:Seth MacFarlane
{{short description|American actor, animator, filmmaker, and singer (born 1973)}}
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{{Infobox person
| name = Seth MacFarlane
| image = Seth MacFarlane SDCC 2017 (36524516106).jpg
| caption = MacFarlane in 2017
| birth_name = Seth Woodbury MacFarlane
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1973|10|26}}
| birth_place = Kent, Connecticut, U.S.
| alma_mater = Rhode Island School of Design (BFA)
| occupation = {{hlist|Actor|animator|writer|producer|director|comedian|singer}}
| organization = Fuzzy Door Productions
| years_active = 1995–present
| relatives = {{ubl|Rachael MacFarlane (sister)|Arthur Sager (grandfather)}}
| works = {{hlist|Filmography|discography}}
| awards = Full list
| signature = Seth MacFarlane signature.svg
| website = {{URL|https://sethmacfarlanemusic.com/}}
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| instruments = {{hlist|Vocals|piano}}
| genre = {{hlist|Traditional pop|easy listening|jazz|show tunes|swing|big band|musical comedy}}
| label = {{hlist|Universal Republic|Republic|Verve|Fuzzy Door}}
}}
}}
Seth Woodbury MacFarlane ({{IPAc-en|m|ə|k|ˈ|f|ɑːr|l|ᵻ|n}}; born October 26, 1973) is an American actor, animator, writer, producer, director, comedian, and singer. He is best known as the creator and star of the television series Family Guy (since 1999) and The Orville (2017–2022), and co-creator of the television series American Dad! (since 2005) and The Cleveland Show (2009–2013). He also co-wrote, co-produced, directed, and starred in the films Ted (2012) and its sequel Ted 2 (2015), and A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014).
MacFarlane is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he studied animation.{{cite web |url=http://movies.ign.com/articles/429/429628p1.html |title=An Interview with Seth MacFarlane: The creator of Family Guy discusses his career |website=IGN |date=July 21, 2003 |access-date=December 20, 2007 |archive-date=February 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206214630/http://movies.ign.com/articles/429/429628p1.html |url-status=live }} He was recruited to Hollywood as an animator and writer for Hanna-Barbera's television series Johnny Bravo, Cow and Chicken and Dexter's Laboratory; during this time, he created the animated short Larry & Steve—a loose precursor of Family Guy—for What a Cartoon!. In 2008, he created the online series Seth MacFarlane's Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy. MacFarlane has also made guest appearances as an actor on live action shows including Gilmore Girls, Star Trek: Enterprise, The War at Home, and FlashForward. MacFarlane has won several awards for his work on Family Guy, including five Primetime Emmy Awards. In 2009, he won the Webby Award for Film & Video Person of the Year.
MacFarlane has performed as a vocalist at the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, and the Royal Albert Hall. He has released eight studio albums, in the vein of Frank Sinatra, with influences from jazz orchestrations, and Hollywood musicals beginning with Music Is Better Than Words in 2011. MacFarlane has received five Grammy Award nominations for his work.{{cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/seth-macfarlane|title= Artist Seth MacFarlane|website= Grammy.com|access-date= April 14, 2020}} He has frequently collaborated with artists such as Sara Bareilles, Norah Jones, and Elizabeth Gillies on his albums.{{cite magazine|url= https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/seth-macfarlane-collaborates-with-norah-jones-sara-bareilles-on-6091812/|title= Seth MacFarlane Collaborates With Norah Jones, Sara Bareilles On Christmas Album|magazine= Billboard|accessdate= August 22, 2022|archive-date= August 22, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220822092312/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/seth-macfarlane-collaborates-with-norah-jones-sara-bareilles-on-6091812/|url-status= live}} He hosted the 85th Academy Awards in 2013 and was nominated for Best Original Song for "Everybody Needs a Best Friend" from Ted.{{cite web|url= https://oscar.go.com/news/uncategorized/seth-macfarlane-emma-stone-announcement|title= Seth MacFarlane Joins Emma Stone to Announce Oscar Nominations|website= Oscars.org|access-date= April 14, 2020|archive-date= August 7, 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200807025550/https://oscar.go.com/news/uncategorized/seth-macfarlane-emma-stone-announcement|url-status= live}}
MacFarlane was executive producer of the Neil deGrasse Tyson-hosted Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey, an update of the 1980s Cosmos series hosted by Carl Sagan.{{cite news | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/05/arts/television/fox-plans-new-cosmos-with-seth-macfarlane-as-a-producer.html | title = 'Family Guy' Creator Part of 'Cosmos' Update | work = The New York Times | date = August 5, 2011 | access-date = June 28, 2012 | first = Dave | last = Itzkoff | archive-date = June 30, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120630160028/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/05/arts/television/fox-plans-new-cosmos-with-seth-macfarlane-as-a-producer.html | url-status = live }} He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2019 and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2020.
