You probably already know that the long-running TV show “The Simpsons” started as a series of shorts on “The Tracy Ullman Show” — but did you know that a total of 48 shorts were created? From April of 1987 until May of 1989, Tracy Ullman’s variety show featured America’s favorite animated family, with the final short airing just seven months before “The Simpsons” made its prime-time debut on Fox.

Sadly, not many of the shorts have been officially released. Though collectors and die-hard fans of the show would be glad to get their hands on the complete series, only several have leaked out onto DVD and YouTube. Here are 12 shorts that give you a glimpse of the Simpson family’s humble beginnings.

“Good Night” (April 19, 1987 – The First-Ever “Simpsons” Short)

“Babysitting Maggie” (May 31, 1987)

“Bart’s Haircut” (November 15, 1987)

“World War III” (November 22, 1987)

“The Pagans” (February 14, 1988)

“Family Portrait” (March 6, 1988)

“Scary Movie” (February 12, 1989)

“Echo Canyon” (March 12, 1989)

“Bathtime” (March 19, 1989)

“Maggie In Peril (Chapter One)” (April 30, 1989)

“Maggie In Peril (The Thrilling Conclusion)” (May 7, 1989)

“TV Simpsons” (May 14, 1989 – The Final “Simpsons” Short)

Click here for 100 Funny Signs From Around Springfield on “The Simpsons”