I skip most introductions of TV shows. 

But never The Simpsons.

It’s mastered the perfect balance of novelty and familiarity; same songs, same characters, but slight tweaks in style or short storylines make a huge difference. It keeps me intrigued; what will happen this time? It’s a tension that’s too light to feel close to stress, like a drama would, but strong enough to keep me watching.

It’s a great hook that prepares you for the rest of the show.

In a world where common writing advice is to get to the point as soon as possible, The Simpsons provides a happy counterpoint; create tension, make something matter to the viewer, and bring them a brief delight before you dive into the real stuff. (And in the process, you’ll connect with the people who want to read more of your words, whether they’re wordy intros or fleeting thoughts. Your true fans.)