Early life and education
Seth Woodbury MacFarlane was born on October 26, 1973, in Kent, Connecticut. His parents, Ronald Milton MacFarlane (b. 1946) and Ann Perry (née Sager; 1947–2010), were born in Newburyport, Massachusetts. His younger sister Rachael is also a voice actress. His maternal grandfather, Arthur Sager, competed in the 1928 Summer Olympics in track and field. MacFarlane's parents met in 1970 when they lived and worked in Boston, and married later that year. They moved to Kent in 1972, where Ann began working in the admissions office at South Kent School. She later worked in the college guidance and admissions offices at the Kent School, a selective college preparatory school, where Ronald was a teacher.{{cite news |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=ST&s_site=dfw&p_multi=ST&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF920E64F34493&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |title=One-man campaign out for 'Family Guy' |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |agency=Associated Press |date=July 2, 1999 |access-date=February 13, 2008 |quote=Seth MacFarlane has been out of prep school for eight years, but the headmaster is still on his case. The top administrator of the Kent School is leading a one-man campaign to get advertisers to drop The Family Guy, an animated TV comedy created by MacFarlane, a 1991 Kent alumnus. |archive-date=March 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301201220/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=ST&s_site=dfw&p_multi=ST&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF920E64F34493&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |url-status=live }}
As a child, MacFarlane developed an interest in illustration, and at the age of two he began drawing cartoon characters such as Fred Flintstone and Woody Woodpecker.{{cite news|first=Gary|last=Levin|title='Dad' joins 'Guy' for yuks|date=February 2, 2005|publisher=Gannett Co. Inc.|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2005-02-02-macfarlane_x.htm|work=USA Today|access-date=December 21, 2007|archive-date=October 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006022413/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2005-02-02-macfarlane_x.htm|url-status=live}} By age five, he knew he wanted to pursue a career in animation, and began by creating flip books after his parents found a book on the subject for him.{{cite video |people=MacFarlane, Seth |date=2009 |title= Inside the Actors Studio |medium=Television production |publisher= Bravo |quote= I was two years old when I started drawing... I knew by five that I wanted to get into animation, and there was just no... there was no information at the time. And I think my parents found one book on animation, that they scrounged up for me, and they got it from a library, you know, two towns over.}} Four years later, at nine, he began publishing a weekly comic strip, Walter Crouton, for The Kent Good Times Dispatch, the local newspaper; it paid him five dollars per week.{{cite video |people=MacFarlane, Seth |date=2009 |title= Inside the Actors Studio |medium=Television production |publisher= Bravo |quote= Walter Crouton was a comic strip that I did for our local paper, and I started when I was about nine years old, and, I would do it every week for, you know, five bucks a pop.}} MacFarlane said in an October 2011 interview that as a child he was always "weirdly fascinated by the Communion ceremony". He created a strip with a character kneeling at the altar taking Communion and asking "Can I have fries with that?" The paper printed it and he got an "angry letter" from the local priest; it led to "sort of a little mini-controversy" in the town.{{cite web |url= https://www.npr.org/2011/10/17/140946967/seth-macfarlane-tvs-family-guy-makes-music-too |title=Seth MacFarlane: TV's 'Family Guy' Makes Music, Too | work= Fresh Air| via= NPR.org| date= October 17, 2011| access-date= August 2, 2020}} MacFarlane received his high school diploma in 1991 from the Kent School. While there, he continued experimenting with animation, and his parents gave him an 8 mm camera.{{cite video |people=MacFarlane, Seth |date=2009 |title=Inside the Actors Studio |medium=Television production |publisher=Bravo |quote= I didn't really take a hard crack at {{interp|animation}} until I was in high school. My parents got me an 8 mm movie camera.}}
After graduating from high school, MacFarlane attended the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he majored in animation. As a student, he intended to work for Disney, but changed his mind after seeing The Simpsons.{{Cite web| url= https://www.biography.com/filmmaker/seth-macfarlane| title= Seth MacFarlane| work= biography.com| date= April 2, 2014| edition= January 2, 2020| access-date= August 2, 2020| archive-date= August 13, 2024| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240813165534/https://www.biography.com/movies-tv/seth-macfarlane| url-status= live}} During his time at RISD, he performed stand-up comedy.{{cite magazine |url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/seth-macfarlane-family-guy-star-trek-247364 |title= Seth MacFarlane Secretly Wants 'Family Guy' to End; Relaunch 'Star Trek' for TV |magazine= The Hollywood Reporter |date= October 12, 2011 |access-date= March 10, 2014 |archive-date= February 20, 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140220014603/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/seth-macfarlane-family-guy-star-trek-247364 |url-status= live }} He also starred in many student films, meeting future Family Guy cast member Mike Henry, whose brother Patrick was MacFarlane's classmate.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/30/arts/television/30itzk.html|title=With 'The Cleveland Show,' Mike Henry Spins Off Into Uncharted Cartoon Territory|last=Itzkoff|first=Dave|date=2009-08-27|work=The New York Times|access-date=2018-05-01|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=February 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203074528/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/30/arts/television/30itzk.html|url-status=live}} In his senior year, he made his thesis film, The Life of Larry, which became the inspiration for Family Guy.{{cite web| url= http://uk.eonline.com/uberblog/celebs/c116217_seth_macfarlane.html |title=Seth MacFarlane – Profile| website= eonline.com |publisher=E! Online |access-date=December 20, 2007 |url-status= dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803071401/http://uk.eonline.com/uberblog/celebs/c116217_Seth_MacFarlane.html |archive-date= August 3, 2009 }} A professor submitted his film to the animation studio Hanna-Barbera, where he was later hired. He graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Career
=Television career=
==Hanna-Barbera years==
MacFarlane was recruited during the senior film festival by development executive Ellen Cockrill and President Fred Seibert.{{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 }} 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. He worked as an animator and writer for Cartoon Network's Cartoon Cartoons series. 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 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.{{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 }} 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. 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. 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). He also created and wrote a short titled Zoomates for Frederator Studios' Oh Yeah! Cartoons on Nickelodeon.{{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 }} Executives at the Fox Broadcasting Company saw both Larry shorts and negotiations soon began for a prime-time animated series.{{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}}
==''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. 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).{{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 }} 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."{{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 }}
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. In July 1998, they announced the purchase of Family Guy for a January 1999 debut.{{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 |access-date = May 27, 2011}} 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. At age 24, MacFarlane was television's youngest executive producer.
Family Guy first aired January 31, 1999.{{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}} 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.{{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 }} 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. 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.[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.
