Editing Seth MacFarlane (section)

===Television career===
====Hanna-Barbera years====
MacFarlane was recruited during the senior film festival by development executive Ellen Cockrill and President [[Fred Seibert]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archives.frederatorblogs.com/nicktoons/2006/06/09/seth-macfarlane/ |title=The Nicktoons Network Animation Festival-Seth MacFarlane |publisher=Frederator Studios |date=June 9, 2006 |access-date=September 3, 2013 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084144/http://archives.frederatorblogs.com/nicktoons/2006/06/09/seth-macfarlane/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He went to work at Hanna-Barbera (then Hanna-Barbera Cartoons) based on the writing content of ''The Life of Larry'', rather than on his drawing abilities. He was one of only a few people hired by the company solely based on writing talent.<ref name="ignint" /> He worked as an animator and writer for Cartoon Network's ''[[Cartoon Cartoons]]'' series.<ref name="ignint" /> He created a sequel to ''The Life of Larry'' entitled ''Larry & Steve'', featuring a middle-aged character named Larry and an intellectual dog, Steve. The short was broadcast as one of [[Cartoon Network]]'s ''[[What-A-Cartoon!|World Premiere Toons]]''. He described the atmosphere at Hanna-Barbera as resembling an "old-fashioned Hollywood structure, where you move from one show to another or you jump from a writing job on one show to a storyboard job on another". MacFarlane worked on three television series during his tenure at the studio: ''[[Dexter's Laboratory]]'', ''[[Cow and Chicken]]'', and ''[[Johnny Bravo]]''.<ref name="stlouis" /><ref>{{cite news |title=My TV hero: Daniel Roche on Seth MacFarlane |author=Hickman, Leo |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2011/aug/29/my-tv-hero-seth-macfarlane |newspaper=The Guardian |date=August 29, 2011 |access-date=September 20, 2011 |location=London |archive-date=March 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309234043/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2011/aug/29/my-tv-hero-seth-macfarlane |url-status=live }}</ref> Working as both a writer and [[storyboard artist]], MacFarlane spent the most time on ''Johnny Bravo''. He found it easier to develop his own style at ''Johnny Bravo'' through the show's process of scriptwriting, which ''Dexter's Laboratory'' and ''Cow and Chicken'' did not use.<ref name="ignint" /> As a part of the ''Johnny Bravo'' crew, he met actors and voiceover artists such as [[Adam West]] and [[Jack Sheldon]] of ''[[Schoolhouse Rock!]]'' fame. These meetings later became significant to the production and success of his ''Family Guy'' series.

He also did freelance work for [[Walt Disney Television Animation]], writing for ''[[Jungle Cubs]]'', and for [[Nelvana]], where he wrote for ''[[Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (TV series)|Ace Ventura: Pet Detective]]''. Through strict observation of writing elements such as story progression, character stakes and plot points, MacFarlane found the work for Disney was, from a writing standpoint, very valuable in preparation for his career (particularly on ''Ace Ventura'').<ref name="ignint" /> He also created and wrote a short titled ''Zoomates'' for [[Frederator Studios]]' ''[[Oh Yeah! Cartoons]]'' on [[Nickelodeon (TV network)|Nickelodeon]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://frederatorblogs.com/channel_frederator/2006/02/25/rumor-confirmed/ |title=Rumor Confirmed |date=February 25, 2006 |access-date=May 31, 2008 |archive-date=February 20, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220190156/http://frederatorblogs.com/channel_frederator/2006/02/25/rumor-confirmed/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Executives at the [[Fox Broadcasting Company]] saw both ''Larry'' shorts and negotiations soon began for a prime-time animated series.<ref name="Bartlett">{{cite web|url = http://greatreporter.com/mambo/content/view/1383/11/|title = Seth MacFarlane – he's the "Family Guy"|access-date = December 31, 2007|last = Bartlett|first = James|date = March 12, 2007|website = greatreporter.com|publisher = Presswire Limited|archive-date = August 7, 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120807160047/http://greatreporter.com/content/seth-macfarlane-he-s-family-guy|url-status = live}}</ref>

====''Family Guy''====
{{Main|Family Guy}}
Although MacFarlane enjoyed working at Hanna-Barbera, he felt his real calling was for prime-time animation, which would allow a much edgier style of humor.<ref name="ignint" /> He first pitched ''Family Guy'' to Fox during his tenure at Hanna-Barbera. A development executive there, who was trying to get back into prime-time business, introduced MacFarlane to Leslie Kolins and Mike Darnell, heads of the alternative comedy department at Fox. After the success of ''[[King of the Hill]]'' in 1997, MacFarlane called Kolins once more to ask about a possible second pitch for the series. Fox offered the young writer a strange deal: They gave him a budget of $50,000 ({{Inflation|US|50000|1997|r=-3|fmt=eq}}) to produce a pilot that could lead to a series (most episodes of animated prime-time productions cost at least $1 million).<ref name="ignint" /><ref name="megadeal">{{cite news |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |title=Family Guy creator seals megadeal |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-macfarlane/family-guy-creator-seals-megadeal-idUSN0435504220080505 |newspaper=Reuters |access-date=September 11, 2018 |date=May 5, 2008 |archive-date=April 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424043321/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-macfarlane/family-guy-creator-seals-megadeal-idUSN0435504220080505 |url-status=live }}</ref> Recalling the experience in an interview with ''[[The New York Times]]'', MacFarlane said: "I spent about six months with no sleep and no life, just drawing like crazy in my kitchen and doing this pilot."<ref name="Weinraub">{{cite news |last1=Weinraub |first1=Bernard |title=The Young Guy Of 'Family Guy'; A 30-Year-Old's Cartoon Hit Makes An Unexpected Comeback |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/07/arts/young-guy-family-guy-30-year-old-s-cartoon-hit-makes-unexpected-comeback.html?sec=&spon=&pagewanted=2 |website=The New York Times |access-date=September 11, 2018 |language=en |date=July 7, 2004 |archive-date=September 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907071609/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/07/arts/young-guy-family-guy-30-year-old-s-cartoon-hit-makes-unexpected-comeback.html?sec=&spon=&pagewanted=2 |url-status=live }}</ref>

