# A Star Is Burns

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Not to be confused with [A Star Is Born Again](/source/A_Star_Is_Born_Again).

18th episode of the 6th season of The Simpsons

"A Star Is Burns" The Simpsons episode Episode no. Season 6 Episode 18 Directed by Susie Dietter Written by Ken Keeler[1] Production code 2F31 Original air date March 5, 1995 (1995-03-05)[1][2] Guest appearances Jon Lovitz as Jay Sherman Maurice LaMarche as George C. Scott, William Shatner, Jay Sherman’s burp, and Eudora Welty’s burp Phil Hartman as actor (resembling Charlton Heston) playing Judah Ben-Hur in Mr. Burns' movie Episode features Couch gag The family’s heights are reversed; Maggie is now the largest while Homer is the smallest.[3] Commentary James L. Brooks Al Jean Mike Reiss Ken Keeler Dan Castellaneta Jon Lovitz Susie Dietter Episode chronology ← Previous "Homer vs. Patty and Selma" Next → "Lisa's Wedding" The Simpsons season 6 List of episodes

"**A Star Is Burns**" is the eighteenth episode of the [sixth season](/source/The_Simpsons_season_6) of the American animated television series *[The Simpsons](/source/The_Simpsons)*. It first aired on [Fox](/source/Fox_Broadcasting_Company) in the United States on March 5, 1995.[2] In the episode, [Springfield](/source/Springfield_(The_Simpsons)) decides to hold a [film festival](/source/Film_festival), and famed critic [Jay Sherman](/source/The_Critic_(TV_series)#Jay_Sherman) is invited to be a judge.

The story involves a [crossover](/source/Fictional_crossover) with the animated series *[The Critic](/source/The_Critic_(TV_series))*. Jay Sherman was the main character on the show. *The Critic* was created by [Al Jean](/source/Al_Jean) and [Mike Reiss](/source/Mike_Reiss), who had previously written for *The Simpsons* but left following the [fourth season](/source/The_Simpsons_season_4), and produced by [James L. Brooks](/source/James_L._Brooks), who was also a producer for *The Simpsons*. The show had premiered on [ABC](/source/American_Broadcasting_Company) in January 1994, but was canceled despite positive critical reception. The series moved over to Fox in 1995 and was put in the timeslot directly after *The Simpsons*. Brooks pitched a crossover episode as a way to promote *The Critic* and decided that a film festival would be a good way to introduce Sherman; the episode is stand-alone, allowing it to be watched even by those unfamiliar with *The Critic*.

This is the only episode where *Simpsons* creator [Matt Groening](/source/Matt_Groening) was not credited at all, despite his involvement. Groening has heavily criticized the episode, feeling that it was just an advertisement for *The Critic*, and that people would incorrectly associate the show with him. When he was unsuccessful in getting the program pulled, he had his name removed from the credits and went public with his concerns, openly criticizing Brooks.

The episode was directed by [Susie Dietter](/source/Susie_Dietter) and was the first episode to be written by [Ken Keeler](/source/Ken_Keeler). [Jon Lovitz](/source/Jon_Lovitz), who voices Jay Sherman on *The Critic* itself, guest stars as Jay Sherman, while [Maurice LaMarche](/source/Maurice_LaMarche) (who was also a regular on *The Critic*) has a few minor roles. The episode received mixed reviews from critics, many of whom felt the crossover was out of place on the show, although [Barney](/source/Barney_Gumble)'s film festival entry was well received.

## Plot

In response to [Springfield](/source/Springfield_(The_Simpsons)) being named the most unpopular city in the United States, a town meeting is held to decide how to attract more tourists. [Marge](/source/Marge_Simpson) proposes that Springfield host a film festival showcasing films made by the townspeople. To her surprise, the townspeople love her idea. Marge becomes the leader of the film festival's judging panel. She invites film critic [Jay Sherman](/source/List_of_The_Critic_characters#Jay_Sherman) to be on the judging panel; Sherman agrees, primarily to escape the wrath of [Rainier Wolfcastle](/source/Rainier_Wolfcastle), who is enraged that Sherman insulted his latest film. Sherman's quick wit, pop-culture savvy, and numerous awards cause [Homer](/source/Homer_Simpson) to feel inadequate, so he convinces Marge to put him on the judging panel as well, even though she had originally intended to invite [Martin Scorsese](/source/Martin_Scorsese) instead of Homer.