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".{{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 }} A fan of Broadway musicals, 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, or Dean Martin, or Mel Tormé [...] these are guys who sounded like they were having a great time.}}
A Family Guy video game was released in 2006.{{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}} Two years later, in August 2007, MacFarlane closed a digital content production deal with AdSense.[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. 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.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/]
File:Sethmacfarlane-crop-to-head.jpg 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".{{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 }} In September 2007, Ricky Blitt gave TV.com an interview confirming that he had already started working on the script.{{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 }} 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".{{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 }} 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, saying that he would "really be trying to capture, musically, that feel".{{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 }} 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.{{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 }} On November 30, 2012, he confirmed plans for the project.{{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 }} The project was put on hold while MacFarlane worked on Ted 2.{{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}} In 2018, Fox announced that a live-action/animated film based on the series is in development.{{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}}{{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}} MacFarlane stepped away from the series in 2011 to work on Ted and other projects, and has only been associated with the show as a voice actor since then.{{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 }}
Despite its popularity, Family Guy has often been criticized.[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 Brent Bozell. TownHall. April 10, 2009. Retrieved August 2, 2009. The Parents Television Council has been a frequent critic. It organized a letter-writing campaign to remove it from Fox's lineup,[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) and filed complaints with the Federal Communications Commission alleging that some of its episodes contained indecent content.{{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 }} MacFarlane has responded to the PTC's criticism by saying, among other things: "That's like getting hate mail from Hitler. They're literally terrible human beings."{{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 |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 }}
Family Guy has been cancelled twice, although strong fan support and DVD sales have caused Fox to reconsider.{{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}} 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."
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,{{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}} and the series resumed airing regularly, beginning with "Back to the Woods".{{citation needed|date=January 2024}}
==''American Dad!''==
{{Main|American Dad!}}
MacFarlane has a second long-running, successful adult 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 following its 11th season,{{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}} and from TBS back to Fox following its 21st.{{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}} MacFarlane provides the voices of protagonist Stan Smith and prominent secondary character Roger. His sister Rachael provides the voice of Hayley, Stan's daughter.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090317224649/http://www.fox.com/americandad/bios/hayley.htm "Rachael MacFarlane Biography"]. Fox. Retrieved December 20, 2007. Additionally, he co-wrote the show's first episode.{{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 }}{{cite news |last1=Goodman |first1=Tim |title=American Dad |work=San Francisco Chronicle}} 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 (though the latter departed after ten seasons),{{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 }}{{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 }} feeling it helps give the series its own voice and identity.{{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 }}
MacFarlane has stated that his inspiration to create American Dad! derived from his and Weitzman's exasperation with the George W. Bush administration.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. MacFarlane has described the initial seasons of American Dad! as being similar to All in the Family, likening Stan's originally bigoted persona to Archie Bunker.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. After the early couple of seasons however, the series discontinued using these elements of political satire{{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}} and began to serve up its own brand of entertainment and humor. 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.{{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 }}
==''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,{{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 }} 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.{{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 }} 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.{{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 }} 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!".{{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}}
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 webisodes known as Seth MacFarlane's Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy with its animated shorts sponsored by Burger King and released weekly.{{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 }}
==''The Orville''==
{{Main|The Orville}}
In 2016, MacFarlane began producing the sci-fi comedy-drama series The Orville, in which he also stars as Captain Edward "Ed" Mercer.{{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}} 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.{{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}} The series premiered on September 10, 2017.{{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}} Despite the first season receiving negative reviews, it was renewed for a second season.{{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}} The second season premiered on December 30, 2018, and received better reviews.{{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}}
The series was renewed for a third season by Fox, however the series would move over to Hulu.{{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 }} 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 20th Century Fox.{{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}} The season was originally scheduled to premiere in 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{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 }} The third season titled as The Orville: New Horizons premiered on June 2, 2022.{{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}} 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.{{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 }}
==Television producing==
MacFarlane was the executive producer of a live-action sitcom starring Rob Corddry called 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.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 }} The show ran on Fox for six episodes in Spring 2007.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.[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.
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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}
In 2013 and 2014, MacFarlane produced one season of a live-action sitcom called Dads.{{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}} 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.{{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}}
In 2014, MacFarlane executive produced a two-season, 20-episode series called Blunt Talk for Starz.{{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|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}}{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}
==Television hosting==
MacFarlane has participated in the Comedy Central Roasts. 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.{{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}} 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.{{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 }}{{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 }}{{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 }} 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.{{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}} 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."{{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}} 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".{{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}} He stirred up controversy in the form of a musical number titled "We Saw Your Boobs".{{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}}
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, and globally on November 22, 2014, on BBC World News.{{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}} He returned to host the following year.{{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|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}}
=Film career=
==''Ted''==
{{Main|Ted (franchise)}}
MacFarlane made his directorial live-action film debut with the release of Ted in 2012. He announced that he was directing it on an episode of Conan that aired on February 10, 2011. Along with directing the film, he also wrote the screenplay, served as producer, and starred as the title character.
