Guest El Satanico Report post Posted January 13, 2004 Talks are under way with both Fox - which canceled the series two years ago - and the Cartoon Network - which airs it in reruns now - for new episodes of the show, Seth MacFarlane, creator of "Family Guy," told The Post. No matter what, MacFarlane says, production will begin soon - even if he doesn't know exactly where they'll end up. "We're sort of waiting on an official word, but to the best of my knowledge, the plan is to start producing a batch of new episodes without necessarily knowing where they're going to wind up," he says. "It's sort of a new format that really hasn't been tried before, and it's based on the DVD sales." DVD sales of the canceled show have been huge - and in no small part is fueling talk of reviving the series. "It's insane. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that it would have this kind of afterlife," MacFarlane says. "It's just a shock to everybody who worked on the show." When "Family Guy" aired on Fox from 1999-2002, many attributed its low ratings to not having a secure place on the network's schedule. The show was kicked around so much, one of its writers once complained that even his own mother didn't know when it was on. But industry execs took notice last year when the show's DVD collection surprised even MacFarlane by selling more than a million copies, a huge feat by any standard, but especially for a show that drew so little attention while it was on the air. In the meantime, Cartoon Network's "Adult Swim" late-night programming block began airing repeats last year - which attracted large numbers of young men. In time, more young guys were tuning into the cable channel to see "Family Guy" at 11:30 p.m. than for either "The Late Show" or "The Tonight Show." Men between the ages of 18 and 34 years old are a prized group for advertisers. " 'The Family Guy' is appealing to a young male audience in a season when nothing seems to be appealing to young men," said an industry source close to the talks. A deal could even be announced as early as this week, according to sources. But others believe that might be overly optimistic because insiders have been claiming a deal for the prime-time return of "Family Guy" has been imminent since last November. Several different plans to bring the show back are under discussion. In one scenario, new episodes of "The Family Guy" would air on Fox, then Cartoon Network. Other options include shipping the show exclusively either to Fox, Cartoon Network or elsewhere. In all instances, the ultimate destination for the episodes would be on DVD. But if the show does return, it will likely put off a planned "Family Guy" movie, says MacFarlane. "To do an original movie directly for DVD and the series at the same time would be a little difficult," he says. "But there's been some discussion of doing a series of episodes that would all link together to form a movie." While canceled shows have been picked up by rival networks in the past ("JAG" jumped from NBC to CBS in 1997, for instance), no one can recall a show that has been canceled and off the air ever returning to the same network. source- New York Post Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest OctoberBlood Report post Posted January 13, 2004 Simply wet dream worthy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Baron 0 Report post Posted January 13, 2004 *jizzes 3 times* Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarvinisaLunatic 0 Report post Posted January 13, 2004 I sorta hope that Cartoon Network gets it. Fox would end up screwing it up again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dubq 0 Report post Posted January 13, 2004 I gotta vote for Fox on this one, as I don't get the Cartoon Network.. or the Canadian version called Teletoon, either. =\ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest El Satanico Report post Posted January 13, 2004 Fox won't screw it over again. They care about the 18-34 age group way too much to sabotage a show that has proven to be appealing to them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest FrigidSoul Report post Posted January 13, 2004 Fuck Fox, they don't deserve it after shoving all the reality series bullshit at us. Go Cartoon Network. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest El Satanico Report post Posted January 13, 2004 The show will never move past cult status with Cartoon Network. That's why I'd rather see them go to Fox. I want them to have the ability to expand thier audience, not just remain a cult show. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Steviekick 0 Report post Posted January 13, 2004 I don't care what channel it winds up on, as long as I get it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mole 0 Report post Posted January 13, 2004 What he said. I can't even watch The Simpsons and laugh as much because of Family Guy. In my opinion, it is that much better. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Steviekick 0 Report post Posted January 13, 2004 What he said. I can't even watch The Simpsons and laugh as much because of Family Guy. In my opinion, it is that much better. Thanks. I think that the quality level of Family Guy started out much higher than the Simpsons did. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest El Satanico Report post Posted January 13, 2004 Oh hell I don't give a shit what channel picks it up either, but I'd slightly prefer Fox. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lil' Bitch 0 Report post Posted January 13, 2004 Awesome news, I can't wait! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Ghost of bps21 0 Report post Posted January 13, 2004 There isn't any news on a new Firelfly series in that bag for me...is there? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
starvenger 0 Report post Posted January 13, 2004 With those sales, it's likely that they could just make an OAV and make a profit. If they were to get back on Fox, that would mean more short term profit but - assuming that Fox does it's usual mishandling of a series - likely wouldn't be on the air for more than a season and a half. On Cartoon Network, there's probably less money per ep, but it's likely to survive longer and make more money over the long haul. My opinion is that it's an ADD television world, so it's better to take the Fox money and run, especially if you can continue the strong DVD sales. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest wrestlingbs Report post Posted January 13, 2004 The show will never move past cult status with Cartoon Network. That's why I'd rather see them go to Fox. I want them to have the ability to expand thier audience, not just remain a cult show. Yes, then they can be on for years, and then become a watered-down, predictable shell of their former selves. I can see where you are going with this, but Family Guy is just too weird/offensive of a show for the majority of the t.v. audience. It's a great show, though, and Cartoon Network would make it fit right in. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lando Griffin 0 Report post Posted January 13, 2004 But I don't get Cartoon Network, so it can't be exclusively there. My happiness is most important. Me me me me! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EricMM 0 Report post Posted January 13, 2004 Honestly I'd say CN would probably allow Family guy more leeway in terms of content, merely because Fox will automatically stick FG back on at 8 pm, or 9. Cartoon Network is currently/already the home of Family Guy. Similarly it already has a cartoon block where FG doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. People tune in to watch Futurama AND Family Guy, I'd tend to think. I don't see the same people watching FG and then uh that show by ron howard about the dad in jail? You know the one... Adult Swim is just the best "thing" on TV right now, and I jealously don't want FG to put it's new episodes on Fox. Fox killed FG, CN saved it (along w/ the DVD) and they'd go to Fox? I wouldn't... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Ghettoman Report post Posted January 13, 2004 18-34!? Spike TV here we come.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Goodear Report post Posted January 13, 2004 Arrested Development and Family Guy are a lot more alike than you might think. The thing that really sticks out in the Sunday line up is Bernie Mac since it tries to have 'heart' a lot more than Simpsons, Malcome, or AD. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Steviekick 0 Report post Posted January 13, 2004 If they only would make new Futurama episodes to go along with it... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mole 0 Report post Posted January 13, 2004 The critics love Bernie and HATED Family Guy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest El Satanico Report post Posted January 13, 2004 Cartoon Network may put it on at 8 or 9 as well. If they're paying for new episodes, they may decide it's in their best interest to put it on in prime time. If Cartoon Network does get it, they need to spend some money on advertising. The biggest problem with CN, is that unless you're a regular viewer you'd have no clue when a show is on. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