The film festival commences, and many of the townspeople enter films. Festival attendees are particularly touched by [Barney Gumble](/source/Barney_Gumble)'s artistic introspective film about [alcoholism](/source/Alcoholism), titled *Pukahontas*, which Marge and Sherman foresee to be the eventual winner. [Mr. Burns](/source/Mr._Burns)' film, directed by [Steven Spielberg](/source/Steven_Spielberg)'s non-[union](/source/Directors_Guild_of_America) Mexican counterpart "Señor Spielbergo", is *A Burns for All Seasons*, a big-budget [pastiche](/source/Pastiche) of famous [Hollywood](/source/Hollywood_(film_industry)) productions, intended to glorify him; the film is booed by the audience. Burns bribes two of the judges, [Krusty the Clown](/source/Krusty_the_Clown) and [Mayor Quimby](/source/Mayor_Quimby), to vote for his film, leading to a deadlock.

Left with the tie-breaking vote, Homer (who had missed the first showing of *Pukahontas*) enthusiastically votes for [Hans Moleman](/source/Hans_Moleman)'s film *Man Getting Hit by Football* (which consists entirely of a scene showing Moleman being hit in the [groin](/source/Crotch) by a [football](/source/Ball_(gridiron_football)) and falling over) but Marge and Sherman convince him to reconsider, and after Homer watches *Pukahontas* in its entirety, he decides to vote for it. *Pukahontas* is named the winner of the film festival. In his acceptance speech, Barney declares that his victory has inspired him to give up drinking, but immediately rescinds his promise when Quimby reveals that the grand prize is a lifetime supply of [Duff Beer](/source/Duff_Beer).

Sherman prepares to return to New York, and the Simpsons thank him for his help in making the festival a success. Marge suggests that Mr. Burns has learned a lesson that you cannot bribe everyone. However, Burns submits *A Burns for All Seasons* to the [Academy Awards](/source/Academy_Awards); because he bribed "everyone in Hollywood", he is nominated for an [Academy Award for Best Actor](/source/Academy_Award_for_Best_Actor). At the ceremony, the winner is announced to be [George C. Scott](/source/George_C._Scott), for his performance in a [remake](/source/Remake) of *Man Getting Hit by Football*, angering Burns further.

## Production

Al Jean had left *The Simpsons* after the fourth season, but returned to produce the episode.

*[The Critic](/source/The_Critic_(TV_series))* was an animated series that revolved around the life of [movie critic](/source/Film_criticism) Jay Sherman. It was created by [Al Jean](/source/Al_Jean) and [Mike Reiss](/source/Mike_Reiss), who had previously written for *The Simpsons* but left after the [fourth season](/source/The_Simpsons_season_4), and executive produced by [James L. Brooks](/source/James_L._Brooks).[4] [Jon Lovitz](/source/Jon_Lovitz), who had previously guest starred in several episodes of *The Simpsons*, starred as Jay Sherman, and it also featured the voices of *Simpsons* regulars [Nancy Cartwright](/source/Nancy_Cartwright), [Doris Grau](/source/Doris_Grau), and [Russi Taylor](/source/Russi_Taylor).[5] It was first broadcast on [ABC](/source/American_Broadcasting_Company) in January 1994, and was well received by critics.[6][7] However, the series did not catch on with viewers and it was put on hiatus after six weeks. It returned in June 1994 and completed airing its initial production run.[8][9]

For the second season of *The Critic*, James L. Brooks cut a deal with the [Fox network](/source/Fox_Broadcasting_Company) to have the series switch over.[10] The episode was pitched by Brooks, who had wanted a crossover that would help launch *The Critic* on Fox, and he thought having a film festival in Springfield would be a good way to introduce Sherman.[11] After Brooks pitched the episode, the script was written by [Ken Keeler](/source/Ken_Keeler).[12] Although [David Mirkin](/source/David_Mirkin) was executive producer for most of the sixth season, the episode was executive produced by Al Jean and Mike Reiss.[11] Jay Sherman's appearance was given a makeover: he was made yellow and given an overbite.[12]