After six months, MacFarlane returned to Fox with a "very, very simply, crudely animated film—with just enough to get the tone of the show across" to present to the executives, who loved the pilot and immediately ordered the series.<ref name="ignint" /> In July 1998, they announced the purchase of ''Family Guy'' for a January 1999 debut.<ref>{{cite news|first=Mink|last=Eric|title= Fox Fine-'Toons Its Midseason Lineup|date=July 24, 1998|url =http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/entertainment/1998/07/24/1998-07-24_fox_fine-_toons_its_midseaso.html|archive-url =https://archive.today/20120906034211/http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/entertainment/1998/07/24/1998-07-24_fox_fine-_toons_its_midseaso.html|url-status=dead|archive-date =September 6, 2012|work =[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]] |access-date = May 27, 2011}}</ref> ''Family Guy'' was originally intended to be a series of shorts on ''[[MADtv]]'', much in the same way ''[[The Simpsons]]'' had begun on ''[[The Tracey Ullman Show]]'' a decade earlier. Negotiations for the show's ''MADtv'' connection fell through early on as a result of budgetary concerns.<ref name="ignint" /> At age 24, MacFarlane was television's youngest executive producer.<ref name="usatoday" />

''Family Guy'' first aired January 31, 1999.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allbusiness.com/media-telecommunications/information-services/5639961-1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717064830/http://www.allbusiness.com/media-telecommunications/information-services/5639961-1.html|archive-date=July 17, 2009 |title=''Family Guy'' Returns to Production with an Initial Order of 22 New Episodes to Premiere in Early 2005 |date=March 26, 2004 |access-date=May 31, 2008 |website=Business Wire}}</ref> MacFarlane's work in animating ''Family Guy'' was influenced by [[Jackie Gleason]] and Hanna-Barbera along with examples from ''The Simpsons'' and ''[[All in the Family]]''.<ref name="personal">{{cite news|first=Thomas |last=McLean |title=Seth MacFarlane: ''Family Guy'', ''American Dad!'' |date=June 1, 2007 |publisher=Reed Business |url=https://www.variety.com/awardcentral_article/VR1117966166.html?nav=eproducer07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120034228/http://www.variety.com/awardcentral_article/VR1117966166.html?nav=eproducer07 |archive-date=January 20, 2012 |work=Variety |access-date=January 5, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In addition to writing three episodes, "[[Death Has a Shadow]]", "[[Family Guy Viewer Mail 1]]", and "[[North by North Quahog]]", MacFarlane voices ''Family Guy''{{'}}s main male characters of [[Peter Griffin]], [[Stewie Griffin]], [[Brian Griffin]], and [[Glenn Quagmire]], as well as Tom Tucker, his son Jake Tucker, and other characters. Bolstered by high DVD sales and fan loyalty, ''Family Guy'' developed into a $1-billion franchise.<ref name="megadeal" /> On May 4, 2008, after approximately {{frac|2|1|2}} years of negotiations, MacFarlane reached a $100-million agreement with Fox to keep ''Family Guy'' and ''American Dad!'' until 2012. It made him the world's highest paid television writer.<ref>[http://www.buddytv.com/articles/family-guy/family-guy-creator-signs-lucra-19173.aspx ''Family Guy'' Creator Signs Lucrative Deal with Fox.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115154922/http://www.buddytv.com/articles/family-guy/family-guy-creator-signs-lucra-19173.aspx |date=January 15, 2016 }} BuddyTV. May 7, 2008. Retrieved May 14, 2008.</ref>

MacFarlane's success with ''Family Guy'' opened doors to other ventures relating to the show. On April 26, 2005, he and composer [[Walter Murphy]] created ''[[Family Guy: Live in Vegas]]''. The soundtrack features a Broadway show tune theme, and MacFarlane voiced Stewie in the track "Stewie's Sexy Party".<ref name="Vegas">{{cite web |last1=D. |first1=Spence |title=Family Guy Live in Vegas |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/04/28/family-guy-live-in-vegas |website=IGN |access-date=September 7, 2018 |date=April 28, 2005 |archive-date=September 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907071405/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/04/28/family-guy-live-in-vegas |url-status=live }}</ref> A fan of Broadway musicals,<ref name="Bartlett" /> MacFarlane comments on using musicals as a component of ''Family Guy'':

{{blockquote|I love the lush orchestration and old-fashioned melody writing ... it just gets you excited, that kind of music", he said. "It's very optimistic. And it's fun. The one thing that's missing for me from popular music today is fun. Guys like [Bing] Crosby, or [[Frank Sinatra|[Frank] Sinatra]], or [[Dean Martin]], or [[Mel Tormé]] [...] these are guys who sounded like they were having a great time.<ref name="norton" />}}

A [[Family Guy Video Game!|''Family Guy'' video game]] was released in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|first=David|last=Adams|title=Family Guy creator seals megadeal|date=May 3, 2005|website=IGN|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/585/585012p1.html|access-date=May 31, 2008|archive-date=July 4, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704215232/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/585/585012p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Two years later, in August 2007, MacFarlane closed a digital content production deal with AdSense.<ref>[http://www.ypulse.com/ypulse-essentials-urban-disney-marketings-child-teen-hackers/ "Ypulse Essentials: Urban Disney, Marketing's Child, Teen Hackers"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203140624/http://www.ypulse.com/ypulse-essentials-urban-disney-marketings-child-teen-hackers/ |date=December 3, 2008 }}. YPulse. August 20, 2007. Retrieved May 31, 2008.</ref> He takes cast members on the road to voice characters in front of live audiences. ''Family Guy Live'' provides fans with the opportunity to hear future scripts. In mid-2007, Chicago fans had the opportunity to hear the then upcoming sixth-season premiere "[[Blue Harvest]]". Shows have played in [[Montreal]], New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles.<ref>Schneider, Michael (August 13, 2007). [https://variety.com/2007/digital/features/family-guy-hits-the-road-1117970158/ "''Family Guy'' hits the road: MacFarlane and Co. to perform in Chicago"]. ''Variety''. Retrieved May 31, 2008. [https://variety.com/2007/digital/features/family-guy-hits-the-road-1117970158/]</ref>

