Family Guy is not that funny.

[Kevin 22]

REFERENCES - of course, it's no untypical thing to use references for comedy purposes, but Seth MacFarlane decides to make most jokes be references from the 80s or something. Who cares if it's a bad joke, it's a reference, right?

LONG TALK - Make a long conversation where there's a lot of talk and it's dull, that's funny right? Of course it doesnt end with someone getting hurt or anything unexpected happening. After all, isn't a long pointless conversation funny enough already?

POLITICALLY INCORRECT - And of course the king class of comedy, jokes which are not funny, but they are so perverted or other stuff that it's hilarious! Oh yeah, in the old days episodes of "the Simpsons" had scenes cut out because they were not funny enough, but Family Guy has scenes cut out because they contain racism or something. Wow Mr. MacFarlane, a joke about children with diseases which cannot be cured, I bet you sat all night on a joke like that, shame you didn't take your time trying to make a funny joke, instead you try to break tabus, that's pathetic.

Let's also not forget that the first three seasons of Family Guy were actually funny. Then Seth started putting his political views into Brian's mouth. Yeah, I know, Brian was ALWAYS Seth's mouthpiece but after the revival it just started getting REALLY bad. The straw that broke the camel's back was the plotline where he gets a HUMAN girlfriend who he has a sexual relationship with and yet nobody on the show thought it was a little weird. It COULD have worked if it was played that what's-her-face was stupid (something they were already making jokes about on the show) and that she was so dumb she was oblivious that she was sleeping with a dog. But they don't. What pisses me off about this is that IT'S GREAT JOKE FODDER. So let me get this straight. Southerners are stupid hicks and Republicans are evil, but bestiality is a virtue? Seth McFarlane has some messed up values.

All you need to do to make a joke in Family Guy is do something unexpected. That's what Family Guy's pony trick is - if you can do something that the audience is not expecting to happen, whether it be a sudden sexual joke, a pop culture reference or what have you, there's a huge chance that someone's going to smirk out of sheer surprise. This is probably why so many high school students/college students find it funny - because it's a show that always bound to make them chuckle. Not in the right way, nor the correct 'intelligent' Monty Python way. Not even the sudden, perfect delivery that is MST3K's claim to fame. No, Family Guy's job is to shock you so much that it makes you think that it's whitty.

[Ollie 859]

Here's a solution, you don't like it don't watch it. It's as simple as that.

[Nick Parker 3,017]

I actually liked the older Family Guy episodes. I think they should re-write the opening song, though. I find that its lyrics no longer represent what the show is about. I like "Futurama" way more than this overrated show, but Williamsfan301 and Koray Savas will almost defintely say otherwise.

[JoeinAR 1,759]

I find the show funny, and not. sometimes Peter is too stupid. But Stewie and Lois and Brian make the show. I prefer the new voice for Meg over the old.

I like it better than the simpsons, but not as much as South Park.

[Williamsfan301 11]

That's funny, usually the trolls post about how great James Horner is.

[Quintus 5,391]

It took me ageeeeeeeeeeees to get into it, but I do like it, now.

Jokes are hit and miss mostly, but there are many gems hidden within. Attention to detail is everything in FG - chances are if you think it - they will draw it. It is the key to its success.

The ongoing Simpsons comparisons are laughable though. The legacy of Homer Simpson is simply too mighty for Peter Griffin, poor later episodes included.

[indy4 152]

The only one I've seen is the SW one, and it was great.

[Charlie Brigden 5]

I haven't read the first post, but I agree it's terrible. I did read Lee's post though (do I call you Lee, or Quint?) and I agree the Simpsons comparisons are useless. Most live-action sitcoms haven't come close to the golden age of Homer, let alone other animated ones.

And yes, as someone else said, Futurama is better than all.

As for Star Wars-related shenanigans, I found both Robot Chickens much funnier. They even reignited my love for the character of Boba Fett.

[John Crichton 4]

That's funny, usually the trolls post about how great James Horner is.

Or something about Zimmer.

Family Guy has many horribly not-funny moments and only occasional good moments. Overall I'd call it watchable, not much more than that. And on the satire front, I really don't want to start anything out of bounds here, but South Park has something on this front that Family Guy does not: political balance.