Alongside Jon Lovitz, the episode guest stars [Maurice LaMarche](/source/Maurice_LaMarche), a regular on *The Critic*, who voices [George C. Scott](/source/George_C._Scott)[3] as well as Jay Sherman's belch.[13] [Phil Hartman](/source/Phil_Hartman) also makes a brief appearance as an actor resembling [Charlton Heston](/source/Charlton_Heston) portraying [Judah Ben-Hur](/source/Judah_Ben-Hur) in Mr. Burns' film.[3] [Rainier Wolfcastle](/source/List_of_recurring_The_Simpsons_characters#Rainier_Wolfcastle)'s line, "on closer inspection, these are loafers", was ad-libbed by [Dan Castellaneta](/source/Dan_Castellaneta) who was providing the voice of the character on a temporary track. It was later re-recorded by Wolfcastle's normal voice actor, [Harry Shearer](/source/Harry_Shearer).[14]

The episode contains a [meta-reference](/source/Meta-reference) to the fact that it is a crossover episode in a conversation [Bart](/source/Bart_Simpson) has with Sherman:[11]

- [*Bart is watching television*] Announcer: Coming up next, [*The Flintstones Meet The Jetsons*](/source/The_Jetsons_Meet_the_Flintstones).

- Bart: Uh oh. I smell another cheap cartoon crossover.

- [*Homer enters the room with Jay*] Homer: Bart Simpson, meet Jay Sherman, the critic.

- Jay: Hello.

- Bart: Hey man, I really love your show. I think *all* kids should watch it! [*turns away*] Ew, I suddenly feel so dirty.

The joke was pitched by Al Jean.[13]

## Cultural references

"[The Imperial March](/source/The_Imperial_March)" from *[The Empire Strikes Back](/source/The_Empire_Strikes_Back)* is played as Mr. Burns is introduced.[15] Burns says he wants Señor Spielbergo to do for him what [Steven Spielberg](/source/Steven_Spielberg) did for [Oskar Schindler](/source/Oskar_Schindler), a reference to Spielberg's 1993 film *[Schindler's List](/source/Schindler's_List)*. During the film festival, Spielberg's [*E.T.*](/source/E.T._the_Extra-Terrestrial) is parodied, with Burns in the role of [the alien](/source/E.T._(character)). Another movie Burns recreates is [*Ben-Hur*](/source/Ben-Hur_(1959_film)). The character of Jay Sherman was based on [Roger Ebert](/source/Roger_Ebert). The actors who attempt to impersonate Mr. Burns are intended to caricature [Anthony Hopkins](/source/Anthony_Hopkins) and [William Shatner](/source/William_Shatner).

The song the "Rappin' Rabbis" play in the opening moments of the episode is a parody of "[U Can't Touch This](/source/U_Can't_Touch_This)" by [MC Hammer](/source/MC_Hammer).[3] The opening of Bart's movie *The Eternal Struggle* is a reference to [The Amazing Criswell](/source/The_Amazing_Criswell)'s narration in *[Plan 9 from Outer Space](/source/Plan_9_from_Outer_Space)*.[12] Barney's movie contains references to *[Koyaanisqatsi](/source/Koyaanisqatsi)*, as well as its score composed by [Philip Glass](/source/Philip_Glass).[11] [Marge](/source/Marge_Simpson) says "Did you know there are over 600 critics on TV and [Leonard Maltin](/source/Leonard_Maltin) is the best looking of them all?" [Lisa](/source/Lisa_Simpson) replies "Ewwww!"[16]

During the town meeting organized to come up with ideas to increase Springfield's popularity, Selma proposes changing the name from "Springfield" to "Seinfeld", after which a bass riff is played, mimicking the [theme music](/source/Theme_music) to [the eponymous show](/source/Seinfeld) composed by [Jonathan Wolff](/source/Jonathan_Wolff_(musician)).

Outside the Aztec Theater where the film festival is being hosted, [Dr. Hibbert](/source/Dr._Hibbert) arrives [dressed liked Frank-N-Furter](/source/The_Rocky_Horror_Picture_Show_cult_following), believing that they would be showing *[The Rocky Horror Picture Show](/source/The_Rocky_Horror_Picture_Show)* that night.