Ted tells the story of John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) and his talking teddy bear (MacFarlane) who keeps John and his girlfriend Lori Collins (Mila Kunis) from moving on with their lives. The film received generally favorable reviews from both critics and audiences, and was a box office success, opening with the highest weekend gross of all time for an original R-rated comedy.{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3547&p=.htm |title=Around-the-World Roundup: 'Taken 2' Crushes Predecessor, 'Ted' Sets New Record |publisher=Boxofficemojo.com |date=October 16, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2013}}{{cite web |url=https://movies.yahoo.com/news/box-office-report-ted-earns-record-54-1-155620510.html |title=Box Office Report: 'Ted' Earns Record $54.1 Mil; 'Magic Mike' Sizzles With $39.2 Mil – Yahoo! Movies |publisher=Movies.yahoo.com |date=July 1, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2013 |archive-date=October 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026003144/http://movies.yahoo.com/news/box-office-report-ted-earns-record-54-1-155620510.html |url-status=live }} Internationally, the movie is currently the highest-grossing original R-rated comedy of all time, beating The Hangover. A sequel, Ted 2, was released on June 26, 2015.{{cite web |url=https://www.deadline.com/2013/10/ted-2-release-date-june-26-2015/ |title='Ted 2′ Gets June 2015 Release Date |publisher=Deadline |date=October 2, 2013 |access-date=October 2, 2013 |archive-date=October 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002163522/http://www.deadline.com/2013/10/ted-2-release-date-june-26-2015/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite magazine |last=Patten |first=Dominic |url=https://deadline.com/2012/07/comic-con-mad-mens-jon-hamm-on-american-dad-next-season-seth-macfarlane-says-flintstones-reboot-still-delayed-301039/ |title=Comic-Con – Seth MacFarlane Says "I'd Be Open To Making Ted 2" |magazine=Deadline |date=July 14, 2012 |access-date=July 12, 2014 |archive-date=June 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619141335/http://www.deadline.com/2012/07/comic-con-mad-mens-jon-hamm-on-american-dad-next-season-seth-macfarlane-says-flintstones-reboot-still-delayed/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-19597043 |title=BBC News – Bourne Legacy sequel confirmed |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=September 14, 2012 |access-date=July 12, 2014 |work=BBC News |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213215402/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-19597043 |url-status=live }}
It was announced in June 2021 that Peacock had given a straight to series order for a prequel series. In addition to serving as executive producer for the series, MacFarlane reprises his role as Ted. Due to its prequel nature, Wahlberg and Kunis do not reprise their roles.{{cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |title='Ted' TV Series From Seth MacFarlane Based On Movie Ordered By Peacock; UCP & MRC Producing |url=https://deadline.com/2021/06/ted-tv-series-seth-macfarlane-peacock-ucp-mrc-1234772135/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=June 10, 2021 |date=June 10, 2021 |archive-date=June 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610180407/https://deadline.com/2021/06/ted-tv-series-seth-macfarlane-peacock-ucp-mrc-1234772135/ |url-status=live }}
==''A Million Ways to Die in the West''==
{{Main|A Million Ways to Die in the West}}
MacFarlane co-wrote and starred in his second film, A Million Ways to Die in the West. Alec Sulkin and Wellesley Wild were also co-writers for the film. The film follows a cowardly sheep farmer (MacFarlane) who loses a gunfight and sees his girlfriend leave him for another man. When a mysterious woman rides into town, she helps him find his courage. But when her outlaw husband arrives seeking revenge, the farmer must put his newfound courage to the test.{{cite web|url=http://uk.movies.yahoo.com/macfarlane-planning-western-film-094927757.html |title=MacFarlane planning Western film – Yahoo! Movies UK |publisher=Uk.movies.yahoo.com |date=December 6, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023044259/http://uk.movies.yahoo.com/macfarlane-planning-western-film-094927757.html |archive-date=October 23, 2013 }}{{cite web |last1=Chitwood |first1=Adam |title=Seth MacFarlane to Direct and Star in Live-Action Western Comedy A Million Ways to Die in the West |url=https://collider.com/seth-macfarlane-a-million-ways-to-die-in-the-west/ |website=Collider |access-date=October 17, 2018 |date=December 3, 2012 |archive-date=October 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017043021/http://collider.com/seth-macfarlane-a-million-ways-to-die-in-the-west/ |url-status=live }} The film was met with mixed to negative reviews from critics.{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/a-million-ways-to-die-in-the-west|title=A Million Ways to Die in the West Reviews – Metacritic|website=Metacritic|access-date=October 2, 2014|archive-date=July 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718035837/http://www.metacritic.com/movie/a-million-ways-to-die-in-the-west|url-status=live}}
On January 27, 2014, MacFarlane announced that he wrote a companion novel based on the film's script, which was released on March 4, 2014.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/SethMacFarlane/status/427885951373688832|title=For anyone who still reads|date=January 27, 2014|author=MacFarlane, Seth|publisher=Twitter|access-date=September 1, 2014|archive-date=February 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226164606/https://twitter.com/SethMacFarlane/status/427885951373688832|url-status=live}}{{Cite magazine |last=Gibson |first=Megan |date=January 28, 2014 |title=Seth MacFarlane Writes His First Novel |language=en-US |magazine=Time |url=https://entertainment.time.com/2014/01/28/seth-macfarlane-writes-his-first-novel/ |access-date=July 28, 2022|issn=0040-781X}} An audio-book version was also made available, narrated by Jonathan Frakes.{{cite web |url=http://www.randomhouse.com/book/239555/seth-macfarlanes-a-million-ways-to-die-in-the-west-by-seth-macfarlane |title=Seth MacFarlane's A Million Ways to Die in the West |publisher=Random House |access-date=May 27, 2014 |archive-date=May 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140501235948/http://www.randomhouse.com/book/239555/seth-macfarlanes-a-million-ways-to-die-in-the-west-by-seth-macfarlane |url-status=live }} MacFarlane wrote the book on weekends during shooting for the film, partially due to boredom.{{cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/seth-macfarlence-on-million-ways-to-die-and-taking-projects-that-terrify-him-1201166061/|title=Seth MacFarlane on 'Million Ways to Die' and Taking Projects That 'Terrify' Him|magazine=Variety|access-date=June 4, 2014|date=April 29, 2014|archive-date=May 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515074138/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/seth-macfarlence-on-million-ways-to-die-and-taking-projects-that-terrify-him-1201166061/|url-status=live}}