[[File:Sethmacfarlane-crop-to-head.jpg|thumb|upright|MacFarlane at a [[Rhode Island School of Design]] reception on June 1, 2007]]
On July 22, 2007, in an interview with ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', MacFarlane announced that he might start work on a feature film, although "nothing's official".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/televisionNews/idUSN2230656720070724 |title="Family Guy" movie possible, MacFarlane says |work=Reuters |first=Georg |last=Szalai |date=July 23, 2007 |access-date=August 31, 2009 |archive-date=November 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101103700/http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/07/24/television-familyguy-dc-idUSN2230656720070724 |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2007, [[Ricky Blitt]] gave [[TV.com]] an interview confirming that he had already started working on the script.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tv.com/family-guy-blog/family-guy-feature-film-is-in-the-works!/topic/76955-855406/show_blog_entry.html?topic_id=855406&msg_id=8875173&print=1 |title=Family Guy feature film is in the works! |website=[[TV.com]] |date=September 26, 2007 |access-date=August 23, 2009 |archive-date=July 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722094039/http://www.tv.com/family-guy-blog/family-guy-feature-film-is-in-the-works!/topic/76955-855406/show_blog_entry.html?topic_id=855406&msg_id=8875173&print=1 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Then in ''[[TV Week]]'' on July 18, 2008, MacFarlane confirmed plans to produce a theatrically released ''Family Guy'' feature film sometime "within the next year".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/07/tca_video_family_guy_spoilers.php |title=TCA Video: ''Family Guy'' Spoilers; Movie Plans |website=[[TV Week]] |access-date=August 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102111341/http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/07/tca_video_family_guy_spoilers.php |archive-date=November 2, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He came up with an idea for the story, "something that you could not do on the show, which [to him] is the only reason to do a movie". He later went on to say he imagines the film to be "an old-style musical with dialogue" similar to ''[[The Sound of Music (film)|The Sound of Music]]'', saying that he would "really be trying to capture, musically, that feel".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/130/family-values.html?page=0%2C0 |title=Seth MacFarlane's $2 Billion Family Guy Empire |last=Dean |first=Josh |work=FastCompany.com |access-date=October 21, 2008 |archive-date=October 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081025200003/http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/130/family-values.html?page=0%2C0 |url-status=live }}</ref> On October 13, 2011, MacFarlane confirmed that a deal for a ''Family Guy'' film had been made, and that he would write it with series co-producer Ricky Blitt.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-15286557 |title=Family Guy writer Seth MacFarlane wants show to end |work=BBC News |date=October 13, 2011 |access-date=October 26, 2011 |archive-date=October 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111022051429/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-15286557 |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 30, 2012, he confirmed plans for the project.<ref>{{cite web |last=Baldwin |first=Kristen |url=https://ew.com/article/2012/11/30/seth-macfarlane-oscar-family-guy-movie/ |title=Seth MacFarlane reveals 'Family Guy' movie plans |publisher=Entertainment Weekly |date=November 30, 2012 |access-date=March 3, 2020 |archive-date=February 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225230342/http://insidemovies.ew.com/2012/11/30/seth-macfarlane-oscar-family-guy-movie/2/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The project was put on hold while MacFarlane worked on ''[[Ted 2]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2014/07/comic-con-family-guy-feature-film-on-hold-season-13-guest-stars-stories-revealed-810353/|title=Comic-Con: 'Family Guy' Feature Film On Hold; Season 13 Guest Stars & Stories Revealed – Deadline|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|website=Deadline|date=July 26, 2014|access-date=March 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331131623/http://deadline.com/2014/07/comic-con-family-guy-feature-film-on-hold-season-13-guest-stars-stories-revealed-810353/|archive-date=March 31, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, Fox announced that a live-action/animated film based on the series is in development.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://screenrant.com/family-guy-movie-development-animation-live-action/|title = Family Guy Movie in Development, Mixes Animation with Live-Action|website = [[Screen Rant]]|date = August 10, 2018|access-date = August 11, 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180811110314/https://screenrant.com/family-guy-movie-development-animation-live-action/|archive-date = August 11, 2018|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2475908/yes-seth-macfarlane-is-still-planning-a-family-guy-movie|title=Yes, Seth MacFarlane Is Still Planning A Family Guy Movie|first=Nick|last=Evans|work=Cinemablend|date=July 1, 2019|access-date=July 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723053429/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2475908/yes-seth-macfarlane-is-still-planning-a-family-guy-movie|archive-date=July 23, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> MacFarlane stepped away from the series in 2011 to work on ''[[Ted (film)|Ted]]'' and other projects, and has only been associated with the show as a voice actor since then.<ref>{{Citation |title=Seth MacFarlane Answers the Web's Most Searched Questions {{!}} WIRED |date=May 24, 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVl4hq9DyHs |language=en |access-date=August 9, 2022 |archive-date=August 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809013432/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVl4hq9DyHs |url-status=live }}</ref>