## Reception

In its original broadcast, "A Star Is Burns" finished 57th in the ratings for the week of February 27 to March 5, 1995.[17] The episode was the third highest rated show on the Fox network that week, beaten only by *[Melrose Place](/source/Melrose_Place)* and *[Beverly Hills, 90210](/source/Beverly_Hills%2C_90210)*. *The Critic*, which premiered on Fox just after this episode, finished 64th.[17]

The authors of the book *I Can't Believe It's a Bigger and Better Updated Unofficial Simpsons Guide*, [Gary Russell](/source/Gary_Russell) and [Gareth Roberts](/source/Gareth_Roberts_(writer)),[18] wrote, "Jay Sherman perhaps proves here, even more so than in *The Critic*, just why that show failed. He's too flawed to be likeable." They added, "Barney's film is magnificent, but it's easy to see why Homer wants Hans Moleman to be the winner."[3]

Adam Finley of [TV Squad](/source/TV_Squad) wrote, "the episode, even if I didn't care for it as a whole, does have moments that are still very Simpson-y, and still very funny. Jay's appearance, however, casts a shadow over everything that tends to leave a bad taste in my mouth."[19]

Todd Gilchrist of *[IGN](/source/IGN)* listed Barney's film as one of the best moments of the sixth season.[20]

In 2014, *[The A.V. Club](/source/The_A.V._Club)* named [Hans Moleman](/source/Hans_Moleman)'s line "I was saying 'Boo-urns'" and Mr. Burns' line "Then get me his [[Steven Spielberg](/source/Steven_Spielberg)'s] non-union, Mexican equivalent!" as two *Simpsons* quotes that can be used in everyday situations.[21] In 2020, English filmmaker [Rob Savage](/source/Rob_Savage) named his new production company BOO-URNS after the episode.

*IGN* ranked Jon Lovitz as the eighth best guest star in the show's history.[22]

### Controversy

[Matt Groening](/source/Matt_Groening) was critical of the episode when it first released. He felt that the crossover was a thirty-minute [advertisement](/source/Advertisement) and blamed [James L. Brooks](/source/James_L._Brooks), calling it an attempt to get attention for one of his unsuccessful shows. After he was unable to get the episode pulled, he decided to go public with his concerns shortly before the episode aired. He stated that his reasons for doing so were that he hoped Brooks would have a change of heart and pull the episode, and that "articles began to appear in several newspapers around the country saying that [Groening] created *The Critic*."[23] Groening had his name removed from the credits, so he does not receive his normal "created by" and "developed by" credits that air at the end of [the opening sequence](/source/The_Simpsons_opening_sequence).[23]

In response, Brooks said, "I am furious with Matt, he's been going to everybody who wears a suit at Fox and complaining about this. When he voiced his concerns about how to draw *The Critic* into the Simpsons' universe he was right and we agreed to his changes. Certainly he's allowed his opinion, but airing this publicly in the press is going too far. [...] He is a gifted, adorable, cuddly ingrate. But his behavior right now is rotten."[23]

Al Jean and Mike Reiss, creators of *The Critic*, had previously worked on *The Simpsons* and had executive produced the third and fourth seasons. Brooks said, "for years, Al and Mike were two guys who worked their hearts out on this show, staying up until 4 in the morning to get it right. The point is, Matt's name has been on Mike's and Al's scripts and he has taken plenty of credit for a lot of their great work. In fact, he is the direct beneficiary of their work. *The Critic* is their shot and he should be giving them his support." Reiss stated that he was a "little upset" by Groening's actions and that "this taints everything at the last minute. [...] This episode doesn't say 'Watch *The Critic*' all over it."[23] Jean added, "What bothers me about all of this, is that now people may get the impression that this *Simpsons* episode is less than good. It stands on its own even if *The Critic* never existed."[23]

James L. Brooks stated that Groening's public complaints were "going too far".

Groening was criticized for going public with his complaints. Ray Richmond of the *[Los Angeles Daily News](/source/Los_Angeles_Daily_News)* wrote, "Who's right? Well, Groening is probably correct in judging this an integrity issue. It's a fairly tacky bit of promotion, the kind generally beneath *The Simpsons*. But it's also true that little is accomplished by taking a gripe like this public. Quietly erasing his name from the credits would have been sufficient. [...] I admire the man's [decision to stand] up for his creative rights. But I question the way he's gone about it."[24]

Additionally, Groening was also absent from the episode's commentary for *The Complete Sixth Season* DVD boxset.[25]

### Legacy

*The Critic* was ultimately short-lived, broadcasting ten episodes on Fox before its cancellation. A total of 23 episodes were produced, and it returned briefly in 2000 with a series of ten [webisodes](/source/Webisode). The series has since developed a [cult following](/source/Cult_following) as a result of reruns on [Comedy Central](/source/Comedy_Central) and its complete series release on DVD.[5][9]