[Quintus 5,391]

I haven't read the first post, but I agree it's terrible. I did read Lee's post though (do I call you Lee, or Quint?)

Call me whatever you want baby.

[Koray Savas 2,095]

Seth MacFarlane is a genius. He's the highest-paid television writer and producer in history. Right now he basically controls all animation on FOX. With King Of The Hill cancelled and The Simpsons not lasting much longer, he will have complete domination with Family Guy, American Dad, and The Cleveland Show.

You can say all you want, but I'm guessing he doesn't care as he enjoys his $13.5 million house.

[JoeinAR 1,759]

and he has you in his back pocket.

course that doesn't make him a genius, just successful at this point. American Dad is unwatchable, and the Cleveland show will be lucky to last one season.

[Charlie Brigden 5]

He's a genius because he has an expensive house?

You underestimate The Simpsons, by the way.

[Koray Savas 2,095]

course that doesn't make him a genius, just successful at this point.

http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/ne...acfarlane_N.htm

[JoeinAR 1,759]

oh well if EW say it, it must be true, forgive me.

[Quintus 5,391]

Koray is very black and white in his thoughts, I've come to learn.

[Charlie Brigden 5]

Entertainment Weekly is for pituary retards and people who can't make up their mind about what they like. A bit like the UK's Heat magazine.

[Koray Savas 2,095]

The genius comment was my personal remark. The EW article is proof that I'm not the only one that thinks so.

[Quintus 5,391]

Congrats on having EW's readership on your side then.

[Charlie Brigden 5]

Bit like being Boss Nass, really. You may have an army, but they're still an army of retards.

[Koray Savas 2,095]

I don't read EW, I just googled "seth macfarlane smartest man"

[JoeinAR 1,759]

there is nothing wrong with EW, its a great magazine to read while sitting on the pot.

[Koray Savas 2,095]

That's good to know.

[JoeinAR 1,759]

oh like you've never read anything there?

[Nick Parker 3,017]

Odd as it as to talk about, I think Joey has a point there. I never had magazine racks by the toilet, though....

[Quintus 5,391]

I dunno, I prefer the back of the toothpaste and Head & Shoulders.

[Nick Parker 3,017]

Those do not really hold up too well after repeated readings, though.

[Kevin 22]

So why does Family Guy survive and Futurama does not?

In Futurama, you're given this place (more specifically Earth a thousand years from now) where almost anything is possible. That, in and of itself, is the comedic setup. And I like Futurama for many reasons. You can have some of the most absurd, pointless inventions pop out of nowhere like an exaggerated version of Batman's Utility Belt. You can come up with any race of being at any to suit the plot, no matter how strange or out there they may seem. That's probably why it was a huge letdown when Futurama got the can, because in all honesty the show could have lasted as long as the Simpsons. And yet this is the show that's still on the IV - the show that could have been a great long-running show.

[Ollie 859]

Odd as it as to talk about, I think Joey has a point there. I never had magazine racks by the toilet, though....

I have yet to meet anyone who has magazine racks in their bathroom but there's nothing wrong with taking a book or magazine in there. I think you know there are times when you may be in there for awhile.

[JoeinAR 1,759]

because Futurama is awful? That would be my guess.

[Koray Savas 2,095]

So why does Family Guy survive and Futurama does not?

So your hate towards Family Guy stems from Futurama getting cancelled? Family Guy is a damn good show, and hell if a show gets cancelled twice and comes back on the air both times, it has to be. I'm not demeaning Futurama in anyway. I love that show, and think it's better than The Simpsons. FOX is just stupid when it comes to managing their shows.

[Williamsfan301 11]

Nah, his hate of Family Guy stems from his lack of taste.

The Simpsons hasn't been good since Conan O'Brien left

South Park are just equal opportunity insulters. Nothing funny there...

Futurama was hysterical and should also have remained on along with Family Guy

The Cleveland Show will not survive 13 episodes, unfortunately.

TheListener is a troll and is just trying to cause problems. Anyway to get this thread locked, Mr. Breathmask, sir?

