Editing American Dad! (section)

==Production==

===Origins and comparison with ''Family Guy'' and ''All in the Family''===
[[Seth MacFarlane]] was inspired by the 2000 [[2000 United States presidential election|election]] for the show, noting: "me and co-creator Matt Weitzman were so frustrated with the [[Presidency of George W. Bush|Bush administration]] that we would just spend days bitching and complaining, and we figured we should channel this into something creative and hopefully profitable."<ref name="doorly1">{{Cite web |last=Sean Doorly |title=Seth MacFarlane Interview |url=http://www.doorly.com/writing/seth-macfarlane.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524025552/http://www.doorly.com/writing/seth-macfarlane.htm |archive-date=May 24, 2013 |access-date=May 13, 2013 |publisher=Doorly.com}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated8">{{Cite web |date=September 13, 2013 |title=Seth MacFarlane's TV History |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/09/13/seth-macfarlanes-tv-history?page=2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927083819/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/09/13/seth-macfarlanes-tv-history?page=2 |archive-date=September 27, 2013 |access-date=September 25, 2013 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> In early February 2005, Barker stated, "About a year and a half ago, Seth called and asked if Matt and I would be interested in working on a show about a right-wing CIA agent and his liberal daughter. It was right up our alley, and everything just fell into place."<ref name="autogenerated3a">{{Cite web |last=AWN |date=February 4, 2005 |title='American Dad' Touchdown |url=https://www.awn.com/animationworld/american-dad-touchdown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929163154/http://www.awn.com/articles/people/iamerican-dadi-touchdown/page/3%2C1 |archive-date=September 29, 2013 |access-date=December 9, 2021 |website=Animation World Network}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated8" /><ref name="autogenerated3b" /> On September 14, 2003, ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' reported that Fox Broadcasting had ordered a pilot presentation of the then tentatively titled ''American Dad!'' and "If greenlit, ''American Dad!'' could launch as early as fall 2004." At the time, Fox was aiming to develop a new lineup of adult animated sitcoms.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dore |first=Shalini |date=September 14, 2003 |title=Fox hankering for a homer with 'Dad' |url=https://variety.com/2003/scene/news/fox-hankering-for-a-homer-with-dad-1117892445/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928233332/http://variety.com/2003/scene/news/fox-hankering-for-a-homer-with-dad-1117892445/ |archive-date=September 28, 2013 |access-date=June 8, 2013 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>
[[File:Mike Barker by Gage Skidmore 2.jpg|160px|left|thumb|[[Mike Barker (producer)|Mike Barker]]: co-creator and co-showrunner from seasons 1 through 10]]
''American Dad!'' had a [[Mid-season replacement|mid-season]] debut. Its first episode, titled "[[Pilot (American Dad!)|Pilot]]", was originally shown directly following [[Super Bowl XXXIX]] on February 6, 2005. The rest of the [[American Dad! (season 1)|first season]], however, would not launch until May 1, 2005, as part of the debut of Fox's Animation Domination lineup.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite web |title=''American Dad'': Series Overview |url=http://tv.msn.com/tv/series/american-dad/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214121130/http://tv.msn.com/tv/series/American-Dad |archive-date=December 14, 2007 |access-date=December 22, 2007 |website=MSN |publisher=Microsoft}}</ref><ref name="avclub4" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Goodman |first=Tim |date=February 4, 2005 |title=Fox isn't sly. 'American Dad' is a wannabe. |url=https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Fox-isn-t-sly-American-Dad-is-a-wannabe-2733584.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105060926/http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Fox-isn-t-sly-American-Dad-is-a-wannabe-2733584.php |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |access-date=December 22, 2007 |work=San Francisco Chronicle}}</ref> Initially, it was a replacement for the originally failed series ''[[Family Guy]]'' (1999–2002). ''American Dad!'' was originally intended to be [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]]'s answer to the hordes of fans left behind from the original failure of MacFarlane's previous [[animation|animated]] venture.<ref name="autogenerated2006">{{Cite web |date=April 24, 2006 |title=Interview: The Creators of American Dad |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/04/24/interview-the-creators-of-american-dad |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927083811/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/04/24/interview-the-creators-of-american-dad |archive-date=September 27, 2013 |access-date=May 4, 2013 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> Just three short months after ''American Dad!''{{'}}s debut however, ''Family Guy'' was revived, leaving ''American Dad!'' with a formidable expectation: whether the series could distinguish itself from its counterpart and succeed on its own merits.<ref name="autogenerated2006" /> Instead of taking over [[creative director|creative direction]] of the series, MacFarlane left the job largely in the hands of Barker and Weitzman so as to distinguish ''American Dad!''<ref name="doorly1" />