Jay Sherman appeared and spoke briefly in two subsequent episodes of *The Simpsons*, "[Hurricane Neddy](/source/Hurricane_Neddy)" and "[The Ziff Who Came to Dinner](/source/The_Ziff_Who_Came_to_Dinner)".[26]

Idiomatic use of the phrase "say the quiet part loud" gained wide currency in the 2010s, chiefly in political discourse, to mean revealing an opinion usually expected to be kept from the public. It is derived from [Krusty](/source/Krusty_the_Clown)'s line, "I said the quiet part loud and the loud part quiet", after unwittingly admitting to being bribed by Mr. Burns into choosing *A Burns for All Seasons* as the winning film.[27] Additionally, television critics [Alan Sepinwall](/source/Alan_Sepinwall) and [Matt Zoller Seitz](/source/Matt_Zoller_Seitz) have often quoted Homer's line, "Barney's movie had heart, but *Football in the Groin* had a football in the groin."[28][29][30][31]

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTERichmond_&_Coffman1997156_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTERichmond_&_Coffman1997156_1-1) [Richmond & Coffman 1997](#CITEREFRichmond_&_Coffman1997), p. 156.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-officialsite_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-officialsite_2-1) ["A Star is Burns"](https://web.archive.org/web/20081113201117/http://www.thesimpsons.com/episode_guide/0618.htm). TheSimpsons.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.thesimpsons.com/episode_guide/0618.htm) on November 13, 2008. Retrieved November 24, 2008.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-bbc_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-bbc_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-bbc_3-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-bbc_3-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-bbc_3-4) [Martyn, Warren](/source/Gary_Russell); [Wood, Adrian](/source/Gareth_Roberts_(writer)) (2000). ["A Star is Burns"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/simpsons/episodeguide/season6/page18.shtml). BBC. Retrieved November 23, 2008.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Svetkey, Benjamin (February 11, 1994). ["Jon Lovitz gives voice to a new cartoon in 'The Critic'"](http://www.ew.com/article/1994/02/11/jon-lovitz-gives-voice-new-cartoon-critic). *[Entertainment Weekly](/source/Entertainment_Weekly)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220118200855/https://ew.com/article/1994/02/11/jon-lovitz-gives-voice-new-cartoon-critic/) from the original on January 18, 2022. Retrieved January 16, 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Slant_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Slant_5-1) Uhlich, Keith (February 3, 2004). ["The Critic: The Complete Series"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090114021108/http://www.slantmagazine.com/dvd/dvd_review.asp?ID=296). [Slant Magazine](/source/Slant_Magazine). Archived from [the original](http://www.slantmagazine.com/dvd/dvd_review.asp?ID=296) on January 14, 2009. Retrieved November 24, 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Boedecker, Hal (January 26, 1994). "The Critic is worthy follow-up to The Simpsons Animated series gets two thumbs-up". *[The Gazette](/source/The_Gazette_(Montreal))*. [Montreal](/source/Montreal).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Carter, Bill (January 13, 1994). ["Reporter's Notebook; Top Hollywood Agency Reaches for the Stars Of Television News"](https://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/13/arts/reporter-s-notebook-top-hollywood-agency-reaches-for-stars-television.html). *[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220116211836/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/13/arts/reporter-s-notebook-top-hollywood-agency-reaches-for-stars-television.html) from the original on January 16, 2022. Retrieved January 16, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-returns_8-0)** "ABC-TV returns The Critic tonight". *[Toronto Star](/source/Toronto_Star)*. June 1, 1994.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTETurner2004387_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTETurner2004387_9-1) [Turner 2004](#CITEREFTurner2004), p. 387.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Shister, Gail (May 2, 1994). "The Critic finds new life, love on Fox". *Toronto Star*.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Jean_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Jean_11-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Jean_11-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Jean_11-3) Jean, Al (2005). Commentary for "A Star Is Burns", in *The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season* [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Keeler_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Keeler_12-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Keeler_12-2) Keeler, Ken (2005). Commentary for "A Star Is Burns", in *The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season* [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Reiss_13-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Reiss_13-1) Reiss, Mike (2005). Commentary for "A Star Is Burns", in *The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season* [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Castellaneta_14-0)** Castellaneta, Dan (2005). Commentary for "A Star Is Burns", in *The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season* [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Chernoff, Scott (July 24, 2007). ["I Bent My Wookiee! Celebrating the Star Wars/Simpsons Connection"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080408133006/http://www.starwars.com/community/news/media/f20070724/indexp3.html). No Homers Club. Archived from [the original](https://www.nohomers.net/content/info/articles/11.shtml) on April 8, 2008. Retrieved January 16, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Archived copy"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060619021324/http://www.snpp.com/episodes/2F31). Archived from [the original](http://www.snpp.com/episodes/2F31) on June 19, 2006. Retrieved August 7, 2006.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_archived_copy_as_title))

