where he favors comedic candor over balanced equivocation.

Commentary on comedy, censorship, and industry practices

Reiss has described corporate censorship as a persistent constraint in television comedy, particularly during his time writing for NBC's ALF in the 1980s, where network standards boards rejected jokes deemed too explicit or gross, such as a gag involving the alien protagonist's anatomy that was ultimately nixed despite its potential comedic value. In contrast, he noted that The Simpsons benefited from Fox's looser oversight in its early years, allowing greater irreverence, though occasional interventions occurred, like alterations to language in scripts where censors mandated changes from phrases such as "up his butt" to "in his ass" to comply with broadcast standards. This early freedom enabled the show to serve as an antidote to overly sanitized narratives prevalent in network television, prioritizing punchlines rooted in observational exaggeration over preemptive self-editing. Reiss advocates for comedy grounded in rigorous, empirical testing of material—gauging audience reactions through table reads and revisions—rather than deference to prevailing ideological sensitivities, arguing that humor's core function lies in unflinchingly highlighting human absurdities and truths. He has critiqued the rise of as eroding this process, stating in 2018 that it poses significant challenges to modern comedy by imposing external purity tests that stifle risk-taking and originality. For instance, amid controversies like the scrutiny over Nahasapeemapetilon's portrayal, Reiss expressed toward demands for retroactive changes, viewing them as emblematic of a cultural shift that prioritizes representational orthodoxy over comedic efficacy. While Reiss's tenure helped maintain The Simpsons' edge through seasons of boundary-pushing content, earning acclaim for sustaining sharp amid industry pressures, some observers have faulted the writers' room, including under his showrunning, for gradually yielding to softening influences in later years, diluting the original irreverence without fully countering evolving norms. This tension underscores his broader observation that thrives on empirical validation of what lands, not consensus-driven caution, though longevity often demands compromises that can blunt humor's revelatory bite.

References

  1. [1]
    Mike Reiss - Biography - IMDb
    Mike Reiss was born on September 15, 1959. He is a producer and writer, known for The Simpsons (1989), The Simpsons Movie (2007) and It's Garry Shandling's Show ...
  2. [2]
    Mike Reiss - Writer for The Simpsons - APB Speakers
    Biography. Mike Reiss has won four Emmys and a Peabody Award during his twenty eight years writing for The Simpsons. He ran the show in Season ...
  3. [3]
    Mike Reiss - RENDR Festival
    American TV comedy writer. He, along with Al Jean, served as showrunner on The Simpsons in Season 3 and Season 4, writing ten episodes.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  4. [4]
    Al Jean and Michael Reiss - Writers Guild Awards
    During his 15 years writing for The Simpsons, Reiss has won four Emmys and a Peabody Award for his creative contributions to the successful series.
  5. [5]
    Mike Reiss: Writer, producer and show-runner of THE SIMPSONS
    Feb 8, 2019 · Mike Reiss, legendary TV comedy writer, is the longest-serving writer and producer of THE SIMPSONS, the most enduring prime-time series in TV history.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  6. [6]
    A Conversation With Veteran 'Simpsons' Writer Mike Reiss About 30 ...
    Jun 14, 2018 · In celebration of the show's 30th anniversary this year, longtime writer/producer Mike Reiss is releasing Springfield Confidential: Jokes, ...
  7. [7]
    Jimmy Failla, Mike Reiss: Melania's Jacket, Secrets From A ...
    Jun 22, 2018 · ... Mike Reiss joins Tom Shillue to discuss how political correctness is challenging modern comedy, the ongoing "Apu controversy" and his new book.
  8. [8]
    How Mike Reiss Converted 'The Simpsons' To Judaism - The Forward
    Jul 27, 2018 · Aside from being motivated to write by his conscience, Mike is driven to be charitable. He and Denise don't have any children. “I love buying ...
  9. [9]
    In NY, 'The Simpsons' writer strikes comedic gold with behind-the ...
    Jun 23, 2018 · Reiss told some outstanding stories about his Jewish heritage. His father was born in Brooklyn but studied hard, became a doctor and moved the ...Missing: parents | Show results with:parents
  10. [10]
    Simpsons Writer Mike Reiss Talks Comedy | Yale film
    Nov 6, 2018 · Reiss, a native of Bristol, Connecticut, grew up the only Jewish kid in town, in a family full of jokesters. Bristol's drab landscape proved to ...Missing: upbringing | Show results with:upbringing
  11. [11]
    #80 What Is Mike Reiss From The Simpsons Doing Here? – Classic ...
