Bill Oakley

Bill Oakley is an American television writer, producer, and food critic whose career includes contributions to influential comedy programming. Oakley is recognized for his work on the animated comedy series "The Simpsons." He attended Harvard University, where he served as vice president of the Harvard Lampoon, before entering the television industry. Alongside longtime writing partner Josh Weinstein, Oakley wrote a spec script for "Seinfeld" and subsequently contributed the episode "Marge Gets a Job" to "The Simpsons," leading to a permanent writing position on the show.

Oakley and Weinstein wrote episodes such as "$pringfield (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Legalized Gambling)," "Bart vs. Australia," and "Who Shot Mr. Burns?" They later served as executive producers and showrunners for the seventh and eighth seasons, earning three Primetime Emmy Awards. Oakley is also known for writing the "Steamed Hams" sketch, which became a widely recognized internet meme.

Following his tenure on "The Simpsons," Oakley and Weinstein created "Mission Hill" and worked as consulting producers on "Futurama." Oakley also served as co-executive producer and writer on "Portlandia," sharing a Writers Guild of America Award, and later reunited with Weinstein as co-executive producer on "Disenchantment." His additional credits include writing and producing for "Chicago Party Aunt" and "Close Enough" on HBO Max.

Oakley has developed a reputation as a food critic, focusing on regional American cuisine and fast food. His Instagram video reviews have attracted a global audience and attention from chefs, restaurateurs, and fast food brands. Oakley founded The Steamed Hams Society, a community dedicated to food discussion, and appears regularly on History Channel's "The Food That Built America." He has also appeared on Netflix's travel cuisine documentary "Somebody Feed Phil." In addition to his work in food media, Oakley continues to write and produce television comedy and hosts dinner events that highlight American regional foods.