On February 24, 1990, the first episode of the popular animated television series The Simpsons aired in the United States. This show, created by Matt Groening, quickly became a cultural phenomenon, known for its satirical take on American life and family dynamics. Additionally, on this date, the Soviet Union was undergoing significant political changes as it approached the end of the Cold War. The Baltic states were pushing for independence, and various reforms were being implemented under the leadership of Mikhail Gorbachev.