Homer Jay Simpson is a fictional character and the main protagonist of the American animated sitcom The Simpsons. Part of the titular family, Homer made his television debut in the short "Good Night" on The Tracey Ullman Show on April 19, 1987. Cartoonist Matt Groening crafted and designed Homer while waiting in the lobby of James L. Brooks's office. The Simpson family received their own series, which premiered on Fox on December 17, 1989.

Homer is the patriarch of the family; he is married to Marge, with whom he has three children, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. Homer works as a safety inspector at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant. He represents numerous American stereotypes: he is overweight, balding, immature, unintelligent, outspoken, aggressive, lazy, ignorant, unprofessional, and deeply fond of beer, junk food, and television. Despite these flaws, Homer is fundamentally a kind-hearted man and fiercely protective of his family, particularly during crucial moments.