=Music career=
== Record deal and albums ==
File:Seth MacFarlane singing photo by James DeFrances 2015.jpg
In 2010, MacFarlane signed a record deal with Universal Republic Records.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/family-guy-creator-seth-macfarlane-signs-record-deal-957005/|title='Family Guy' Creator Seth MacFarlane Signs Record Deal|magazine=Billboard|date=August 6, 2010|access-date=August 7, 2010|archive-date=August 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822092317/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/family-guy-creator-seth-macfarlane-signs-record-deal-957005/|url-status=live}} He released his debut album, Music Is Better Than Words, in 2011. The album is a big band/standards album drawing on his training in and attraction to "the Great American Songbook and particularly the early- to late-'50s era of orchestration".{{cite web|author=Alexina |url=http://www.freakinsweetnews.com/2010/08/06/seth-macfarlane-on-leno-announces-debut-album |title=Seth MacFarlane On Leno, Announces Debut Album | Freakin Sweet News |publisher=Freakinsweetnews.com |date=August 6, 2010 |accessdate=March 2, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009052416/http://www.freakinsweetnews.com/2010/08/06/seth-macfarlane-on-leno-announces-debut-album |archivedate=October 9, 2011 }} The album featured duets with Norah Jones and Sara Bareilles. It was nominated in the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album and the Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical categories at the 54th Grammy Awards.{{cite news|access-date=June 30, 2013 |url=https://www.latimes.com/la-env-grammy-awards-2012-winners-nominees-list-htmlstory.html |title=Grammy Awards 2012: Winners and nominees list |work=Los Angeles Times |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715045312/http://www.latimes.com/la-env-grammy-awards-2012-winners-nominees-list-htmlstory.html |archive-date=July 15, 2014 }} It received a score of 52 out of 100 on Metacritic's compilation of music critic reviews.{{cite web|title=Critic reviews- Seth MacFarlane: Music is Better than Words|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/music-is-better-than-words/seth-macfarlane/critic-reviews|publisher=Metacritic.com|access-date=March 5, 2013|archive-date=March 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321013252/http://www.metacritic.com/music/music-is-better-than-words/seth-macfarlane/critic-reviews|url-status=live}} In 2014, he released his second studio album and first Christmas album Holiday for Swing.{{cite web |title=Seth MacFarlane Holiday For Swing LP |url=http://www.elusivedisc.com/Seth-MacFarlane-Holiday-For-Swing-LP/productinfo/UNILP70137/ |access-date=August 29, 2014 |publisher=elusivedisc.com |archive-date=September 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903210227/http://www.elusivedisc.com/Seth-MacFarlane-Holiday-For-Swing-LP/productinfo/UNILP70137/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6229386/seth-macfarlane-on-recording-holiday-for-swing-album|title=Seth MacFarlane on Playing It Straight for His New 'Holiday for Swing' Album|magazine=Billboard|last=Hampp|first=Andrew|date=August 26, 2014|access-date=August 29, 2014|archive-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726181501/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6229386/seth-macfarlane-on-recording-holiday-for-swing-album|url-status=live}}{{cite news|author=Ben Beaumont-Thomas |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2014/may/16/seth-macfarlane-christmas-album-norah-jones |title=Seth MacFarlane records Christmas album with Norah Jones |newspaper=The Guardian |date=May 16, 2014 |access-date=May 17, 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/seth-macfarlane-set-release-christmas-704591|title=Seth MacFarlane Set to Release Christmas Album|website=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Trakin|first=Roy|date=May 15, 2014|access-date=August 29, 2014|archive-date=September 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903083256/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/seth-macfarlane-set-release-christmas-704591|url-status=live}} It received mostly positive reviews.{{cite web | url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/holiday-for-swing!-mw0002739390 | title=Holiday for Swing! – Seth MacFarlane | publisher=Rovi Corporation | website=AllMusic | access-date=October 1, 2014 | author=Erlewine, Stephen Thomas | author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine | archive-date=February 20, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220153514/https://www.allmusic.com/album/holiday-for-swing!-mw0002739390 | url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-holiday-albums-review-20141127-story.html#page=2 |title=Holiday reviews |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=November 26, 2014 |first=Randy |last=Lewis |access-date=November 26, 2014 |archive-date=November 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126214127/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-holiday-albums-review-20141127-story.html#page=2 |url-status=live }} In 2015, his third studio album No One Ever Tells You was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/no-one-ever-tells-you-mw0002885879|title=No One Ever Tells You – Seth MacFarlane – Songs, Reviews, Credits – AllMusic|website=AllMusic|access-date=February 20, 2020|archive-date=October 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015220028/https://www.allmusic.com/album/no-one-ever-tells-you-mw0002885879|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/grammys/6785974/grammy-nominations-2016-full-list |title=Grammy Nominations 2016: See the Full List of Nominees |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 8, 2015 |archive-date=December 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210021119/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/grammys/6785974/grammy-nominations-2016-full-list |url-status=live }} In 2016, he was honored by Barbara Sinatra at the 28th annual Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational.{{cite web|title = Seth MacFarlane Honored at 2016 Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational|url = http://www.classicalite.com/articles/36748/20160203/seth-macfarlane-2016-frank-sinatra-celebrity-invitational.htm|website = Classicalite|date = February 3, 2016|access-date = February 9, 2016|archive-date = February 5, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160205092530/http://www.classicalite.com/articles/36748/20160203/seth-macfarlane-2016-frank-sinatra-celebrity-invitational.htm|url-status = live}}
