[Capricorn2481]

I'm not against the spirit of what you're saying, but are you aware the show itself made a meta episode about how comical it was that Homer could live in a house like that? That was never meant to be a reflection of current living conditions. That show is not the best example of what you're describing.

https://youtu.be/axHoy0hnQy8?t=29

[pixl97]

With that said, that episode is from the 8th season in a time where things were already becoming more unaffordable. The time between the episodes explains why this episode exists.

[Capricorn2481]

Homes became more affordable from 1989-1996. So I don't think they were retroactively saying "this isn't affordable anymore."

To be clear, I agree that houses are way less affordable now, which was the point of this thread. I just don't think fictional TV is a good reference point for that. They famously exaggerate the spaces people live in so they can film better angles or block different scenes. See "Friends"

[nindalf]

This is so perfect. I just love that they can make fun of themselves and that you can remember such a reference from decades ago.