Despite its popularity, ''Family Guy'' has often been [[criticism of Family Guy|criticized]].<ref>[https://townhall.com/columnists/brentbozellandtimgraham/2009/04/10/foxs-comedic-genius-n770852 Fox's "Comedic Genius"]{{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090609064319/http://townhall.com/columnists/BrentBozell/2009/04/10/foxs_comedic_genius |date=June 9, 2009 }} by [[L. Brent Bozell III|Brent Bozell]]. TownHall. April 10, 2009. Retrieved August 2, 2009.</ref> The [[Parents Television Council]] has been a frequent critic. It organized a letter-writing campaign to remove it from Fox's lineup,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20010702021728/http://www.parentstv.org/publications/cyberbites/ecyb20000505.html Parents Council E-Alert]. Vol. 4, No. 26. May 5, 2000. "In the two months since the show returned, creator Seth MacFarlane has aggressively sought to push the content envelope. Worse, Fox has permitted him to do so. Although Family Guy airs during the family hour, when children are likely to be watching, recent episodes have included animated nudity, vulgar references to genitalia, and references to pornography and masturbation." (Cited episode "[[Fifteen Minutes of Shame]]" as example)</ref> and filed complaints with the [[Federal Communications Commission]] alleging that some of its episodes contained indecent content.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/189799-PTC_Outraged_Over_Family_Guy_Episode.php |title=PTC Outraged Over 'Family Guy' Episode |last=Eggerton | first=John |date=November 12, 2009 |work=Broadcasting & Cable |access-date=March 23, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316192410/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/189799-PTC_Outraged_Over_Family_Guy_Episode.php |archive-date=March 16, 2010 }}</ref> MacFarlane has responded to the PTC's criticism by saying, among other things: "That's like getting hate mail from [[Adolf Hitler|Hitler]]. They're literally terrible human beings."<ref name="Advocate">{{cite news |url = http://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/television/2008/01/25/read-oscar-host-seth-macfarlanes-one-and-only-gay-interview |title = Read Oscar Host Seth MacFarlane's One and Only Gay Interview (From 2008) |last = Voss |first = Brandon |date = February–March 2008 <!-- This is correct. Issue date is after online publication. --> |website = The Advocate |quote = ..... They're literally terrible human beings. I've read their newsletter, I've visited their website, and they're just rotten to the core. For an organization that prides itself on Christian values—I mean, I'm an atheist, so what do I know?—they spend their entire day hating people. |access-date = March 17, 2013 |archive-date = February 26, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130226021114/http://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/television/2008/01/25/read-oscar-host-seth-macfarlanes-one-and-only-gay-interview? |url-status = live }}</ref>

''Family Guy'' has been cancelled twice, although strong fan support and DVD sales have caused Fox to reconsider.<ref>{{cite news|first=Jesse|last=McKinley|title=Canceled and Resurrected, on the Air and Onstage|date=May 2, 2005|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/02/arts/television/02fami.html?_r=1&oref=slogin|work=The New York Times|access-date=May 31, 2008|archive-date=April 25, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425044634/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/02/arts/television/02fami.html?_r=1&oref=slogin|url-status=live}}</ref> MacFarlane mentioned how these cancellations affected the lineup of writers: "One of the positive aspects of ''Family Guy'' constantly being pulled off [the air] is that we were always having to re staff writers."<ref name="norton" />

During its sixth season, episodes of ''Family Guy'' and ''American Dad!'' were delayed from regular broadcast due to the [[2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike]]. MacFarlane participated in the strike to support the writers, and Fox aired three ''Family Guy'' episodes without his permission. The strike ended on February 12, 2008,<ref name="cnn1">{{cite news|title=Strike over, Hollywood writers head back to work |url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/TV/02/13/writers.strike/index.html|work=CNN|date=February 13, 2008|access-date=May 6, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080413003541/http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/TV/02/13/writers.strike/index.html |archive-date = April 13, 2008}}</ref> and the series resumed airing regularly, beginning with "[[Back to the Woods (Family Guy)|Back to the Woods]]".{{citation needed|date=January 2024}}

====''American Dad!''====
{{Main|American Dad!}}
MacFarlane has a second long-running, successful [[adult animation|adult]] [[animated sitcom|animated series]] in ''[[American Dad!]]'', which has been in production since early 2005. To date, it is his only animated series that has never been cancelled, though it has undergone two network relocations: from Fox to [[TBS (TV network)|TBS]] following its [[American Dad! (season 11)|11th season]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hinckley |first=David |date=July 18, 2013 |title=Seth MacFarlane's 'American Dad' picked up by TBS |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/american-dad-picked-tbs-article-1.1400187 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130721043422/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/american-dad-picked-tbs-article-1.1400187 |archive-date=July 21, 2013 |access-date=July 21, 2013 |work=New York Daily News}}</ref> and from TBS back to Fox following its [[American Dad! (season 11)|21st]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=March 21, 2025 |title='American Dad!' Eyes Return To Fox For Season 20 & Beyond |url=https://deadline.com/2025/03/american-dad-return-fox-renewed-season-20-1236346483|access-date=March 21, 2025 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> MacFarlane provides the voices of protagonist [[Stan Smith (American Dad!)|Stan Smith]] and prominent secondary character [[Roger (American Dad!)|Roger]].<ref name="usatoday" /> His sister [[Rachael MacFarlane|Rachael]] provides the voice of [[Hayley Smith (American Dad!)|Hayley]], Stan's daughter.<ref name="rachael">[https://web.archive.org/web/20090317224649/http://www.fox.com/americandad/bios/hayley.htm "Rachael MacFarlane Biography"]. [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]]. Retrieved December 20, 2007.</ref> Additionally, he co-wrote the show's [[Pilot (American Dad!)|first episode]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tv.msn.com/tv/series/american-dad/ |title=''American Dad'': Series Overview |access-date=December 22, 2007 |website=MSN |publisher=Microsoft |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214121130/http://tv.msn.com/tv/series/American-Dad |archive-date=December 14, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Goodman">{{cite news |last1=Goodman |first1=Tim |title=American Dad |work=San Francisco Chronicle}}</ref> Aside from his voice acting work, MacFarlane has left much of ''American Dad!'''s [[creative direction]] to the show's other co-creators, [[Matt Weitzman]] and [[Mike Barker (producer)|Mike Barker]] (though the latter departed after ten seasons),<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |url=https://deadline.com/2013/11/american-dad-executive-producerco-showrunner-mike-barker-exits-626426/ |title='American Dad' Executive Producer/Co-Showrunner Mike Barker Exits |magazine=Deadline |date=October 30, 2013 |access-date=November 5, 2013 |archive-date=November 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105032825/http://www.deadline.com/2013/11/american-dad-executive-producerco-showrunner-mike-barker-exits/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="shakeup">{{cite news |title='American Dad' Shakeup: Co-Creator Leaving Before TBS Move |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/05/american-dad-shakeup_n_4218021.html |newspaper=Huffington Post |access-date=October 16, 2018 |date=November 5, 2013 |archive-date=November 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107204110/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/05/american-dad-shakeup_n_4218021.html |url-status=live }}</ref> feeling it helps give the series its own voice and identity.<ref name="doorly1">{{cite web |author=Sean Doorly |url=http://www.doorly.com/writing/seth-macfarlane.htm |title=Seth MacFarlane Interview |publisher=Doorly.com |access-date=May 13, 2013 |archive-date=May 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524025552/http://www.doorly.com/writing/seth-macfarlane.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