He released his fourth studio album, In Full Swing, in 2017,{{cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Seth-MacFarlanes-New-Album-In-Full-Swing-Out-915-20170818|title=Seth MacFarlane's New Album 'In Full Swing' Out 9/15|publisher=Broadway Worldwide|date=August 17, 2017|access-date=December 18, 2017|archive-date=September 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914200652/https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Seth-MacFarlanes-New-Album-In-Full-Swing-Out-915-20170818|url-status=live}} again featuring songs composed by Joel McNeely.{{cite tweet|user=SethMacFarlane|author=Seth MacFarlane|number=736671571008327682|title=Recording masterfully crafted, hard-swinging charts the last few days by my pal the brilliant @joelsephmc|date=May 28, 2016|access-date=December 18, 2017}} Three singles were released from it: "That Face",{{cite web|title=That Face – Seth MacFarlane – Vevo |url=https://www.vevo.com/watch/seth-macfarlane/that-face-(audio)/USUMV1700769|website=Vevo|date=August 17, 2017|access-date=December 16, 2017}} "Almost Like Being in Love",{{cite web|title=Almost Like Being In Love – Seth MacFarlane – Vevo|url=https://www.vevo.com/watch/seth-macfarlane/almost-like-being-in-love-(audio)/USUMV1700770|website=Vevo|date=August 28, 2017|access-date=December 16, 2017|archive-date=December 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222105016/https://www.vevo.com/watch/seth-macfarlane/almost-like-being-in-love-(audio)/USUMV1700770|url-status=live}} and "Have You Met Miss Jones?"{{cite web|title=Have You Met Miss Jones? – Seth MacFarlane – Vevo|url=https://www.vevo.com/watch/seth-macfarlane/have-you-met-miss-jones-(audio)/USUMV1700771|website=Vevo|date=September 7, 2017|access-date=December 16, 2017|archive-date=December 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052117/https://www.vevo.com/watch/seth-macfarlane/have-you-met-miss-jones-(audio)/USUMV1700771|url-status=live}} The album was nominated for two Grammy Awards for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album and Best Arrangement, Instrumental and Vocals.{{cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/8053712/grammys-2018-see-the-complete-list-of-nominees|title=Grammys 2018: See the Complete List of Nominees|date=December 6, 2016|access-date=November 28, 2017|first=Joe|last=Lynch|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=January 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122045320/https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/8053712/grammys-2018-see-the-complete-list-of-nominees|url-status=live}} In 2019, for his fifth studio album Once in a While,{{cite web|url=https://www.ccmusic.com/once-in-a-while/602577418464|title=Seth MacFarlane Once In A While on Collectors' Choice Music|publisher=Collectors' Choice Music|date=April 13, 2019|access-date=April 16, 2019|archive-date=April 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416191041/https://www.ccmusic.com/once-in-a-while/602577418464|url-status=live}} MacFarlane worked with composer Andrew Cottee.{{cite tweet|user=cotteemusic|author=Andrew Cottee|number=1116711636138692608|title=Sounding just fantastic @SethMacFarlane! I so enjoyed making this recording with you and can't wait for the release later this month.|date=April 12, 2019|access-date=April 20, 2019}}
In 2020, MacFarlane released his sixth studio album, Great Songs from Stage & Screen,{{cite web|title=Vocalist Seth MacFarlane Presents 'Great Songs From Stage & Screen'|last=Sexton|first=Paul|date=August 19, 2020|work=UDiscover Music|url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/seth-macfarlane-announces-great-songs-from-stage-and-screen/|accessdate=August 19, 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211030036/https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/seth-macfarlane-announces-great-songs-from-stage-and-screen/|archivedate=February 11, 2015|url-status=live}} with composer Bruce Broughton, who he works with on The Orville, to compose the album.{{cite magazine|title=Seth MacFarlane Mines Classic Tunes for 'Great Songs From Stage and Screen': Exclusive|last=Newman|first=Melinda|date=August 19, 2020|magazine=Billboard|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9436486/seth-macfarlane-great-songs-from-stage-and-screen-exclusive|accessdate=August 19, 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211030036/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9436486/seth-macfarlane-great-songs-from-stage-and-screen-exclusive|archivedate=February 11, 2015|url-status=live}} Like his previous four albums, he recorded a majority of the songs at Abbey Road Studios. However, much of the album's post-production work was done at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web|date=September 17, 2020|title=Seth MacFarlane Recorded Great Songs From Stage And Screen at Abbey Road|url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=xLyXpexHicU|accessdate=September 17, 2020|work=NBC|archive-date=August 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830214841/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLyXpexHicU|url-status=live}} In 2022, he released his seventh studio album, Blue Skies.{{Cite web|last=William|first=Chris|date=April 21, 2022|title=Seth MacFarlane Returns to an Uptempo Take on Big-Band Jazz With New Album, 'Blue Skies' (EXCLUSIVE)|url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/seth-macfarlane-new-album-blue-skies-1235237598/|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531221441/https://variety.com/2022/music/news/seth-macfarlane-new-album-blue-skies-1235237598/|archive-date=May 31, 2019|access-date=April 21, 2022|website=Variety}} In November 2023, MacFarlane released a collaborative Christmas album with Gillies titled We Wish You the Merriest. The lead single of the same name was dropped on the day of the announcement.{{Cite magazine|last=Woerner|first=Meredith|date=September 28, 2023|title=Seth MacFarlane & Liz Gillies Debut Holiday Album|url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/seth-macfarlane-christmas-album-liz-gillies-1235737953/|url-status=live|magazine=Variety|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928130319/https://variety.com/2023/music/news/seth-macfarlane-christmas-album-liz-gillies-1235737953/|archive-date=September 28, 2023|access-date=October 20, 2023}}