[Koray Savas 2,095]

The Cleveland Show will not survive 13 episodes, unfortunately.

I agree there. But who knows, it could be funny. I didn't think American Dad would last very long, and look it now, it's going at least until 2012 with Family Guy.

[JoeinAR 1,759]

Family guy is good, but not in South Park's league, Cartman and Butter are far better characters than anything in Family Guy.

[Unlucky Bastard 7,765]

I'm a huge fan of political incorrectness. I'm sick of censorship.

[Williamsfan301 11]

The Cleveland Show will not survive 13 episodes, unfortunately.

I agree there. But who knows, it could be funny. I didn't think American Dad would last very long, and look it now, it's going at least until 2012 with Family Guy.

The only reason American Dad is still on the air is because MacFarland has FOX over a barrel with them begging for Family Guy back. American Dad is just not as good - at least to me.

[Ollie 859]

No it isn't as good, Stan is funny and Patrick Stewart basically playing himself is always worth a chuckle but the rest of the family isn't that interesting and Roger is just doing a Paul Lynde impersonation.

[Williamsfan301 11]

Yeah, the originality you have in Family Guy isn't there with American Dad - and probably won't be with The Cleveland Show.

[Ollie 859]

And I'll say this, South Park is far more offensive than FG could even dream of being.

[Williamsfan301 11]

It is as offensive and Family Guy would like to be, but won't be because it wants a wider audience.

[Kevin 22]

Nah, his hate of Family Guy stems from his lack of taste.

The Simpsons hasn't been good since Conan O'Brien left

South Park are just equal opportunity insulters. Nothing funny there...

Futurama was hysterical and should also have remained on along with Family Guy

The Cleveland Show will not survive 13 episodes, unfortunately.

TheListener is a troll and is just trying to cause problems. Anyway to get this thread locked, Mr. Breathmask, sir?

At least with South Park (the older ones at least), you actually learned something. Like the Harbucks episode, where Harbucks is only big because it made excellent coffee and should be allowed to set up coffee shops wherever it wants.

[Koray Savas 2,095]

It is as offensive and Family Guy would like to be, but won't be because it wants a wider audience.

Actually because it's on cable television. South Park would not be allowed on any other network, except for like FX where they are allowed to say "poo." George Clooney is pretty much the reason why South Park got on the air in the first place.

[indy4 152]

Family Guy, Southpark, and The Simpsons all made it into the Top 50 Comedic Television Shows Of All Time, Simpsons being number 1. But this is just a couple of people's opinions, I don't think it was any sort of mass poll like the Empire list of best films.

[Hitch 55]

Family Guy is one of the funniest programs on TV

[Charlie Brigden 5]

I find David Lynch's DUNE funnier.

[JoeinAR 1,759]

Family Guy, Southpark, and The Simpsons all made it into the Top 50 Comedic Television Shows Of All Time, Simpsons being number 1. But this is just a couple of people's opinions, I don't think it was any sort of mass poll like the Empire list of best films.

awful that the two shows on top are such overrated shows.

[Ollie 859]

I would have ranked Soap higher.

[Henry B 49]

The Star Wars episode ("Blue Harvest") sucked and I hate that the creators are working with Lucasfilm on these. It makes the episodes seem so commercialized. I also think the premise was bad: Family Guy is all about random cutaways and lack of cohesion, so telling one continuous story just didn't work.

Otherwise it's pretty good. I like South Park too and I like Futurama (which should have kicked The Simpsons off the air to save it from being the disaster it is today), all for different reasons. American Dad is often quite funny, but it rubs me the wrong way. Plagiarismo di Plagiarismo!

[JoeinAR 1,759]

I'd have put Night Court higher, and I Love Lucy #1, Seinfeld can't hold Lucy's bra strap. And the love for the simpsons, unbelievable.

btw Note to all the stations showing Family Guy, they did make more episodes than the one where Brian blames stewie for peeing on the carpet.

[Nick Parker 3,017]

What is "Golden Girls" and "Will and Grace" doing on that list? I have been forced to watch those shows many times, and I hate them!