In its early going, ''American Dad!'' brought in strong ratings but fought an uphill battle in gaining widespread acceptance and approval from viewers and critics alike.<ref name="autogenerated8" /> The popularity of MacFarlane and his involvement with ''Family Guy'' had led to foregone conclusions and [[prejudice]]s against ''American Dad!'' as a [[ripoff#Overview|rip-off]] of the predecessor<ref name="autogenerated8" /> and some critics had already written off ''American Dad!'' prior to its birth as nothing more than a pale imitation of ''Family Guy'' and MacFarlane's attempts to get his old show back on the air.<ref name="avclub4" /> One example, prior to the ''American Dad!'' series debut, a writer of ''[[The Washington Post]]'' published a piece that reads "But those same executives have also given MacFarlane a whole new animated half-hour to play with in the disappointing ''American Dad!'' The new series officially premieres in May but has a sneak preview tomorrow night in the coveted post-Super Bowl time period&nbsp;... The look and pace of ''American Dad!'' is the same as ''Family Guy''."<ref name="washingtonpost2">{{Cite news |last=Maynard |first=John |date=February 5, 2005 |title='American Dad': Dysfunctional Comedy |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2005/02/05/american-dad-dysfunctional-comedy/726ccf53-aac7-4092-9909-198a41a44f2c/ |access-date=December 9, 2021 |work=washingtonpost.com}}</ref> [[File:Matt Weitzman by Gage Skidmore 2.jpg|160px|right|thumb|Co-creator and sole showrunner [[Matt Weitzman]]]]

In actuality, however, the program's beginnings take cues from the TV series ''[[All in the Family]],'' almost a farcical animated version of the [[live action]] sitcom.<ref name="autogenerated4" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mushy |date=April 24, 2006 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Mike Barker and Matt Weitzman Talk American Dad |url=http://www.movieweb.com/news/exclusive-mike-barker-and-matt-weitzman-talk-american-dad |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930171531/http://www.movieweb.com/news/exclusive-mike-barker-and-matt-weitzman-talk-american-dad |archive-date=September 30, 2013 |access-date=May 4, 2013 |publisher=MovieWeb.com}}</ref> Both shows make use of political satire, [[bigotry]], ludicrous expressions of conservatism from their paternal main character (Stan likened to [[Archie Bunker]]), and equally ludicrous expressions of liberalism from their daughter character (Hayley likened to [[Gloria Stivic]]). Moreover, the daughter in both series each have a liberal hippie boyfriend turned husband (Jeff likened to [[Michael Stivic]]) to whom the daughter's conservative father is antagonistic. Also in both, the daughter lives in her parents' home with her boyfriend turned husband as a housemate. ''American Dad!'' in its original form was even said to have been inspired by ''All in the Family''.<ref name="autogenerated4" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rose |first=Lacey |date=October 3, 2012 |title=Showrunners 2012: 'American Dad's' Seth MacFarlane & Matt Weitzman, 'Family Guy's' Mark Hentemann & Steve Callaghan, 'Cleveland Show's' Rich Appel |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/showrunners-2012-seth-macfarlane-family-guy%3Damerican-dad-cleveland-show-375974 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130428165101/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/showrunners-2012-seth-macfarlane-family-guy%3Damerican-dad-cleveland-show-375974 |archive-date=April 28, 2013 |access-date=May 4, 2013 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref>