MacFarlane has stated that his inspiration to create ''American Dad!'' derived from his and Weitzman's exasperation with the [[George W. Bush administration]].<ref>Rogers, Troy. [https://web.archive.org/web/20090221233440/http://www.ugo.com/ugo/html/article/?id=17297 "Seth MacFarlane, American Dad Interview"]. Underground Online. Retrieved December 21, 2007.</ref> MacFarlane has described the initial seasons of ''American Dad!'' as being similar to ''[[All in the Family]]'', likening Stan's originally [[bigotry|bigoted]] persona to [[Archie Bunker]].<ref name="norton">Norton James.[https://web.archive.org/web/20071229222114/http://www.flakmag.com/features/macfarlane.html "Seth MacFarlane's Third Act"]. ''Flak Magazine''. Retrieved December 21, 2007.</ref> After the early couple of seasons however, the series discontinued using these elements of [[political satire]]<ref>{{cite news|last=McFarland |first=Kevin |url=https://www.avclub.com/articles/the-missing-kink,95977/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130416173002/http://www.avclub.com/articles/the-missing-kink,95977/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 16, 2013 |title="The Missing Kink"; American Dad; TV Club; TV |newspaper=The A.V. Club |date=April 15, 2013 |access-date=April 25, 2013}}</ref> and began to serve up its own brand of entertainment and humor.<ref name="doorly1" /> MacFarlane was described as having difficulty understanding the series in its early going; however, he warmed up to the series after its early seasons once he felt the show truly came into its own. His fellow co-creators have sensed this through MacFarlane's greatly increased attention to the series after its early seasons. MacFarlane has also revealed he is an ''American Dad!'' fan himself. He has taken note of the positive reaction to the Roger character by fans via his Twitter.<ref name="by Emily VanDerWerff September 28, 2012">{{cite news |author=Emily VanDerWerff |url=https://www.avclub.com/comedy-showrunners-week-american-dad-s-co-creators-on-1798233675 |title=Comedy Showrunners Week: American Dad's co-creators on the show's weird evolution |newspaper=The A.V. Club |date=September 28, 2012 |access-date=May 21, 2013 |archive-date=November 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101185308/http://www.avclub.com/articles/comedy-showrunners-week-american-dads-cocreators-o,85507/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

====''The Cleveland Show''====
{{Main|The Cleveland Show}}
MacFarlane developed a ''Family Guy'' spin-off called ''The Cleveland Show'', which focuses on the character of [[Cleveland Brown]] and his family. The idea for the show originated from a suggestion by ''Family Guy'' writer and voice of Cleveland, Mike Henry. Fox ordered 22 episodes and the series first aired on September 27, 2009. The show, which was picked up to air a first season consisting of 22 episodes,<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Rice |first=Lynette |url=https://ew.com/article/2008/11/10/the-family-guy-2/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090222182949/http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2008/11/the-family-guy.html |url-status=live |archive-date=February 22, 2009 |title=Fox orders full season of 'Family Guy' spin-off|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=November 10, 2008 |access-date=March 3, 2020 }}</ref> was picked up by Fox for a second season, consisting of 13 episodes, bringing the total number to 35 episodes. The announcement was made on May 3, 2009, before the first season even premiered.<ref name="season2">{{cite web |url=http://www.tvsquad.com/2009/05/04/the-cleveland-show-renewed-before-it-begins/ |title=The Cleveland Show renewed before it begins |publisher=Tvsquad.com |access-date=July 26, 2011 |archive-date=August 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825002656/http://www.tvsquad.com/2009/05/04/the-cleveland-show-renewed-before-it-begins |url-status=dead }}</ref> Due to strong ratings, Fox picked up the back nine episodes of season 2, making a 22-episode season and bringing the total episode count of the show to 44.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/h/content_display/news/e3id8ce138992a53121b4b8137dc51ea285|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120703141634/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/h/content_display/news/e3id8ce138992a53121b4b8137dc51ea285|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 3, 2012|title=Fox orders second full season of The Cleveland Show }}</ref> The series ended on May 19, 2013, with a total of 4 seasons and 88 episodes. The character of Cleveland and his family returned to ''Family Guy'' in the episode "[[He's Bla-ack!]]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bubbleblabber.com/sethmacfarlane-confirms-the-return-of-cleveland-brown-to-family-guy-familyguyonfox/|title=Seth MacFarlane confirms the return of Cleveland Brown...to Family Guy|first=John|last=Schwarz|date=July 15, 2013|website=Bubbleblabber|access-date=September 4, 2022|archive-date=September 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923202357/https://www.bubbleblabber.com/sethmacfarlane-confirms-the-return-of-cleveland-brown-to-family-guy-familyguyonfox/|url-status=live}}</ref>

This is the only animated series created by MacFarlane that does not have him voicing the main character. MacFarlane did, however, play the character Tim the Bear until season 3 episode 10. [[Jess Harnell]] voiced Tim from season 3 episode 11 onwards.