    Mike Reiss shares the childhood moment that launched his incredible career and delves into the Jewish influences behind The Simpsons.
  12. [12]
    'Simpsons' Writer Mike Reiss Chronicles 'Greatest Job In The World ...
    Jun 7, 2018 · When Mike Reiss was a kid growing up in Bristol, he loved “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and dreamed of being one of the comedy writers as ...
  13. [13]
    "Simpsons" writer tells hometown secrets
    Apr 23, 2007 · Reiss's start in writing came when he was in the third grade at Patterson School in Bristol, Conn. Rather than telling his mother that he did “ ...
  14. [14]
    'Simpsons' writer talks comedy | Profile - jewishaz.com
    Apr 11, 2013 · Reiss' career in comedy began in college. He went to Harvard after growing up in Bristol, Conn., where he was the only Jewish student in his ...Missing: childhood | Show results with:childhood
  15. [15]
    Mike Reiss - Wikipedia
    Michael L. Reiss is an American television comedy writer. He served as a showrunner, writer, and producer for the animated series The Simpsons and ...Early life · Career · Writing credits · Films
  16. [16]
    Mike Reiss 'The Simpsons' Writer Interview - Entertainment Edge
    Apr 16, 2009 · Reiss grew up in Bristol and graduated from Bristol Eastern High School. He always had a passion in writing, spending his weekends and ...
  17. [17]
    From Cambridge to Springfield | AspenTimes.com
    Feb 4, 2005 · George Meyer and Mike Reiss had good reasons to feel like misfits from their first days at Harvard. Having attended public high school in TucsonMissing: Stuyvesant | Show results with:Stuyvesant
  18. [18]
    30 years of The Simpsons: In conversation with Mike Reiss
    Mar 7, 2017 · An English grad from Harvard, Reiss was initially rejected from his first creative writing ... Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint ...Missing: major literature
  19. [19]
    Mike Reiss Interview: Jokes In Vast Quantities - Flim Springfield
    Jun 18, 2018 · Did your skills and comedy style translate well from National/Harvard Lampoon? Mike Reiss: Al Jean and I were both good at parody. When we ...
  20. [20]
    Al Jean & Mike Reiss | News | The Harvard Crimson
    Jun 5, 2006 · When one day in the fall of 1977, Mike L. Reiss '81, Al E. Jean '81, and some friends got bored stuffing envelopes for the Graduate School ...Missing: Stuyvesant | Show results with:Stuyvesant
  21. [21]
    Harvard Comedy (and Other Oxymorons)
    Mike L. Reiss '81 is a former showrunner, writer, and producer for “The Simpsons”.Missing: Russian | Show results with:Russian
  22. [22]
    Front Row Q&A: Mike Reiss - CT Insider
    Jun 17, 2013 · I gotta say "yes." The play is not autobiographical, although there's one thing right out of my life, where he's the only Jewish kid in school ...Missing: born parents
  23. [23]
    'Springfield Confidential:' 'Simpsons' writer Mike Reiss dishes on ...
    Jun 8, 2018 · My first job right out of college was at National Lampoon magazine. Walking to work, I'd see three amazing things every day and walk into ...<|separator|>
  24. [24]
    MetroActive Arts | Mike Reiss - North Bay Bohemian
    Reiss seems like a remarkably happy man, considering that he once endured writing for Johnny Carson. "When I got that job," Reiss remembers, "I was told ...
  25. [25]
    "Now I've Seen Everything!" Sneak Peek: Writing Jokes for Pope ...
    Mar 17, 2025 · I wrote jokes for Johnny Carson, the Pope of Late Night TV. But I ... Subscribe to Now I've Seen Everything! By Mike Reiss · Hundreds of paid ...
  26. [26]
    Mike Reiss | Simpsons Wiki - Fandom
    He, along with Al Jean, served as showrunner on The Simpsons in Season 3 and Season 4, writing ten episodes. In 1994, the duo created and executive produced The ...
  27. [27]
    14 Masters Of Comedy Share Their Secrets - Bang2write
    Jan 15, 2019 · Mike Reiss: Sledge Hammer!, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, ALF, It's Garry Shandling's Show, The Simpsons, The Critic (Co-Creator) ...
  28. [28]
    Writers of THE SIMPSONS, M*A*S*H, SEINFELD, CHEERS, TAXI ...
    Jan 17, 2019 · Mike Reiss: Sledge Hammer!, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, ALF, It's Garry Shandling's Show, The Simpsons, The Critic (Co-Creator).