In 2025, MacFarlane announced his ninth album, Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements. The album, conducted by John Wilson, features music originally arranged by Nelson Riddle, Billy May, and Don Costa for Frank Sinatra, but were never produced, and were discovered by MacFarlane in Sinatra's library of music material. The album is scheduled for release in June 2025.{{cite magazine|url= https://variety.com/2025/music/musicians/seth-macfarlane-album-unreleased-frank-sinatra-arrangements-1236375436/|title=New Seth MacFarlane Album Boasts Never-Before-Heard Frank Sinatra Arrangements (EXCLUSIVE)|magazine=Variety|access-date=May 21, 2025|date=April 23, 2025}}
== Collaborations ==
He was featured on Calabria Foti's 2013 single "Let's Fall in Love".{{cite web|url=http://calabriafoti.com/html-email/love-email.html|title=Calabria Foti & Seth MacFarlane release "Let's Fall in Love"|access-date=November 2, 2015|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304094717/http://calabriafoti.com/html-email/love-email.html|url-status=dead}} In 2016, he recorded the song "Pure Imagination" as a duet with Barbra Streisand for her album Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway.[http://www.barbrastreisand.com/news/new-barbra-streisand-album "New album ENCORE: Movie Partners Sing Broadway coming August 26"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820114933/http://www.barbrastreisand.com/news/new-barbra-streisand-album |date=August 20, 2017 }} barbrastreisand.com, June 10, 2016 MacFarlane sang numerous show tunes with Ariana Grande on an episode of Carpool Karaoke: The Series in 2017.{{cite web|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05gJdTKoFBU|title= Carpool Karaoke: The Series — Ariana Grande & Seth MacFarlane Preview — Apple TV|website= Youtube|date= August 22, 2017|accessdate= August 22, 2022}}
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, MacFarlane and Elizabeth Gillies collaborated on a series of songs, eight in total, on a playlist entitled, Songs from Home on Spotify.{{cite web|url= https://www.allmusic.com/album/liz-gillies-and-seth-macfarlane-songs-from-home-mw0003422536|title= Liz Gillies and Seth MacFarlane: Songs from Home|website= All Music|accessdate= August 22, 2022|archive-date= August 23, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220823003900/https://www.allmusic.com/album/liz-gillies-and-seth-macfarlane-songs-from-home-mw0003422536|url-status= live}} MacFarlane was featured in Meghan Trainor's Christmas album, A Very Trainor Christmas and did a cover of "White Christmas". The single debuted at number 24 on the Adult Contemporary chart issued dated November 14, 2020, the third holiday entry for both, and it later peaked at number 1 on the chart.{{cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |title=Meghan Trainor & Seth MacFarlane Ring In Holiday Season with 'White Christmas' Chart Debut |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9481134/meghan-trainor-seth-macfarlane-white-christmas-adult-contemporary-chart |magazine=Billboard |accessdate=November 15, 2020 |date=November 11, 2020 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115142012/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9481134/meghan-trainor-seth-macfarlane-white-christmas-adult-contemporary-chart |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |title=Meghan Trainor & Seth MacFarlane's 'White Christmas' Glistens at No. 1 on Adult Contemporary Chart |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/meghan-trainor-seth-macfarlane-top-ac-chart/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=August 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221203358/https://www.billboard.com/pro/meghan-trainor-seth-macfarlane-top-ac-chart/ |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |date=December 7, 2020 |url-status=live|url-access=subscription}} In 2023, MacFarlane was co-featured alongside Redman and Statik Selektah on the album track "Self Medication", from Logic's eighth studio album College Park.{{cite web|url=https://hypebeast.com/2023/2/logic-college-park-album-stream|title=Logic Releases First Independent Album 'College Park'|last=Caraan|first=Sophie|date=February 24, 2023|website=Hypebeast|access-date=March 1, 2023|archive-date=March 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301094216/https://hypebeast.com/2023/2/logic-college-park-album-stream|url-status=live}}
=Other projects=
MacFarlane was executive producer of a 2020 feature film adapting Clive Barker's novel Books of Blood for Hulu, directed by Brannon Braga.{{cite news|last1=Otterson|first1=Joe|title=Brannon Braga to Make Feature Directorial Debut With 'Books of Blood' for Hulu|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/books-of-blood-clive-barker-hulu-brannon-braga-1203389642/|access-date=October 31, 2019|work=Variety|date=October 31, 2019|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924190214/https://variety.com/2019/film/news/books-of-blood-clive-barker-hulu-brannon-braga-1203389642/|archive-date=September 24, 2016}}
In 2020, he signed a $200 million deal with NBCUniversal to develop television projects for both internal and external networks, including the company's then-developing streaming service Peacock.{{cite news|last1=Goldberg|first1=Lesley|title=Seth MacFarlane Inks $200M Overall Deal With NBCUniversal|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/seth-macfarlane-inks-200m-deal-nbcuniversal-1260123|access-date=January 10, 2020|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=January 10, 2020|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924190214/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/seth-macfarlane-inks-200m-deal-nbcuniversal-1260123|archive-date=September 24, 2016}}{{cite news|last1=James|first1=Meg|title=Seth MacFarlane signs $200 million TV deal with NBCUniversal|url= https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2020-01-10/seth-macfarlane-family-guy-tv-production-deal-nbcuniversal|access-date=January 10, 2020|work=Los Angeles Times|date=January 10, 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924190214/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2020-01-10/seth-macfarlane-family-guy-tv-production-deal-nbcuniversal|archive-date=September 24, 2016}} Among these projects is The End is Nye, hosted by Bill Nye, a six episode series exploring and explaining six apocalyptic scenarios. MacFarlane is executive producer and will make small appearances in each episode. It premiered on the service on August 25, 2022.{{cite web |last1=DeVore |first1=Britta |title='The End is NYE': Bill Nye's New Disaster Series Gets Release Date |url=https://collider.com/the-end-is-nye-series-release-date-bill-nye-seth-macfarlane-producing/ |website=Collider |access-date=June 17, 2022 |date=June 17, 2022 |archive-date=June 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617195909/https://collider.com/the-end-is-nye-series-release-date-bill-nye-seth-macfarlane-producing/ |url-status=live }}
