For Australian Millennials, there have been few television programs more popular or influential than The Simpsons – the animated sitcom chronicling the antics of one yellow-skinned, three-fingered American family. Premiering on Network Ten in February 1991, The Simpsons became a staple of the network's broadcasting schedule. For many younger fans, their only experience of watching episodes from the series’ classic era (Seasons 1–10) would have been through repeat airings.

With early episodes venerable cultural objects among fans, materials such as this original promo, produced by the Ten Network to advertise a new episode, assume historical significance far beyond their original intent. The promo for the 'Bart vs Australia' episode draws on recognisable iconography and pop culture references for the local audience, from Homer and Bart trying to climb into a kangaroo's pouch to a Lindy Chamberlain joke and Lisa playing the didgeridoo. Curiously, the voice-over makes limited reference to Australia, instead imploring viewers to steer clear of potential distractions – perhaps to avoid spoiling all the gags.

Initial reactions to the episode were mixed. It was the second-highest-rated program that week, with 2,044,000 viewers, beaten only by Channel Nine's 60 Minutes (2,355,000 viewers). But the critical reaction was decidedly negative, with multiple reviewers complaining about its outrageous stereotypes, inaccuracies and the cast's inability to imitate Aussie accents. In the decades since, the episode has been embraced by The Simpsons’ Australian fans and become the subject of countless online memes. It even inspired the creation of a petition to rename our currency 'dollarydoos', which received 70,000 signatures.