====''Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy''====
{{Main|Seth MacFarlane's Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy}}
In 2008, MacFarlane released a series of [[webisode]]s known as ''Seth MacFarlane's Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy'' with its animated shorts sponsored by [[Burger King]] and released weekly.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cheng |first=Jacqui |url=https://arstechnica.com/old/content/2008/09/family-guy-creator-opens-cavalcade-of-comedy-for-business.ars |title=Family Guy creator opens Cavalcade of Comedy for business |publisher=Arstechnica.com |date=September 10, 2008 |access-date=July 26, 2011 |archive-date=June 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607133217/http://arstechnica.com/old/content/2008/09/family-guy-creator-opens-cavalcade-of-comedy-for-business.ars |url-status=live }}</ref>

====''The Orville''====
{{Main|The Orville}}
In 2016, MacFarlane began producing the sci-fi comedy-drama series ''[[The Orville]]'', in which he also stars as [[Ed Mercer|Captain Edward "Ed" Mercer]].<ref name="JLeeOrville">{{cite magazine|url=https://deadline.com/2016/08/peter-macon-j-lee-seth-macfarlane-fox-series-orville-cast-1201806271/|title=Peter Macon & J Lee Join Seth MacFarlane's Fox Series 'Orville'|magazine=Deadline|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=August 19, 2016|access-date=February 18, 2020|archive-date=March 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302032453/https://deadline.com/2016/08/peter-macon-j-lee-seth-macfarlane-fox-series-orville-cast-1201806271/|url-status=live}}</ref> MacFarlane originally wrote ''The Orville'' as a [[spec script]], which was given a 13-episode order by Fox in May 2016, making it the first live-action television series created by MacFarlane.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/05/seth-macfarlane-create-star-fox-sci-fi-series-2017-18-season-1201749292/|title=Seth MacFarlane To Create & Star In Fox Sci-Fi Dramedy Series For 2017–18 Season|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]]|location=United States|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=May 4, 2016|access-date=August 18, 2016|archive-date=August 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809231858/http://deadline.com/2016/05/seth-macfarlane-create-star-fox-sci-fi-series-2017-18-season-1201749292/|url-status=live}}</ref> The series premiered on September 10, 2017.<ref name=NewMacFarlaneSeries>{{cite web|url=http://www.fox.com/article/seth-macfarlane-to-create-executive-produce-and-star-in-new-series|title=Seth MacFarlane to Create, Executive-Produce and Star in New Series|publisher=FOX.com|access-date=August 18, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608201918/http://www.fox.com/article/seth-macfarlane-to-create-executive-produce-and-star-in-new-series|archive-date=June 8, 2016}}</ref> Despite the first season receiving negative reviews, it was renewed for a second season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2017/11/02/the-orville-renewed-season-2-fox-seth-macfarlane/|title=The Orville Renewed for Season 2|last=Nemetz|first=Dave|date=November 2, 2017|work=[[TVLine]]|publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]]|access-date=November 2, 2017|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414021130/https://tvline.com/2017/11/02/the-orville-renewed-season-2-fox-seth-macfarlane/|url-status=live}}</ref> The second season premiered on December 30, 2018, and received better reviews.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/the-orville-season-2-delay-episode-count/|title=The Orville Season 2 Will Be Bigger, But We'll Probably Have to Wait for It|date=January 4, 2018|work=TVGuide.com|access-date=January 5, 2018|archive-date=January 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105123214/http://www.tvguide.com/news/the-orville-season-2-delay-episode-count/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The series was renewed for a third season by Fox, however the series would move over to [[Hulu]].<ref>{{cite web |title='The Orville' to Move From Fox to Hulu for Season 3 |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/the-orville-season-3-hulu-1203274526/ |website=Variety |access-date=July 20, 2019 |first=Joe |last=Otterson |date=July 20, 2019 |archive-date=July 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720215816/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/the-orville-season-3-hulu-1203274526/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This season is the show's first on Hulu, after airing its previous two seasons on Fox, as well as the first to premiere since The Walt Disney Company's March 2019 [[Acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney|acquisition of 20th Century Fox]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=July 20, 2019|title='The Orville' Moves To Hulu From Fox For Season 3 In 2020|url=https://deadline.com/2019/07/the-orville-moves-hulu-fox-season-3-2020-comic-con-seth-macfarlane-1202649836/|access-date=September 17, 2020|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|archive-date=June 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617185543/https://deadline.com/2019/07/the-orville-moves-hulu-fox-season-3-2020-comic-con-seth-macfarlane-1202649836/|url-status=live}}</ref> The season was originally scheduled to premiere in 2020 but was delayed due to the [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on television in the United States|COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web |date=August 6, 2021 |last1=White |first1=Peter |title='The Orville': Hulu Scripted Chief Jordan Helman Gives Update On Season 3 Of Seth MacFarlane's Sci-Fi Drama |url=https://deadline.com/2021/08/the-orville-hulu-update-on-seth-macfarlane-season-3-1234810524/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=August 30, 2022 |archive-date=September 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902221025/https://deadline.com/2021/08/the-orville-hulu-update-on-seth-macfarlane-season-3-1234810524/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The third season titled as ''The Orville: New Horizons'' premiered on June 2, 2022.<ref name="S3PremiereDate">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/video/the-orville-new-horizons-gets-new-premiere-date-sneak-peak/|title='The Orville: New Horizons' Gets New Premiere Date & Sneak Peek; Seth MacFarlane Says New Season Will Be "Worth The Wait" Imposed By Covid Production Delays|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Matt|last=Grobar|date=February 4, 2022|access-date=February 4, 2022|archive-date=February 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204204352/https://deadline.com/video/the-orville-new-horizons-gets-new-premiere-date-sneak-peak/|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to the pandemic, an episode of third season was scrapped, which MacFarlane subsequently turned into a novel, titled ''The Orville: Sympathy for the Devil''.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Mitovich |first1=Matt Webb |date=June 27, 2022 |title=The Orville: Scrapped Season 3 Episode to Be Released as Novella |url=https://tvline.com/2022/06/27/the-orville-season-3-missing-episode-sympathy-for-the-devil-novella/ |access-date=July 28, 2022 |website=TVLine |language=en-US |archive-date=July 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720001601/https://tvline.com/2022/06/27/the-orville-season-3-missing-episode-sympathy-for-the-devil-novella/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Television producing====
MacFarlane was the executive producer of a live-action sitcom starring [[Rob Corddry]] called ''[[The Winner (TV series)|The Winner]]''. The plot has a man named Glen discussing the time he matured at 32 and has him pursuing his only love after she moves in next door. Glen meets her son and both become good friends.<ref>Hooper, Barrett. [http://www.nowtoronto.com/issues/2007-03-08/goods_remotecontrol.php "Winner's one big loser: Not all ex-Daily Show correspondents make great sitcom stars"]. ''Now Toronto''. Published March 8, 2007. Retrieved December 21, 2007. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070313211728/http://www.nowtoronto.com/issues/2007-03-08/goods_remotecontrol.php |date=March 13, 2007 }}</ref> The show ran on Fox for six episodes in Spring 2007.<ref>Matheson, Whitney. [https://web.archive.org/web/20090220232922/http://blogs.usatoday.com/popcandy/2007/02/sample_the_winn.html Sample ''The Winner'']. ''USA TODAY'' Blog. Published February 19, 2007. Retrieved December 21, 2007.</ref><ref>[http://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/2007-cancelled-shows-fox-cancels-plenty-of-series/ 2007 Canceled Shows: Fox Cancels Plenty of Series"]. TV Series Finale. May 16, 2007.</ref>