===Development of ''American Dad!''{{'}}s individuality===
In ''American Dad!''{{'}}s initial seasons MacFarlane was described as focusing more attention on his coexisting obligation of ''Family Guy.'' This was to the extent that ''American Dad!'' was completely secondary to him, and he did not understand the show. Because he was not getting the show at the time, he was described as "just going along for the ride". Likewise, the rest of the show's creators Mike Barker and Matt Weitzman were also trying to figure out the show and where it was going.<ref name="avclub4" /><ref name="autogenerated8" /> [[File:Seth MacFarlane at Fox Fall Eco-Casino Party - 8 September 2008 crop.jpg|150px|left|thumb|Co-creator [[Seth MacFarlane]]]]

After ''American Dad!''{{'}}s initial couple of seasons and as it progressed, the show began to increasingly develop its very own distinct approach and identity, becoming more and more distinguished from all other programs on the air. Standing out from its counterparts increasingly with each passing season, the series has been described as eventually becoming the weirdest show in network [[prime time]]. It has been characterized as serving up distinguishing blasts of surrealism.<ref name="avclub4" /> As the series progressed, MacFarlane realized that Mike Barker and Matt Weitzman were on to something uniquely appealing; moreover, he realized they were on to something that sharply contrasted from ''Family Guy'', which audiences appreciated.<ref name="avclub4" /><ref name="autogenerated8" />

After the show's first several seasons, MacFarlane not only came to fully understand and appreciate ''American Dad!''{{'}}s value but also came to consider himself a huge fan of the series. Taking note of his [[Twitter]] followers' increased [[fanaticism]] and excitement over ''American Dad!'' and the "Roger" character, MacFarlane began putting considerable amounts of his time and efforts into the series, more so in the last several seasons than ever before (this observation made in fall 2012).<ref name="avclub4" /> In describing ''American Dad!'' comedy styles, Barker noted that it is not as reference-laden as ''Family Guy'' or ''[[South Park]]''. He added that ''American Dad!''{{'}}s humor more frequently derives from "the human condition and emotions that everyone can relate to: ego, the feds, etc. And for that reason, I think our humor is a little more [[evergreen#Metaphorical use|evergreen]]."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mushy |date=April 24, 2006 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Mike Barker and Matt Weitzman Talk American Dad |url=http://www.movieweb.com/news/exclusive-mike-barker-and-matt-weitzman-talk-american-dad/lists |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930171528/http://www.movieweb.com/news/exclusive-mike-barker-and-matt-weitzman-talk-american-dad/lists |archive-date=September 30, 2013 |access-date=May 4, 2013 |website=MovieWeb |publisher=MovieWeb.com}}</ref>

===Developing plot lines and scripts===
On developing scripts for ''American Dad!'' episodes, co-creator [[Mike Barker (producer)|Mike Barker]] revealed that he and the rest of the show's staff never know when and from where plot line ideas will emerge. "Just as an example," Barker explained, "[[American Dad! (season 2)|All About Steve]]" is an episode where Stan wants his son to be more of a jock and more like he was when he was his age. That whole episode came about from one of our writers [[David Hemingson|Dave Hemingson]] coming into our office, telling us he just visited the dentist and he may need to get braces. And the idea of a grown man with braces appealed to us, and we just decided what if we put Stan in braces, and he understands for the first time what it's like to feel like a geek."<ref name="movieweb1">{{Cite web |last=Mushy |date=April 24, 2006 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Mike Barker and Matt Weitzman Talk American Dad |url=http://www.movieweb.com/news/exclusive-mike-barker-and-matt-weitzman-talk-american-dad |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930171531/http://www.movieweb.com/news/exclusive-mike-barker-and-matt-weitzman-talk-american-dad |archive-date=September 30, 2013 |access-date=May 2, 2013 |publisher=MovieWeb.com}}</ref>