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ratings_17-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ratings_17-1) "Nielsen Ratings". *[The Tampa Tribune](/source/The_Tampa_Tribune)*. March 9, 1995.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** Preddle, Jon (June 1997). ["Gary Russell: From Peladon to Placebos"](http://doctorwho.org.nz/archive/tsv51/garyrussell.html). *Time Space Visualiser*. No. 51. The New Zealand Doctor Who Fan Club. Retrieved August 20, 2020. I've just done my first non-fiction book, Oh No It's A Completely Unofficial Simpsons Guide for Virgin, co-authored with Gareth Roberts which has, to be frank, been more of a nightmare than it needed to be [the book was published as I Can't Believe It's An Unofficial Simpsons Guide, with Gary and Gareth writing under the pseudonyms Warren Martyn & Adrian Wood].

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** Finley, Adam (August 25, 2006). ["The Simpsons: A Star is Burns"](http://www.aoltv.com/2006/08/25/the-simpsons-a-star-is-burns/). HuffPost TV. Retrieved January 16, 2022.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Gilchrist, Todd (August 15, 2005). ["The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season"](https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/08/15/the-simpsons-the-complete-sixth-season). [IGN](/source/IGN). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220116211626/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/08/15/the-simpsons-the-complete-sixth-season) from the original on January 16, 2022. Retrieved January 16, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** Bahn, Christopher; Donna Bowman; Josh Modell; Noel Murray; Nathan Rabin; Tasha Robinson; Kyle Ryan; Scott Tobias (April 26, 2006). ["Beyond "D'oh!": Simpsons Quotes For Everyday Use"](https://www.avclub.com/beyond-d-oh-18-simpsons-quotes-for-everyday-use-1798210070). *[The A.V. Club](/source/The_A.V._Club)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140617011132/http://www.avclub.com/article/beyond-doh-simpsons-quotes-for-everyday-use-1543) from the original on June 17, 2014. Retrieved January 16, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** Goldman, Eric; Iverson, Dan; Zoromski, Brian. ["Top 25 Simpsons Guest Appearances"](https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/01/04/top-25-simpsons-guest-appearances). IGN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20081223162036/http://uk.tv.ign.com/articles/730/730566p1.html) from the original on December 23, 2008. Retrieved January 16, 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-LATimes_23-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-LATimes_23-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-LATimes_23-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-LATimes_23-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-LATimes_23-4) Brennan, Judy (March 3, 1995). ["Matt Groening's Reaction to The Critic's First Appearance on The Simpsons"](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-03-03-ca-38281-story.html). *[Los Angeles Times](/source/Los_Angeles_Times)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230307002859/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-03-03-ca-38281-story.html) from the original on March 7, 2023. Retrieved March 7, 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** Richmond, Ray (March 4, 1995). "Groening's point well-taken, but probably best made privately". *[Los Angeles Daily News](/source/Los_Angeles_Daily_News)*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** *The Simpsons season 6 DVD boxset* (DVD). 20th Century Fox. 2005.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** Weinstein, Josh (2006). Commentary for "[Hurricane Neddy](/source/Hurricane_Neddy)", in *The Simpsons: The Complete Eighth Season* [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** [Liberman, Mark](/source/Mark_Liberman) (July 21, 2019). ["Saying the quiet part loud"](https://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=43732). *[Language Log](/source/Language_Log)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200511035749/https://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=43732) from the original on May 11, 2020. Retrieved July 27, 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** Sepinwall, Alan (October 8, 2008). ["'Barney's movie had heart, but Football in the Groin had a football in the groin'"](https://sepinwall.blogspot.com/2008/10/barneys-movie-had-heart-but-football-in.html). *What's Alan Watching*. [I]t's open question time: what one pop culture quote do you find yourself using most in everyday conversation? For me, it's the one in the subject line, from 'The Simpsons' episode ' Star Is Burns' [...]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** [Seitz, Matt Zoller \[@mattzollerseitz\]](/source/Matt_Zoller_Seitz) (May 14, 2016). ["Still-frame from the lost Toho classic GODZILLA HIT IN GROIN BY FOOTBALL"](https://twitter.com/mattzollerseitz/status/731264687732629505) ([Tweet](/source/Tweet_(social_media))). Retrieved June 24, 2024 – via [Twitter](/source/Twitter).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** Seitz, Matt Zoller (March 18, 2013). ["The Best Sitcom of the Past 30 Years, the Finals!: Cheers vs. The Simpsons"](https://www.vulture.com/2013/03/cheers-vs-the-simpsons-sitcom-smackdown-finals.html). *[Vulture](/source/Vulture_(website))*. Retrieved June 24, 2024. That line from season six's 'A Star Is Burns' film-festival episode suits this final face-off between *Cheers* and *The Simpsons*.... How to compare such wildly different TV comedies?

