A special behind-the-scenes look at the ups and downs of "the first family of American laughter." As the story unfolds, we learn of Homer Simpsons' humble beginnings and the demo tape that made him famous. Unable to get his videotape seen by any big time network execs, the family turns to FOX. The Simpsons quickly became an enormous hit, the future looking bright. But success comes at a great price and all the baggy pants in MC Hammer's old house can't save the family from themselves. Homer's addiction to painkillers, the tax problems, Bart's reckless behavior - it all spelled trouble for the show and the family. How did they ever pull through? With style and class. And a little help from their friends.