  29. [29]
    'Simpsons' creator answers show's biggest mysteries - New York Post
    Jun 13, 2018 · Reiss was already a veteran sitcom writer, having worked on “Alf” and “It's Garry Shandling's Show,” when “The Simpsons” hired its first writers ...<|separator|>
  30. [30]
    Five Screenwriting Lessons from the Geniuses of TV Comedy
    Apr 22, 2020 · ... Tracey Ullman Show (Creator), Almost Perfect David Isaacs: M*A ... Mike Reiss: Sledge Hammer!, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, ALF ...
  31. [31]
    Mike Reiss' Springfield Confidential - JLife SGPV
    Oct 1, 2018 · He started writing for the Simpsons during its first season in 1989 and still writes for it today. Reiss and his writing partner Al Jean's run ...Missing: childhood | Show results with:childhood
  32. [32]
    Simpsons writer Mike Reiss on his favorite episode and how the ...
    Jun 21, 2018 · Mike Pesca talked with Reiss about the trick to writing lines for Homer, how The Simpsons raised the bar for TV comedy, and his favorite episode.Missing: entry | Show results with:entry
  33. [33]
    In L.A., the watchword is Harvard - Harvard Gazette
    Apr 1, 2014 · Jean called his roommate Mike Reiss '81, “one of the funniest people I'd ever met.” Longtime writing partners, Jean and Reiss worked ...
  34. [34]
    Al Jean - Wikisimpsons, the Simpsons Wiki
    Sep 29, 2025 · In 1989 he and writing partner Mike Reiss were hired to write for The Simpsons. ... Jean and Reiss served as showrunners for season 3 and season 4 ...
  35. [35]
    Analysis of 27 seasons of Simpsons data reveals the show's most ...
    The early seasons averaged over 20 million viewers per episode, including Bart Gets an “F”, the first episode of season 2, which is still the most-watched ...
  36. [36]
    Do Not Assume That Those Credited in Bad TV Shows Are Hacks ...
    Sep 18, 2023 · Reiss agreed to get his first screenwriting job, under the assumption that the staff writers are "circus pin-heads" and "biggest idiots in the ...IAMA REQUEST: "The Simpsons" writer, past or present - RedditI am Brent Forrester -- Writer for The Simpsons, The Office, Love on ...More results from www.reddit.com
  37. [37]
    List of show runners | Simpsons Wiki - Fandom
    List of show runners ; Season 6 · 2F, 2, Al Jean & Mike Reiss (A Star is Burns and 'Round Springfield) ; Season 7, 3F, 24, Bill Oakley & Josh Weinstein.
  38. [38]
    Woo hoo! Homer Simpson 'inducted' into Hall - MLB.com
    May 27, 2017 · ... Emmy Award-winning comedy writer who 25 years ago worked on the now-famous "Homer at the Bat" episode. "The two go together a little bit. I ...
  39. [39]
    Al Jean: 25 Years of Simpsons and Counting - Television Academy
    Oct 7, 2014 · In my freshman year at Harvard I met Mike Reiss, who's been my writing partner for 20 years. He wanted to get on the Harvard Lampoon humor ...Missing: meeting | Show results with:meeting<|separator|>
  40. [40]
    Mike Reiss - Wikisimpsons, the Simpsons Wiki
    Oct 11, 2025 · Awards[edit] ; Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program · 1990 · "Life on the Fast Lane" ; "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" ...
  41. [41]
    He Wrote Over 692 Simpsons Episodes - YouTube
    Oct 2, 2025 · This week, we're joined by one of the most important voices in The Simpsons: Mike Reiss ... The West Wing's Allison Janney's Dream Simpsons Role.
  42. [42]
    3 Simpsons Showrunners Reflect on New Fans and the 'Classic Era ...
    Sep 23, 2014 · Al Jean was one of the show's original writers. He went on to co-showrun the show during seasons three and four. After taking a diminished role ...
  43. [43]
    Smiling All the Time with Mike Reiss - Peter McGraw
    Aug 14, 2019 · Mike Reiss talks about why he's smiling all the time, how he got into comedy, writing for The Simpsons, and his book, ...Missing: background | Show results with:background
  44. [44]
    'Simpsons' scribe - The Michigan Daily
    Oct 29, 2003 · He considers Krusty the Clown to be “one of the most pronounced Jewish characters on television. ... ” “The episode ends in a scholarly debate ...