In August 2011, Fox ordered a 13-part updated series of ''[[Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey]]''. MacFarlane co-produced the series with [[Ann Druyan]] and [[Steven Soter]]. The new series is hosted by [[Neil deGrasse Tyson]] and began airing on the channel in March 2014, with repeats airing on the [[National Geographic Channel]] on the next night.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mitchell|first=Gail|date=August 5, 2011|title=Fox Orders Seth MacFarlane's 'Cosmos: A Space-Time Odyssey'|work=The Hollywood Reporter|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/fox-orders-seth-macfarlanes-cosmos-219567|access-date=October 14, 2011|archive-date=October 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016141120/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/fox-orders-seth-macfarlanes-cosmos-219567|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to serving as one of the executive producers, MacFarlane provided voices for characters during the animated portions of the series. MacFarlane returned to executive produce and provide voices to its sequel series, ''[[Cosmos: Possible Worlds]]'', which aired in 2020.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://ew.com/tv/2018/01/13/cosmos-season-2-premiere-2019-possible-worlds/|title=Cosmos to return in 2019 with Possible Worlds|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|first=Nick|last=Romano|date=January 13, 2018|access-date=January 13, 2018|archive-date=January 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116023923/http://ew.com/tv/2018/01/13/cosmos-season-2-premiere-2019-possible-worlds/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2013 and 2014, MacFarlane produced one season of a live-action sitcom called ''[[Dads (2013 TV series)|Dads]]''.<ref name="Fox 2014 Cancellations">{{cite web |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/05/07/dads-enlisted-and-surviving-jack-canceled-by-fox/261517/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508062250/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/05/07/dads-enlisted-and-surviving-jack-canceled-by-fox/261517/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 8, 2014|title='Dads' 'Enlisted' and 'Surviving Jack' Canceled by FOX After First Season |last=Kondolojy |first=Amanda|website=TV by the Numbers|date=May 7, 2013|access-date=May 7, 2013}}</ref> The series, revolves around Eli, played by [[Seth Green]], and Warner, played by [[Giovanni Ribisi]], two successful guys in their 30s whose world is turned upside down when their dads move in with them. MacFarlane, [[Alec Sulkin]] and [[Wellesley Wild]] executive-produced the series, with Sulkin and Wild writing.<ref name="Kenneally">{{cite web|url=http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=790546|title=Seth MacFarlane's 'Dads' Series Casts 'Mindy Project' Actor – MSN TV News|last=Kenneally|first=Tim|date=February 12, 2013|website=[[MSN]]|access-date=February 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620210949/http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=790546|archive-date=June 20, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2014, MacFarlane executive produced a two-season, 20-episode series called ''[[Blunt Talk]]'' for [[Starz (TV network)|Starz]].<ref name="variety">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/starz-gives-20-episode-order-to-seth-macfarlane-patrick-stewart-comedy-blunt-talk-1201166712/|title=Starz Gives 20-Episode Order to Seth MacFarlane-Patrick Stewart Comedy 'Blunt Talk'|publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=April 30, 2014|date=April 29, 2014|archive-date=March 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311012159/http://variety.com/2014/tv/news/starz-gives-20-episode-order-to-seth-macfarlane-patrick-stewart-comedy-blunt-talk-1201166712/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Starz Orders Two Seasons of Seth MacFarlane Comedy 'Blunt Talk'|date=April 29, 2014|first=Lesley|last=Goldberg|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/starz-orders-two-seasons-seth-699691|access-date=April 30, 2014|archive-date=May 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502013416/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/starz-orders-two-seasons-seth-699691|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Blunt Talk Cancelled at Starz|url=http://tvline.com/2016/12/20/blunt-talk-cancelled-no-season-3-starz/|website=TVLine|first=Kimberly|last=Roots|date=December 20, 2016|access-date=December 20, 2016|archive-date=September 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927140141/https://tvline.com/2016/12/20/blunt-talk-cancelled-no-season-3-starz/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The series followed an English newscaster who moves to Los Angeles with his alcoholic manservant and the baggage of several failed marriages to host a sanctimonious talk show.

In 2009, MacFarlane began work on the animated series ''[[Bordertown (2016 animated TV series)|Bordertown]]''.<ref name="Bordertown Announcement">{{cite magazine|last=Coleman|first=Miriam|title=Seth MacFarlane Delivering New Animated Comedy for Fox|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/seth-macfarlane-creating-new-animated-comedy-for-fox-20131109|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=November 9, 2013|access-date=September 11, 2017|archive-date=November 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114092936/https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/seth-macfarlane-creating-new-animated-comedy-for-fox-20131109|url-status=dead}}</ref> The series is set in Texas and follows a border patrol agent and a Mexican immigrant, satirizing America's changing cultural landscape. It ran for 13 episodes in the first half of 2016, on Fox.<ref name="deadline-btcancelled">{{cite web|title='Grinder', 'Grandfathered', 'Bordertown' & 'Cooper Barrett' Canceled By Fox After One Season|url=https://deadline.com/2016/05/the-grinder-grandfathered-canceled-bordertown-cooper-barretts-guide-fox-one-season-1201752235/|website=Deadline|access-date=May 13, 2016|date=May 13, 2016|archive-date=May 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513053207/http://deadline.com/2016/05/the-grinder-grandfathered-canceled-bordertown-cooper-barretts-guide-fox-one-season-1201752235/|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Television hosting====
MacFarlane has participated in the [[Comedy Central Roast]]s. MacFarlane is the only person to serve as roastmaster for more than one roast. In 2010, he filled this role for the roast of [[David Hasselhoff]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2010/07/seth-macfarlane-will-lead-hasselhoff-roast-.html|title=Seth MacFarlane will lead David Hasselhoff Roast|date=July 21, 2010|access-date=October 1, 2013|archive-date=September 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920142028/https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2010/07/seth-macfarlane-will-lead-hasselhoff-roast-.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The following year he was roastmaster at the roasts of [[Donald Trump]] and [[Charlie Sheen]].