During the [[American Dad! (season 9)|2012–13 season]], Barker revealed that much of his [[wikt: inspiration|inspiration]] for ''American Dad!'' plots came through listening to music. Barker's revelation to use music as a muse for his ''American Dad!'' writing came from attending the 2008 [[Bonnaroo Music Festival|Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival]]. During that event, he watched the [[rock band]] [[My Morning Jacket]] perform a four-hour set in the rain and realized from the experience that he could generate ideas for ''American Dad!'' by tapping into music: "From that point on, I realized that music should be playing a bigger role in my writing", Barker told the ''[[The Courier-Journal|Louisville Courier-Journal]]''. "Writing is hard for me, and when you hear music that inspires good ideas, you're really grateful."<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 6, 2013 |title=150th Episode of 'American Dad' Inspired by Indie Rockers Wax Fang &#124; The New Now (NEW) – Yahoo! Music |url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/the-new-now/150th-episode-american-dad-inspired-indie-rockers-wax-163730696.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518004915/http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/the-new-now/150th-episode-american-dad-inspired-indie-rockers-wax-163730696.html |archive-date=May 18, 2013 |access-date=May 23, 2013 |publisher=Music.yahoo.com}}</ref> The beginning of the show's theme song, "Good Morning USA", uses the introduction to "[[Stars and Stripes Forever]]".

In particular, Barker has credited music from [[Wax Fang]] for his inspiration in writing certain ''American Dad!'' plots. Said Barker, "There's just something so inherently [[filmmaking|cinematic]] about Wax Fang's music. [Scott] Carney's voice is stunningly clear and dramatic. And his lyrics are specific enough to build stories around while staying flexible enough for different [[interpretation (philosophy)|interpretations]]." Barker added that through listening to the Wax Fang track ''Majestic'', he was able to come up with major plot elements for the episode "[[Lost in Space (American Dad!)|Lost in Space]]" (this episode features the Wax Fang songs ''Majestic'' and ''At Sea'').<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 1, 2013 |title=Exclusive: Rockers Wax Fang inspire 'American Dad' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/popcandy/2013/05/01/american-dad-wax-fang/2126243/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518004917/http://www.usatoday.com/story/popcandy/2013/05/01/american-dad-wax-fang/2126243/ |archive-date=May 18, 2013 |access-date=May 21, 2013 |work=USA Today}}</ref>

Barker has stated that once he and the rest of the show's staff get the idea for the [[plot (narrative)|plot line]], they spend a couple of weeks in a room with all the [[screenwriter]]s. There, they break the story and make sure that each act of the two [[act structure|act breaks]] are strong. As another procedure, Barker stated that they make a point of twisting the story in such a way so as to make audiences come back for more after the commercial break.<ref name="movieweb1" />

"The final process," Barker explained, "is sending a screenwriter out to write the script. The screenwriter gets two weeks to write the script. The script then comes back." Barker explained that they then all edit and rewrite it, "hopefully keeping as much of the first draft as we can and punching the jokes and making sure all the motivations are there, and then we take it to the table and read it."<ref name="movieweb1" />

In February 2005, Barker stated that as creative directors, all decisions made about the plot line and direction of the series go through himself and Weitzman. He explained that the show had reflected their point of view since the beginning. Barker has also credited the program's other staff beyond himself, Weitzman, and MacFarlane, remarking "We couldn't have made it all happen without them." At the time, it was noted that the series had a staff of 17 writers, which was described as "a big undertaking".<ref name="autogenerated4">{{Cite web |last=AWN |date=February 4, 2005 |title=American Dad Touchdown &#124; AWN &#124; Animation World Network |url=http://www.awn.com/articles/people/iamerican-dadi-touchdown/page/2%2C1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020095901/http://www.awn.com/articles/people/iamerican-dadi-touchdown/page/2%2C1 |archive-date=October 20, 2013 |access-date=June 8, 2013 |publisher=AWN}}</ref>

When Barker was asked what his favorite part was of the ''American Dad!'' pre-production process, he answered, "I like the story breaking process, personally—coming up with the stories. To me, that's the most gratifying."<ref name="movieweb1" />

Barker and Matt Weitzman have stated that they are accustomed to feeling scruples with adding certain material into the plots, but always follow this up by going ahead with incorporating the material anyway. They added that their goal is to create laughs combined with groans and going over the line.<ref name="youtube1">{{Cite web |title='American Dad' Producers Talk Season Premiere |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AHzYxnmAA8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921064903/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AHzYxnmAA8 |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |access-date=May 25, 2013 |publisher=YouTube}}</ref>

