Template:Featured Episode

"Behind the Laughter" is the twenty-second episode of season 11. It originally aired on May 21, 2000. It was written by Tim Long, George Meyer, Mike Scully and Matt Selman. New guest stars Willie Nelson and Jim Forbes appeared, and archive footage of previous guest stars Gary Coleman and Stephen Hawking were used. Buzz Aldrin, Tom Kite and Butch Patrick were also credited as guest appearances as only their pictures were used.

In the style of VH1 show "Behind the Music", this documentary takes us back to the beginning of the show. We see Homer's shoddily directed 'pilot' episode, before Homer becomes addicted to prescription drugs, Marge makes bizarre business investments, and Bart goes to rehab. The show is put on hiatus after the family split up, and Lisa writes a book about her ordeal. A phony awards show manages to reunite the Simpsons.