10 best recurring characters on The Simpsons

The Simpsons isn't limited to Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie when it comes to their characters. In fact, Springfield has a whole set of 'colorful' residents that make the town one of America's top visitable places. Okay, maybe not, but they make Springfield fun and exciting and give it that extra flair.

Several recurring characters interact with the Simpson family on a daily frame, and all have formed a comedic impression of them. It's nearly replicating our lives, as we never know who we may bump into. The only difference is that on The Simpsons, the interactive formula is strictly used for the laughs

Alright then, let's take a look at ten of the best recurring characters on The Simpsons. With so many, it was difficult to choose but here they are.

10 of the best recurring The Simpsons characters

Krusty the Clown

Krusty the Clown is Bart's idol, but outside his afternoon TV show, Krusty's a regular guy. He drinks, he gambles, and is absorbed into his fame. There's also a more softer side to him. Krusty's a proud Jewish man and while he's not perfect, he does follow the faith and tries to abide by it.

Krusty is the caricature or impression of Chicago's Bozo the Clown, with his voice reflected on Bob Bell, who portrayed Bozo. Bell retired from the role in 1984 and passed away in 1997, but thanks to Dan Castellaneta, his legacy will live on through Krusty.

Moe Szyslak

Ah, Moe, the proprietor of Homer's chosen watering hole, Moe's Tavern. Known for his sardonic attitude and watchful eye over Barney Gumble, Moe is considered Springfield's most indispensable character. He's not much to look at, not much of a ladies' man, and has a criminal past, but he's an excellent friend to Homer and the other bar frequents.

Moe's best bits came from Bart's numerous prank calls, where hed reliate with an empty threat after announcing the "I'm looking for a [insert funny name here]" to his patrons.

Barney Gumble

Barney is Homer's childhood best friend, and doesn't step out of Moe's except for that rare occasion. While Duff Beer is his #1 love, Barney's a talented filmmaker, singer, and helicopter pilot (when he's sober). In "Mr. Plow," it's shown that Barney has Harvard U. goals in a flashback. If it hadn't been for Homer introducing Duff to him, who knows what Barney would have become.

Edna Krabappel

Best known as Mrs. K, Edna Krabappel was everyone's favorite teacher and Bart Simpson's " nemesis." Despite her quest to find a husband (she succeeded with Flanders), Edna truly cared about children and their education. She taught with heart and never gave up on Bart, even though she antagonized him for his poor grades.

When Marcia Wallace-the voice actress of Edna-passed away in 2013, the beloved character retired. It was a sad day for The Simpson and the fans because everyone learned something from her.

Waylon Smithers

Smithers is iconic, as he's one of the first LGBTQ characters on Primetime Network TV. Even though it was under wraps for many seasons, you knew it was obvious. Aside from that, he's a faithful assistant to his boss, Mr. Burns, watching over the elder so he lives (and causes) uneasiness for another day.

Smithers' hobbies include collecting Malibu Stacy dolls, enjoys being a dog dad (remember Hercules, his tiny Yorkshire Terrier?), and vying for Burns' love, although their friendship will never extend to romantic.

Ned Flanders

Everyone needs a Ned Flanders in their life as he tends to look out for everyone, even if they don't want it. Homer and his annoying next-door neighbor, who happens to be Flanders, are really best friends, accepting one another even to the point where they save each other.

In the spring-Christmas episode, "Manger Things," Homer delivers Todd Flanders when Maude is stuck at home and goes into labor. Flanders was out delivering turkeys to people experiencing homelessness, so naturally, he wasn't there to assist his wife.

But under the Christian practicer and mustache, Flanders has his breaking points. He had an anger breakdown, unleashing himself in front of the townsfolk after they rebuilt his home following a hurricane. Flanders also has beef with Homer despite their friendship. But who doesn't have beef with him?

Interestingly, enough, Flanders is the Devil in the "Treehouse of Horror" franchise, as the Devil can take on many manifestations.

Lionel Hutz (and Troy McClure)

Lionel Hutz is Springfield's crooked lawyer, always looking for that quick cash grab. He's a shyster, conniver, will commit fraud to win a case, but, oh, Hutz was a great character who only added the hilarity.

"Can you imagine a world without lawyers?" he once asked. Classic.

Troy McClure, a washed-up Hollywood actor, was another memorable character. You might remember him from his opening line of "you might remember me from [insert random movie]." McClure was prideful and conceited, but like McClure, he was essential to the episodes.

Both characters retired when Phil Hartman passed away in 1998.

Prof. John Frink

Professor John Frink is a Jerry Lewis-inspired character and is Springfield's leading scientist. He numerously cracked with nonsense words, including Glavin and Flavin, which only added to his nerdy leanings and charm.

Seymour Skinner

Skinner is one of Bart's prank-pulling targets and more or less, Skinner just lets him slide, rather than disciplining him. Skinner is also a mama's boy, who accepts Agnes' judgement and cynicism. Despite his flaws, he's a great principal to a point, as he wants the kids to succeed (especially Lisa and Martin Prince), but does major financial cutbacks due to the school's poor budget.

Which gets you thinking, "Where does the Springfield taxes go if not to the school?"

Comic Book Guy

Comic Book Guy should have a The Simpsons, spinoff series as he possesses a direct view of Springfield and its residents. He's also arguing with kids several years his junior, as he owns the comic book store and believes that his opinions are far more superior than anyone else.

While he does love all things pop culture, Comic Book Guy also loves his wife, Kumiko, who also shares the same pop cult passions as her husband.

Bonus: Üter Zörker

I love Üter, the German exchange student from Dusseldorf with a sweet tooth for chocolate. He reflects the stereotypical German kid, complete with a heavy accent, lederhosen, and blonde hair. Now, I don't know if you've noticed, but The Simpsons have been poking fun at Germans, and Üter is the soild proof.

As being of German heritage, I find the spoofing lighthearted, as we tend to laugh at ourselves occasionally. It's one of those feel-good moments in life.