===Animated scenes===
MacFarlane played a lead role in the animated character designs for ''American Dad!''.<ref name="autogenerated4" />

In describing the characters' appearances, Weitzman remarked "It's all very bright, very easy on the eyes."<ref name="autogenerated3a" /><ref name="autogenerated3b" />

In explaining the animated side of the job, Barker stated, "Fifty or so animators from the Fox animation group are involved. A lot is done in-house: poses, models, props, all storyboards and timing."<ref name="autogenerated4" />

Also as reported in February 2005, animation for ''American Dad!'' is colored and detailed overseas. [[Yearim|Yearim Productions Co., Ltd.]] of Korea are said to handle that end of the pre-production process.<ref name="autogenerated4" />

===Editing, completion, and deadlines===
Barker has explained that because ''American Dad!'' creators are working in [[animation]] as opposed to [[live action]], they have the ability to redraw and rewrite up until the show is aired.

However, Barker has also stated, "It's really hard to accept anything less than perfect when you start to get wrapped up in this process of being able to constantly make changes. Eventually you have to kind of bring down the hammer at the color stage and live with what you've got."

Barker has explained that, ultimately, the creation process of an ''American Dad!'' episode is completed upon the producers' say-so, not anyone else's.<ref name="movieweb1" />

When ''American Dad!'' co-creator Matt Weitzman was asked what his favorite part was of the show's pre-production process, he answered, "I probably enjoy the [[film editing|editing]] process a lot. I think I like the fine tuning of things and making things happen just so. Making the episode just kind of pop in its own subtle ways."<ref name="movieweb1" />

''American Dad!'' creators have revealed to working significantly in advance of newly broadcast episodes. As many as 20 to 42 unaired episodes are typically ready for finishing touches. Barker explained that a key to this system is making sure that the writing is timeless, as opposed to topical and contemporary. He added that if any material within the script deals with contemporary issues, the creators have to hope that they're also contemporary issues two years down the line. When asked whether or not this method has ever brought on difficulties, Barker answered in the affirmative and explained:

::[[Harriet Miers]] was, like, the [[White House Press Secretary]], I think, and we had a joke about her. (Miers was a former [[White House Counsel]], who was briefly nominated for the [[Supreme Court of the United States|Supreme Court]] by President [[George W. Bush]].) And I remember watching on air and having to [[Google]] who our own joke was, because it had been so long since the joke was pitched. But in terms of stories, we're less likely to be burned by a current-event issue no longer being current.<ref name="avclub4" />

In discussing the creation of ''American Dad!'' and animated sitcoms in general, MacFarlane has stated:

::It's an enormous amount of work. What goes into putting together an animated show, it's just staggering&nbsp;... I always knew there was a lot of work that went into making an animated show. Doing a traditional [[sitcom]], process-wise it feels like a breeze compared to doing an animated show. You can get it all done in a couple of months as opposed to a year. Doing an animated show, it's like putting together a little [[film|movie]] every week. Everything is [[storyboard]]ed with the intricacy of a [[feature film]] action sequence. You have to edit with a [[sheet music|musical score]] in mind. And of course, we use an [[orchestra]] for each episode. So it's really like putting together a little feature each week and I was just shocked at how much—not to underplay all the work that goes into live-action sitcoms—but my God, it's definitely a much more difficult medium to me.<ref name="doorly1" />

Conversely, Barker has stated:

::Working on animated shows like ''American Dad!'' is such a breath of fresh air. You don't have to worry about sets and such that you have to worry about for live-action. Animation can give you more freedom.<ref name="autogenerated4" />