  45. [45]
    [PDF] Partisan Bias in The Simpsons? - Digital Commons@Kennesaw State
    Given what the writers and producers of The Simpsons have said, it is reasonable to assume The Simpsons is biased against Republicans, yet some scholars have ...
  46. [46]
    Are The Simpsons Conservative, Liberal or an Equal Opportunity ...
    Sep 30, 2013 · The Simpsons never made bold statements as conservative spokespeople, they spun clichés into fresh barbs. But Simpsons writers have made a brave ...Missing: satire criticisms
  47. [47]
    It Didn't Stink, So Why Did The Critic Fail to Become a Hit Show?
    Jan 22, 2019 · Cut short after two seasons, everything that made The Critic so unique and wonderful ultimately ended up working against it.
  48. [48]
    An Oral History of 'The Critic' | Cracked.com
    Mar 29, 2023 · Nonetheless, The Critic was unceremoniously canceled thanks to an executive who hated the show, its final episode airing on May 5, 1995.
  49. [49]
    How 'The Critic' Went From Near 'Simpsons' Spinoff To Critical Darling
    Nov 29, 2016 · We spoke with The Critic creators Al Jean and Mike Reiss, who were also more than happy to tell us how Lovitz came to be such a darling denigrator.
  50. [50]
    The Critic (1994-1995): Gone But Not Forgotten - JoBlo
    Aug 4, 2023 · On this episode of Gone But Not Forgotten, we look back at the classic TV series, The Critic, starring the voice of Jon Lovitz.
  51. [51]
    My Life In Ruins - Scripts.com
    Georgia is an American academic who's lost her teaching job in Athens. She's taken a job as a tour guide, but she hates it and it shows.
  52. [52]
    My Life in Ruins (2009) - IMDb
    Rating 5.9/10 (21,362) A disgruntled tour guide in Greece gains an unexpected new outlook on life thanks to one of the people on what she intends to be her last tour.Full cast & crew · Parents guide · Filming & production · FAQ
  53. [53]
    Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    Mike Reiss. screenplay by and. Yoni Brenner · Yoni Brenner. screenplay by. Jason ... (uncredited). Frank Welker · Frank Welker · Momma Dino.
  54. [54]
    Simpson's writer brings Springfield to Tech - Collegiate Times
    Sep 17, 2009 · It earned a meager $8 million. "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs," however, loaded the vault with $800 million. "Am I an idiot or a genius?" ...
  55. [55]
    Mike Reiss - Jewish Comics Experience
    A multiple Emmy Award-winning writer for The Simpsons who is one of two members of the staff who has been onboard since the series first aired.
  56. [56]
    Mike Reiss Facts for Kids
    Sep 6, 2025 · Mike Reiss grew up in Bristol, Connecticut. He was the middle child in a family of five. His mother was a local journalist, who writes for ...
  57. [57]
    Mike Reiss On “Springfield Confidential” 30 Years Of Writing for 'The ...
    May 7, 2020 · Reiss said he never would have agreed to write a memoir about his thirty-year journey as a The Simpsons writer, but once the words started flowing, Springfield ...
  58. [58]
    Mike Reiss — The Movie Database (TMDB)
    Mike Reiss is known as an Writer, Producer, Creator, Executive Producer, Screenplay, Actor, Co-Executive Producer, Co-Producer, Thanks, Supervising Producer ...Missing: screenwriting | Show results with:screenwriting
  59. [59]
    Mike Reiss: How The Simpsons C…–Reasonably Happy with Paul ...
    May 7, 2025 · The Simpsons writer and showrunner Mike Reiss shares behind-the-scenes secrets from 36+ years on the iconic animated series.Missing: reflections | Show results with:reflections
  60. [60]
    "The Simpsons" writer Mike Reiss: "The Trump years have been a ...
    Jun 21, 2018 · Veteran "Simpsons" writer Mike Reiss gets candid about Apu, becoming Homer and the secret to the show's longevity.
  61. [61]
    Mike Reiss worked on 692 episodes of The Simpsons over 3+ ...
    May 9, 2025 · Mike Reiss worked on 692 episodes of The Simpsons over 3+ decades as writer, producer and show-runner. He has won 4 Primetime Emmys (not those ...Missing: involvement | Show results with:involvement
  62. [62]
    Springfield Confidential, the new Simpsons book, reviewed.
    Jun 12, 2018 · Reiss, along with co-author Mathew Klickstein, has now written a memoir titled Springfield Confidential: Jokes, Secrets, and Outright Lies ...
  63. [63]
    Springfield Confidential: Jokes, Secrets, and Outright Lies from a ...