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** Seitz, Matt Zoller (September 6, 2016). ["Why *The Simpsons* Is the Best TV Show Ever"](https://www.vulture.com/2016/09/tv-the-book-simpsons-best-television-show.html). *[Vulture](/source/Vulture_(website))*. Retrieved June 24, 2024. If you want to explain why you prefer a clearly inferior option, just say, 'Barney's movie had heart, but *Football in the Groin* had a football in the groin.'

**Bibliography**

- [Groening, Matt](/source/Matt_Groening) (1997). [Richmond, Ray](/source/Ray_Richmond); Coffman, Antonia (eds.). [*The Simpsons: A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family*](/source/The_Simpsons_episode_guides#The_Simpsons:_A_Complete_Guide_to_Our_Favorite_Family). Created by Matt Groening; edited by Ray Richmond and Antonia Coffman. (1st ed.). New York: [HarperPerennial](/source/HarperPerennial). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-06-095252-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-06-095252-5). [LCCN](/source/LCCN_(identifier)) [98141857](https://lccn.loc.gov/98141857). [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [37796735](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/37796735). [OL](/source/OL_(identifier)) [433519M](https://openlibrary.org/books/OL433519M).

- [Turner, Chris](/source/Chris_Turner_(author)) (2004). [*Planet Simpson: How a Cartoon Masterpiece Documented an Era and Defined a Generation*](/source/Planet_Simpson). Foreword by [Douglas Coupland](/source/Douglas_Coupland). (1st ed.). Toronto: [Random House Canada](/source/Random_House_Canada). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-679-31318-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-679-31318-2). [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [55682258](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/55682258).

## External links

Wikiquote has quotations related to ***["A Star Is Burns"](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/The_Simpsons/Season_6#A_Star_is_Burns)***.

- [The Simpsons portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:The_Simpsons)

- ["A Star Is Burns episode capsule"](http://www.simpsonsarchive.com/episodes/2F31.html). *[The Simpsons Archive](/source/The_Simpsons_Archive)*.

- ["A Star Is Burns"](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0701045/) at [IMDb](/source/IMDb_(identifier))

v t e The Critic Episodes "Pilot" "I Can't Believe It's a Clip Show" Related articles Characters "A Star Is Burns"

v t e The Simpsons episodes Seasons 1–20 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Season 21–present 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 Season 6 "Bart of Darkness" "Lisa's Rival" "Another Simpsons Clip Show" "Itchy & Scratchy Land" "Sideshow Bob Roberts" "Treehouse of Horror V" "Bart's Girlfriend" "Lisa on Ice" "Homer Badman" "Grampa vs. Sexual Inadequacy" "Fear of Flying" "Homer the Great" "And Maggie Makes Three" "Bart's Comet" "Homie the Clown" "Bart vs. Australia" "Homer vs. Patty and Selma" "A Star Is Burns" "Lisa's Wedding" "Two Dozen and One Greyhounds" "The PTA Disbands" "'Round Springfield" "The Springfield Connection" "Lemon of Troy" "Who Shot Mr. Burns? (Part One)" See also Treehouse of Horror list The Simpsons episode guides "The Simpsons Guy" Category

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [A Star Is Burns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Star_Is_Burns) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Star_Is_Burns?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.