1 The Show Is The Most Successful Spin-off Of All-Time. The Simpsons originally got its start as short skits in 1987 on The Tracy Ullman Show. When the program was cancelled due to poor ratings, The Simpsons was given a shot on their own. Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20