On October 1, 2012, it was announced that MacFarlane would host the [[85th Academy Awards]] on February 24, 2013.<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.oscars.org/press/pressreleases/2012/20121001.html | title=Seth MacFarlane to Host 85th Oscars | publisher=AMPAS | date=October 1, 2012 | access-date=October 17, 2012 | archive-date=September 5, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905050112/http://www.oscars.org/press/pressreleases/2012/20121001.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=abcmedianet20121012>{{cite web |url=http://abcmedianet.com/Web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=100112_01 |title=SETH MACFARLANE TO HOST 85TH OSCARS®, AIRING LIVE ON ABC, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013 |website=ABC Media Net |publisher=American Broadcasting Company |date=October 11, 2012 |access-date=October 11, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130114040638/http://abcmedianet.com/Web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=100112_01 |archive-date=January 14, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Bahr |first=Lindsey |url=https://ew.com/article/2012/10/01/seth-macfarlane-to-host-the-oscars-breaking/ |title=Seth MacFarlane to host the Oscars – BREAKING |publisher=Entertainment Weekly |date=October 1, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2013 |archive-date=September 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925232037/http://www.ew.com/article/2012/10/01/seth-macfarlane-to-host-the-oscars-breaking |url-status=live }}</ref> He also presented the nominees with actress [[Emma Stone]], on January 10, 2013. In addition to hosting, MacFarlane was also nominated in the [[Academy Award for Best Original Song]] category for co-writing the theme song "[[Everybody Needs a Best Friend]]" for his film ''Ted'' with Walter Murphy.<ref name="Oscars">{{cite news|last=Morgan|first=David|title="Lincoln," "Life of Pi" lead Oscar race|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lincoln-life-of-pi-lead-oscar-race/|access-date=October 7, 2013|work=[[CBS News]]|publisher=[[CBS Corporation]]|date=January 10, 2013|archive-date=March 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313184051/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/lincoln-life-of-pi-lead-oscar-race/|url-status=live}}</ref> Critical response to MacFarlane's performance was mixed. Columnist [[Owen Gleiberman]] of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' commented "By calling constant attention to the naughty factor," MacFarlane created "an echo chamber of outrage, working a little too hard to top himself with faux-scandalous gags about race, Jews in Hollywood, and the killing of Abraham Lincoln."<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Gleiberman|first=Owen|title=This year's Academy Awards: a lively, occasionally uneasy mixture of snark and sincerity|url=https://ew.com/article/2013/02/25/this-years-oscars-snark-meets-sincerity/|access-date=March 3, 2020|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=February 25, 2013|archive-date=June 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611233630/https://ew.com/article/2013/02/25/this-years-oscars-snark-meets-sincerity/|url-status=live}}</ref> Tim Goodman of ''The Hollywood Reporter'' praised MacFarlane's performance saying that he did "impressively better than one would have wagered". He also noted that he added "plenty of niceties with a little bit of the [[Ricky Gervais]] bite-the-hand-that-feeds-you thing and worked the juxtaposition rather nicely".<ref>{{cite news|last=Goodman|first=Tim|title=TV Review: Seth MacFarlane Wins at Oscar Hosting Against Odds|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/bastard-machine/tv-review-seth-macfarlane-wins-424058|access-date=March 29, 2013|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 24, 2013|archive-date=March 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130306005134/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/bastard-machine/tv-review-seth-macfarlane-wins-424058|url-status=live}}</ref> He stirred up controversy in the form of a musical number titled "We Saw Your Boobs".<ref>{{cite web|last=Weisman|first=Aly|title=Seth MacFarlane's 'We Saw Your Boobs' Song Outraged Women In Hollywood|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/seth-macfarlane-boobs-song-angered-hollywood-women-2013-2|website=[[Business Insider]]|date=February 28, 2013|access-date=December 27, 2014|archive-date=December 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227092145/http://www.businessinsider.com/seth-macfarlane-boobs-song-angered-hollywood-women-2013-2|url-status=live}}</ref>

On October 29, 2014, it was announced that MacFarlane would host the [[Breakthrough Prize]] ceremony. The event was held in [[Silicon Valley]] and televised on November 15, 2014, on [[Discovery Channel]] and [[Science (TV network)|Science]], and globally on November 22, 2014, on [[BBC World News]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Noonan|first=Kevin|title=Seth MacFarlane to Host 2nd Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony|url=https://www.variety.com/2014/biz/news/seth-macfarlane-to-host-2nd-annual-breakthrough-prize-ceremony-1201342415/|access-date=January 2, 2015|magazine=Variety|date=October 29, 2014|archive-date=January 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103010444/http://variety.com/2014/biz/news/seth-macfarlane-to-host-2nd-annual-breakthrough-prize-ceremony-1201342415/|url-status=live}}</ref> He returned to host the following year.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/breakthrough-awards-winners-2015|title=Scientists get £14.6m in Zuckerberg-backed Breakthrough awards|first=Cara|last=McGoogan|magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]|date=November 19, 2015|access-date=May 19, 2017|archive-date=January 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113071559/http://www.wired.co.uk/article/breakthrough-awards-winners-2015|url-status=live}}</ref>