    Emmy winner Mike Reiss shares insider stories, scandals, and creative process from thirty years of writing for "The Simpsons," including celebrity encounters ...
  64. [64]
    Springfield Confidential - Mike Reiss - Harper Academic
    Springfield Confidential exposes why Matt Groening decided to make all of the characters yellow; dishes on what it's like to be crammed in a room full of funny ...Missing: content summary
  65. [65]
    Springfield Confidential: Jokes, Secrets, and Outright Lies from a ...
    In stock Rating 4.8 13 Extremely funny and fascinating. In Springfield Confidential, Reiss offers a breezy history of the show from his insider's perspective, from its dismal early ...Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
  66. [66]
    'The Simpsons' secrets spilled in Mike Reiss' 'Springfield Confidential'
    Jun 11, 2018 · He predicted 13. More than 630 episodes later, the Emmy-winning Reiss, a former head writer for the satirical show who remains part of the ...
  67. [67]
    Springfield Confidential by Mike Reiss book review
    Jun 14, 2018 · So it is upon a workplace of mostly mild-mannered comedy professionals that former “Simpsons” showrunner Mike Reiss pulls back the curtain in ...Missing: writer | Show results with:writer
  68. [68]
    Springfield Confidential: Jokes, Secrets, and Outright … - Goodreads
    Rating 3.9 (4,771) Yet the book remains entertaining, informative, and most of all, funny. Reiss is generous with his compliments to other creators ("If you want dirt, dig a hole ...
  69. [69]
    'Simpsons' Legend Mike Reiss Awards Himself 'Emmy for Best New ...
    Nov 18, 2024 · Reiss won the 1990 Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming One Hour Or Less) as a co-producer for The Simpsons, and he would go ...Missing: achievements | Show results with:achievements
  70. [70]
    Mike Reiss | Television Academy
    4 Emmys · Outstanding Original Music And Lyrics - 2015 · Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming Less Than One Hour) - 2002 · Outstanding Animated Program ( ...
  71. [71]
    Mike Reiss - Awards - IMDb
    Primetime Emmy Awards ; 2002 Nominee · Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming Less Than One Hour). The Simpsons ; 2001 Winner · Outstanding Animated Program ...
  72. [72]
    Michael Reiss | Profile - Cruise Ship Enrichment
    Mike Reiss is an Emmy-winning writer for THE SIMPSONS. His funny, informative talks on movies, TV and comedy have made him an in-demand speaker on six cruise ...
  73. [73]
    The Critic (TV Series 1994–2001) - Awards - IMDb
    1995 Nominee Annie. Best Individual Achievement for Creative Supervision in the Field of Animation. Al Jean (executive producer); Mike Reiss (executive producer).
  74. [74]
    CableACE Awards (1991) - IMDb
    [object Object]. Winner. It's Garry Shandling's Show. 7.7 (1.9K) Rate. Al Jean · Mike Reiss. "My Mother the Wife". Writing a Movie or Miniseries. [object Object].
  75. [75]
    Springfield Confidential: a lifetime of writing for The Simpsons - SUU
    Aug 25, 2018 · Reiss' work with The Simpsons has won him the Peabody Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Animation Writers Caucus along with others.<|separator|>
  76. [76]
    Where in the World is Mike Reiss? - Seasons Magazines
    Mike Reiss at various times has been a writer, producer and showrunner of the Emmy Award- and Peabody Award-winning animated series “The Simpsons” from the day ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography<|separator|>
  77. [77]
    Elinor Reiss Obituary | November 9, 2024 - Hartford Courant
    Dec 1, 2024 · ... children: Steve Reiss (Iris), Marcia Reiss-Franklin (Dave Franklin), Mike Reiss (Denise), John Reiss (Jerrell Walls) and Alice Reiss-Malone ...
  78. [78]
    What Am I Doing Here?: A Simpsons' Writer Visits the World's ...
    Simpsons writer Mike Reiss shares his adventurous travels to 134 countries, from North Korea to Mount Kilimanjaro, including a ride in the doomed Titan ...
  79. [79]
    Mike Reiss | Substack: Now I've Seen Everything!
    A Humorous Look at Dangerous Travel. Click to read "Now I've Seen Everything!", by Mike Reiss, a Substack publication with thousands of subscribers.
  80. [80]
    A travel history to beat all travel histories - IDSA
    Apr 8, 2023 · Mike Reiss: [00:01:29] They would find out I have been to 134 countries. Not by choice. My wife loves the travel and I love my wife. And if I ...