===Setting===
The Smith family and their housemates reside on Cherry Street in the fictional [[suburb]] of Langley Falls, Virginia, which is based on the real life towns of Langley and Great falls.<ref name="yahoo1">{{Cite web |date=June 25, 2007 |title=American Dad Gets Another 22 Episodes – Yahoo! Voices |url=http://voices.yahoo.com/american-dad-gets-another-22-episodes-412027.html?cat=2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927214938/http://voices.yahoo.com/american-dad-gets-another-22-episodes-412027.html?cat=2 |archive-date=September 27, 2013 |access-date=March 28, 2013 |publisher=voices.yahoo.com}}</ref> in a large two-story residence with a basement and an attic. In addition, the Smith house is apparently enhanced with numerous secret rooms, facilities, and large [[habitat]]s, these unorthodox attachments usually only seen once apiece (i.e., the episodes "[[American Dad! (season 3)|Of Ice and Men]]", "Bush Comes to Dinner", "[[American Dad (season 9)|The Missing Kink]]", "[[American Dad! (season 9)|The Full Cognitive Redaction of Avery Bullock by the Coward Stan Smith]]", etc.).<ref>{{Cite web |title=American Dad Scripts |url=http://www.americandadscripts.com/S02E07_Of-Ice-and-Men.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216042405/http://www.americandadscripts.com/S02E07_Of-Ice-and-Men.php |archive-date=February 16, 2013 |access-date=March 28, 2013 |publisher=American Dad Scripts}}</ref> [[Greg Corbin|Greg and Terry]] are a [[Same-sex relationship|gay couple]] that live across the street from the Smiths. Within the neighborhood, they are portrayed as running a neater and tidier home than the Smiths. Greg and Terry are also the [[local news]] [[news presenter|anchor]] for W-ANG-TV. Also in the area is the high school attended by Steve, [[Barry Robinson (American Dad!)|Pearl Bailey High School]].<ref name="google1">{{Cite book |last=Terrace |first=Vincent |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YX_daEhlnbsC&q=American+Dad!+series&pg=PT220 |title=Encyclopedia of Television Shows, 1925 Through 2010 – Vincent Terrace – Google Books |publisher=McFarland |year=2011 |isbn=9780786486410 |access-date=May 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117171005/https://books.google.com/books?id=YX_daEhlnbsC&q=American+Dad%21+series&pg=PT220 |archive-date=January 17, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Voice cast===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="margin: 0 auto; text-align:center;"
|+ Cast members of ''American Dad!''
|-
| [[File:Seth MacFarlane 2012 cropped and retouched.jpg|110x110px]]
| [[File:Wendy Schaal by Gage Skidmore 3.jpg|110x110px]]
| [[File:Scott Grimes by Gage Skidmore 2.jpg|110x110px]]
| [[File:Rachael MacFarlane by Gage Skidmore 2.jpg|110x110px]]
| [[File:Dee Bradley Baker by Gage Skidmore 2.jpg|110x110px]]
|
|- 
!scope="row"| [[Seth MacFarlane]]
!scope="row"| [[Wendy Schaal]]
!scope="row"| [[Scott Grimes]]
!scope="row"| [[Rachael MacFarlane]]
!scope="row"| [[Dee Bradley Baker]]
!scope="row"| [[Jeff Fischer (actor)|Jeff Fischer]]
|-
| [[Stan Smith (American Dad!)|Stan Smith]], [[Roger (American Dad!)|Roger Smith]]
| [[Francine Smith]]
| [[Steve Smith (American Dad!)|Steve Smith]]
| [[Hayley Smith (American Dad!)|Hayley Smith]]
| [[Klaus Heisler]], [[List of American Dad! characters#Rogu Smith|Rogu]]
| [[List of American Dad! characters#Jeff Fischer|Jeff Fischer]]
|}

The [[voice acting|voice actors]] are not assembled as a group when performing the lines of their characters; rather, each of the voice actors perform their lines privately. The voice actors have stated that because of their personalities and tendency to goof off when together as a group, they would never get anything completed if they performed their lines collectively.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 5, 2012 |title=American Dad! – Seth on Paul Lynde and Sir Patrick Stewart |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RycYlI3-7DU |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522213214/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RycYlI3-7DU |archive-date=May 22, 2015 |access-date=May 29, 2013 |publisher=YouTube}}</ref>