"The Simpsons" has won 24 Emmys over its two-decade and counting run on Fox, spawned a hit movie, and sold billions of dollars in ancillary merchandise.  And today, this Sunday night staple became the latest TV classic to be honored by the United States Postal Service with a series of stamps. The five main characters of the cartoon series -- dad Homer, mother Marge, bad boy Bart, sassy Lisa, and silent Maggie -- are featured on a set of 44 cent stamps (the new domestic postal rate) that go on sale May 7.

"The Simpsons" stands alone as the only TV show to be the sole subject of a stamp set while still in production. Said show creator and executive producer Matt Groening, "This is the biggest and most adhesive honor 'The Simpsons' has ever received." And as per exec James L. Brooks, "We are emotionally moved by the Post Office Department's selecting us rather than making the lazy choice of someone who has benefited society." The USPS is promoting this new issue with a contest to pick the favorite of the five stamps designed by Matt Groening.

Among the two dozen Emmy Awards won by "The Simpsons" are 10 for top animated program under one hour, 12 for voice-over (albeit none for perpetually-snubbed Harry Shearer) and two for top song. At the height of the show's popularity, the producers opted out of the animated Emmy race and tried their luck at nabbing a nod for comedy series. However, unlike that modern stone age family "The Flintstones" which contended for best comedy series in 1961, "The Simpsons" could not break into the big leagues. After two failed attempts, the show went back to reign supreme among animated programs.

"The Simpsons" has piled up numerous other accolades over the years including the prestigious Peabody in 1997. Among its other kudos are 26 Annie Awards, including 12 in a row as best animated series. Since the WGA introduced an animated series category in 2003, "The Simpsons" has dominated earning 28 nominations and winning the award every year since 2004. Not surprisingly, the ratings hit has done well in popular vote contests winning at both the Kids and Teen Choice awards as well as with the People's Choice.

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Photo: USPS

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