  81. [81]
    Insane Vacations with Mike Reiss - Simon Sinek's Optimism Company
    he's also the most well-traveled. He's been to Iran, the North Pole, North Korea, and everywhere in between ...Missing: adventures | Show results with:adventures
  82. [82]
    'Simpsons' producer Mike Reiss recalls tech issues on his Titanic trip
    Jun 22, 2023 · On his trip to the Titanic, Reiss said the submersible landed 500 yards away from the wreckage, but "our compass was acting up, and we didn't ...
  83. [83]
    Former Titanic submersible passenger says his sub lost contact with ...
    Jun 21, 2023 · Mike Reiss told ABC News his submersible lost contact with its host ship on all four of his 10-hour dives, including his one trip to the Titanic.
  84. [84]
    Opinion: 'I believe there was peace' at the end of Titan's doomed ...
    Jun 23, 2023 · Mike Reiss was a passenger in the Titan submersible last year on a voyage to survey the wreckage of the Titanic on the ocean floor – much ...
  85. [85]
    Inside the Titan: Quiet and Cramped, With a Single Porthole
    Jun 20, 2023 · As the submersible made its way to the Titanic, Mr. Reiss said, it was carried off course by underwater currents. The compass was “acting very ...
  86. [86]
    I was Titanic sub passenger: Waiver said 'death' three times
    Jun 20, 2023 · "Simpsons” producer Mike Reiss saw the Titanic last summer from the now-missing submersible. It was not all plain sailing.
  87. [87]
    'The Simpsons' Writer And Former Showrunner Mike Reiss Talks ...
    Jun 21, 2023 · Mike Reiss, a writer and former showrunner on The Simpsons, admits he's “not optimistic” about a rescue of the missing submarine that was exploring the Titanic ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  88. [88]
    Mike Reiss, “Simpsons” writer, talks “Jews and Toons” at Denver ...
    Jan 30, 2013 · He may be the most flamboyantly Jewish Jew on television. Not to mention his father, Rabbi Hyman Krustofsky. Mike Reiss, longtime writer- ...
  89. [89]
    On Judaism and 'The Simpsons' - The Virginian-Pilot
    Mar 14, 2013 · Mike Reiss, an Emmy-winning writer-producer for “The Simpsons,” comes to Virginia Beach's Simon Family Jewish Community Center on Saturday ...
  90. [90]
    Mike Reiss on X: "Whether you're Hamas, or Harvard, don't screw ...
    Dec 9, 2023 · Whether you're Hamas, or Harvard, don't screw with the Jews. Happy Hanukkah Bros!
  91. [91]
    Mike Reiss on X: "It's 2024, but Kanye's still writing "I blame the Jews ...
    Mike Reiss · @MikeReissWriter. It's 2024, but Kanye's still writing "I blame the Jews" on his checks. 6:09 PM · Jan 4, 2024. ·. 6,717. Views.
  92. [92]
    https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0718514/news/
  93. [93]
    Mike Reiss - News - IMDb
    TV comedy legend and founding Simpsons writer Mike Reiss is used to pushing the boundaries of corporate censorship, and NBC is just lucky that he never ...
  94. [94]
    Here's the Best-Ever 'ALF' Joke That the NBC Censors Nixed
    Mar 10, 2025 · TV comedy legend and founding Simpsons writer Mike Reiss is used to pushing the boundaries of corporate censorship, and NBC is just lucky ...
  95. [95]
    Quote by Mike Reiss: “We still couldn't use “ass” any ... - Goodreads
    ... censors asked us to change it to “in his ass.” That seemed worse, but we did as they asked. Mike Reiss, Springfield Confidential: Jokes, Secrets, and ...
  96. [96]
    Simpsons Writer Mike Reiss Shares The Jokes That Didn't Make It
    Jul 23, 2018 · Mike Reiss is "The Simpsons" longest-serving writer, producer, and 4-time Emmy Award winner. He talks comedy and favorite episodes on Federalist ...
  97. [97]
    No laughing matter: how can The Simpsons solve its problem with ...
    May 5, 2018 · As for Reiss, he remains sceptical about what he calls the “hoopla” but admits Apu's future is uncertain: “It's not my call: as a white Jewish ...
  98. [98]
    Simpsons and National Lampoon Writer Dishes on His ... - Esquire
    Sep 23, 2015 · Mike Reiss talks about a Thurgood Marshall joke that put the FBI on his tail, the Meatloaf movie that never happened, and the gynecologist Indiana Jones parody ...