Sunday night marked a television milestone -- The Simpsons began its 14th season, tying Ozzie and Harriet as the longest-running sitcom of all time.

The show began on the fledgling FOX Network in December 1989. Since then, the program has spawned countless books, toys, articles of clothing and catch phrases.

Most Penn State students were the same age as Bart and Lisa Simpson and still playing with their G.I. Joes and Barbie dolls when the sitcom premiered. Though these toys have now been replaced with textbooks and homework, the show continues.

But the question is, after 14 years, do students still enjoy it?

Jamie Beck (senior-advertising/public relations) said she thinks the show is better than ever.

"I think it has more intelligent and political humor," Beck said. "I like that humor better than some of the stupider stuff they used to do."

Jose Diaz (junior-advertising/public relations) also said the show has improved with age.

"The old ones concentrated on Bart more and weren't as funny," he said. "But the new ones concentrate more on Homer, and he just gets dumber and dumber every season."

Diaz also said he finds the show funnier now because, as he gets older, he understands more of the jokes. He also said recent shows contain more cultural references than older ones.

Megan Clark (junior-psychology) also said the show has gotten better, and particularly likes that Marge is more prominent and deals with real problems instead of just being the typical mother and housewife.

One of the reasons the show has been so popular is because it appeals to people of all ages and all social groups, said Christopher Shar, lecturer of mass communications.

"Really cultured people like it, but if you don't get those jokes, it's still funny," Shar said.

He also said people enjoy watching the dysfunctional family instead of the traditional. Everyone can relate to one character or another, he said.

Over the years, The Simpsons has reached many milestones.

In 1997, the show broke The Flintstones' record for longest-running primetime animated TV show. The show also holds the record for most guest stars on a TV show, with a list that includes three of the Beatles, Aerosmith, U2 and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Next week, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Elvis Costello, Tom Petty, Brian Setzer, Robbie Williams and Lenny Kravitz will add their names to that ever-growing list of guest stars.

In addition, talk of a 15th season and possible movie deals loom in the distance as the show patiently waits to break the longevity record it currently shares with Ozzie and Harriet.