DAILY DIRT: Marge and Homer lead our Great Eight of cartoon couples

Daily Dirt for Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025

Homer, Peter and Hank deserve kudos, but Sterling Archer is THE MAN … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 1,207 of The Daily Dirt.

1. You know ’em, you love ’em.

They’re our favorite animated couples, the husbands and wives (or at least boyfriends and girlfriends) who over the years have become as big a part of our viewing habits as the nightly news and NFL football.

They may be “just” cartoons, but life would not be complete without the likes of Homer, Peter, Hank, Sterling, Fred and Barney.

Here’s who we at The Daily Dirt like to call our Great Eight of Cartoon Couples:

1. Marge and Homer Simpson (“The Simpsons”): Marge and Homer’s heartwarming relationship has been airing regularly on Fox since January 1990, and it’s is a testament to the power of love and blue hair. They’re not only one of television’s most iconic cartoon couples, they’re one of TV’s most iconic couples period. And let’s never forget that Homer and Marge’s relationship gave us Bart.

2. Peter and Lois Griffin (“Family Guy”): It’s often difficult for Lois to maintain her sanity when Peter is on one of his rants. I can tell, after watching this for years and years, Peter and I have the same kind of snack interests.

3. Peggy and Hank Hill (“King of the Hill”): Hank could talk all day any day about either football or propane and Peggy loves him. Kind of the way The Little Woman feels about me.

4. Sterling Archer and Lana Kane (“Archer”): I think the reason I absolutely love this series is because of Sterling’s complete self-obsession. I know Archer and I would bond in real life in a matter of seconds. 

5. (tie) Fred and Wilma, Barney and Betty (“The Flintstones”): The Stone Age couples were next-door neighbors and best friends. “The Flintstones” was the most financially successful and longest-running network animated television series for three decades — until “The Simpsons” came along. Personally, I think Homer would be a great addition to “The Flintstones'” lineup if a remake is ever considered.

6. Popeye and Olive Oyl: I was a huge Popeye fan growing up and always wanted him to officially tie the knot with Olive, who for decades has watched her true love eat all of that spinach to build up his muscles in order to defend her from the passes of Brutus.

7. George and Jane Jetson (“The Jetsons”):Their dynamic always combined humor, love, and a vision of the future. And of course, there was always their boy, Elroy.

8. Mickey and Minnie Mouse: Nowadays, this couple is really old school and many of the younger animated fans might not even realize the impact of Mickey and Minnie on this genre. But their ageless love will forever earn them space on a list of this nature.

2. Did you know (Part 280)

• That Wendy’s is reportedly making some major changes to its lineup of Frosties, which may begin to appear as soon later this week, although there is no specific timeline for the releases of such items as the Thin Mint Frosty, Salted Caramel Frosty, Strawberry Frosty, Pumpkin Frosty, Orange Dreamsicle Frosty and a number of other new offerings.  
• That you call 10 rabbits marching backward a receding hareline.
• That if someone’s nose was 12 inches long it would have to be considered a foot.
• That songs turning 30 years old this year include “Any Man Of Mine” by Shania Twain, “Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” by Deep Blue Something and “Who Will Save Your Soul” by Jewel. 
• That McDonald’s officials are hinting we will see the return of chicken tenders at some point this year.

3. Songs not to play on the way to a funeral:

• “Another One Bites the Dust,” by Queen.
• “Highway to Hell,” by AC/DC.
• “Cold As Ice,” by Foreigner.
• “Stayin’ Alive,” by the Bee Gees.
• “(I Just) Died In Your Arms,” by Cutting Crew.
• “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” by Wham!
• “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” by Simple Minds.
• “Heaven Is A Place On Earth,” by Belinda Carlisle.
• “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” by Blue Oyster Cult.
• “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye,” by Steam.

Steve Thought O’ The Day — Did you ever consider the reason it’s called a “club” sandwich is because it’s:

• Chicken
• Lettuce 
• Under
• Bacon

You’re welcome.

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. I’m going to make sure “Purple Rain” is played on a loop at his visitation.