It’s time to paint the town yellow as Sky1 celebrates 20 years of television’s most famous, and reassuringly mental family, The Simpsons. The residents of Springfield are marking their 20th anniversary with three brand-new programmes voiced by self-confessed Simpsons nut Ricky Gervais.

Sky1 will be launching a brand new series of The Simpson in a weeknight slot. Every Thursday at 7.30pm, Sky1 will be broadcasting brand new episodes of the show Time magazine called “The Best. TV Show. Ever” four years ahead of any other UK channel and in high definition.

Thursday 14 January, 2010 marks the series’ 20th anniversary, giving Matt Groening and the team an excuse to crack open a Duff beer or two. To celebrate this milestone, Sky1 takes a look back at 20 years of record-breaking global success – the super fans, the controversy, the guest stars and all the behind the scenes goings on – in three special programmes, each voiced by Ricky Gervais.

The show launched in 1989 and immediately became a pop-cultural phenomenon – the series’ distinctive and innovative style paved the way for a plethora of cutting-edge, primetime animation.

Now the longest-running comedy in television history, The Simpsons struck a chord with Sky1 and viewers across the globe for its irreverent style, poking fun at itself (and everything in its wake). Subversive, zeitgeist entertainment and making an unparalleled impact on popular culture.

Speaking to creator Matt Groening and exec producers Al Jean and James L Brooks, the first programme, Simpsons…Access All Areas (Monday 11 January) looks back at the rise of the show from its humble beginnings as a small cartoon to become the world’s longest running sitcom. Meeting cast members including the voice of Bart, Nancy Cartwright, cameras reveal how each episode is put together. Plus, celebrity fans including Simon Cowell and Hugh Hefner offer their opinions on why the show is such a phenomenal success – and just why Simon’s so passionate about Mr Burns.

The second programme, Simpsons…Mischief & Mayhem (Tuesday 12 January) focuses on the worldwide impact of Homer & Co, looking at the wealth of merchandise and superfans the series has generated and how the series’ controversial edges have, at times, offended people around the globe.

The final programme, Simpsons…Celebrity Friends reminds viewers of the plethora of showbiz A-listers who have been enticed to guest-star in Springfield. Simon Cowell, Christina Ricci, Hugh Hefner, Placido Domingo, George Takei, Elliot Gould and Tony Hawk all talk about their experiences.

The 21st season of the record-breaking comedy also launches in January with three brand new episodes kicking off on the official 20th Anniversary of the show, Thursday 14 January, 2010 at 7:30pm.