Talk to me when FG has 300 episodes, I'm sure it wouldn't still be so fresh. I didn't care for FG when it first came out. It seemed to me that it had to spell out all of the jokes with the animation, like I was not able to visualize them myself. People forget how groundbreaking and "offensive" the Simpsons were when it first came out, with schools banning simpsons stuff, etc. And in it's prime, the Simpsons was simply the best show on television ever. BTW, Without the Simpsons success there would never even of been a Family Guy.
What MEOWGI said. How many seasons was Family Guy on compared to the Simpsons? Did it even make 4 seasons? The Simpsons have been on almost four times longer than that. Yea, the episodes now are not as consistent as they were in the past, but from Season 3 through Season 6, you are not going to find a show that consistently had funny episodes like the Simpsons. Plus, as someone else has said, it is a little hard to keep things fresh when you have been on longer than any other show. It is ridiculous to even have this discussion... It is amazing to me the amount of "Simpsons" envy that some people have. Hey, just don't watch it if you don't like it. But as they have proven time and time again, don't hold your breath for it to go off the air any time soon or you will be dead.
I like Family Guy and all, but you can't compare it to the Simpsons. Simpsons begat Beavis and Butthead, South Park, Futurama, King of the Hill, Family Guy, and so on. It is the grandpappy of all animated sitcoms. Hell, at this point you can almost say it's the grandpappy of all current sitcoms, animated or not. It's at least been running longer than any.
I have been obsessed with The Family Guy for the past 3+ months, but I can see a difference between the two shows. Towards the end of TFG, the shows weren't nearly as funny, and that was only in the third season.
For all of you Family Guy afficionados, the Cartoon Network will be airing the "Wishing upon a Weinstein" episode next Tuesday (I believe). This episode has never been on TV. It is included on the season 3 DVD set. Very funny episode.
Rockets2K, where did you hear that Seth is making a Family Guy movie? A Family Guy movie has been on my wishlist ever since the show was cancelled. And to clear this up, I didn't say I don't like the Simpsons, just that I feel the comedy is more limited. And as far as The Simpsons rivaling the offensive nature of Family Guy when it first came out, let's not forget how quick you all are to mention how long the Simpsons has been running. So much has changed between then and now, that you honestly can't claim the Simpsons to be nearly as offensive as Family Guy. What was offensive at that time is no longer offensive now, causing the Simpsons to seem tame by comparison. Mr. Meowgi- While I agree that they use the animation to push across their jokes, let's not forget that that's the entire point. Family Guy is loaded with visual humor, mostly because, as I said, they can do whatever they want without having to be realistic. And one final thing: Do I like the Simpsons? Yes. Does the longevity of the show automatically make it good? No. Defend the show on its own merits, not the fact that it's been around for a long time. And I can hear some of you already, saying that because of those merits, the show has been able to stay on the air. Fine, but discuss the merits next time, as opposed to how many episdoes or how many seasons there are. Remember- Herpes has been around for a long time, too. No one likes Herpes.
Exactly. Offensiveness can be relative to time. In twenty years do you think FG will be as offensive as it is now? The Simpsons are not really as cutting edge as the Family Guy is (or was) today, but that is the definition of cutting edge - a leader, innovator. I think the reason The Simpsons are more "limited" today is because the character development has been exhausted. The reason it is been exhausted is because it has been on forever; and it has been on for ever because it was so groundbreaking, so cutting edge, and freakin' hilarious for so long! And I think The Simpsons sets out to be more than just sight gags. People relate to the show's humanity. The Simpsons has a place in people's hearts, and a place in history. Look, The Family Guy is obviously a great show. I have spent many a drunk night laughing my ass off watching it. But a better show will have more qualities than just pushing the envelope. That is the Simpson's lasting strength. There is something to be said for social commentary, parody, etc. Also, until the President of The United States says something like "We need a nation closer to the Waltons than the Simpsons." about The Family Guy, you really don't have a case.
Exactly. Great post, MEOWGI. Just because a show was a "cult" hit doesn't mean it is better than the show that has been on prime time longer than any other.
Initial article about it.. http://www.cinescape.com/0/Editorial.asp?aff_id=0&this_cat=Movies&action=page&obj_id=39564 second part of an interview with Seth with more details. http://www.cinescape.com/0/Editorial.asp?aff_id=0&this_cat=Video & DVD&action=page&obj_id=39625 I hate to choose between FG and Simpsons...I love em both. and I agree, just because a show has been on for a long time doesnt automatically mean it is good. Case in point...Friends good night.
oh...and one last point in answer to Manny. It didnt make it to 4 seasons for one reason.. someone at Fox didnt like it, they moved it all over their schedule so that no one knew when it was coming on. The Simpsons have been on Sun night for as long as I can remember. You always knew where to find it. I can guarantee you Fox is rethinking their decisions on that one.. the DVD sets have been number one rated at amazon for every volume...the partof Adult Swim that features FG and Futurama actually beat all the night time shows in the ratings. Dave, Jay and all those other ones that are up against Adult Swim are not as popular with that key18-40 something demographic as FG and Futurama. once again I will reiterate....I am not choosing sides here...I love both shows too much to choose..but dont denigrate FG just cause you think it wasnt good based on being cancelled...that wasnt why it got cancelled.. if you have seen it and dont like it...fine, I have no problem with that....but at least be fair.
The Simpsons was moved to Thursday nights in Season Two and put up against The Cosby Show. It wasn't returned to Sundays until Season Six in 1994.