In January 2021, it was announced that MacFarlane had been hired to develop a reboot of The Naked Gun. After MacFarlane had previously expressed interest in casting Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr. in 2015, the filmmaker was hired by the studio. Neeson revealed that the filmmaker alongside Paramount Pictures had approached him with a pitch to star in the movie.{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/naked-gun-movie-reboot-liam-neeson-seth-macfarlane/|work=Screen Rant|title=Liam Neeson & Seth MacFarlane Have Talked About a Naked Gun Reboot|author=Zinski, Dan|date=January 19, 2021|accessdate=February 9, 2022|archive-date=December 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214224927/https://screenrant.com/naked-gun-movie-reboot-liam-neeson-seth-macfarlane/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://people.com/movies/liam-neeson-says-he-will-soon-retire-from-action-movies/|work=People|title=Liam Neeson Says He Will Soon Retire from Action Movies: 'There's a Couple in the Pipeline'|author=Campione, Katie|date=January 2021|accessdate=February 8, 2022|archive-date=February 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209081855/https://people.com/movies/liam-neeson-says-he-will-soon-retire-from-action-movies/|url-status=live}} In June of the same year, Neeson stated that MacFarlane was working on a new draft of the script, with the studio additionally negotiating the filmmaker's potential role as director. He expressed excitement for the project and the opportunity to explore a more comedic role, should he decide to star in the movie; while stating that development on the project is ongoing.{{cite web|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2569464/liam-neeson-update-seth-macfarlane-the-naked-gun-reboot-excited-the-ice-road|work=CinemaBlend|title=Liam Neeson's Update On Seth MacFarlane's The Naked Gun Reboot Has Us Very Excited|author=Reyes, Mike|date=June 24, 2021|accessdate=February 9, 2022|archive-date=February 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210021805/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2569464/liam-neeson-update-seth-macfarlane-the-naked-gun-reboot-excited-the-ice-road|url-status=live}} In October 2022, the film was officially greenlit with Neeson in the lead role. The film will be directed by Akiva Schaffer, Dan Gregor and Doug Mand were hired to write a new draft of the script, from a previous draft with contributions from Mark Hentemann, Alec Sulkin and MacFarlane himself. MacFarlane and Erica Huggins will serve as producers.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2022/10/naked-gun-paramount-liam-neeson-lonely-islands-akiva-schaffer-1235144065/|title=New 'Naked Gun' Movie A Go At Paramount With Liam Neeson In Talks To Star And 'Lonely Island's Akiva Schaffer Directing|last=Kroll|first=Justin|date=October 13, 2022|access-date=January 4, 2023|archive-date=October 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013202602/https://deadline.com/2022/10/naked-gun-paramount-liam-neeson-lonely-islands-akiva-schaffer-1235144065/|url-status=live}}
=Guest appearances=
MacFarlane has appeared in sitcoms, comedy and news programs, independent films, and other animated shows. In 2002, MacFarlane appeared in the Gilmore Girls episode "Lorelai's Graduation Day".[http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2006/05.11/03-classday.html "Family Guy Seth MacFarlane to speak at Class Day: Creator and executive producer of 'Family Guy' will headline undergraduate celebration] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418134025/http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2006/05.11/03-classday.html |date=April 18, 2012 }}. Harvard Gazette. Retrieved December 21, 2007. On November 5, 2006, MacFarlane guest starred on Fox's The War at Home as "Hillary's Date", an unnamed 33-year-old man who secretly dates teenaged Hillary in the episode "I Wash My Hands of You".[https://web.archive.org/web/20090226105234/http://www.variety.com/profiles/Episode/main/173522/60078/I%20Wash%20My%20Hands%20of%20You.html?dataSet=1 The War at Home – "I Wash My Hands of You" Synopsis]. Variety. Retrieved January 1, 2008. MacFarlane also appeared as the engineer Ensign Rivers on Star Trek: Enterprise in the third-season episode "The Forgotten" and the fourth-season episode "Affliction". During 2006, MacFarlane had a role in the independent film Life is Short.{{cite news|first=Adam|last=Finley|title=Seth MacFarlane and Samm Levine in new short film – VIDEO|date=June 30, 2007|publisher=Webblogs (in partnership with AOL)|url=http://www.tvsquad.com/2007/06/30/seth-macfarlane-and-samm-levine-in-new-short-film-video/|work=TV Squad|access-date=January 5, 2008|archive-date=January 10, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080110001756/http://www.tvsquad.com/2007/06/30/seth-macfarlane-and-samm-levine-in-new-short-film-video/|url-status=dead}} He has been a frequent guest on the radio talkshow Loveline, hosted by Dr. Drew Pinsky.
File:Seth MacFarlane at Fox Fall Eco-Casino Party - 8 September 2008 crop.jpg
MacFarlane appeared on the November 11, 2006, episode of Fox's comedy show MADtv.[http://www.awn.com/news/television/mad-tv-gets-more-animated-fox "MAD TV Gets More Animated on FOX"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100204190113/http://www.awn.com/news/television/mad-tv-gets-more-animated-fox |date=February 4, 2010 }}. AWN Headline News. November 2, 2006. Retrieved January 1, 2008. MacFarlane has also appeared on news shows and late night television shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live!{{cite web|title=Jimmy Kimmel Live Gallery|url=http://abc.go.com/shows/jimmy-kimmel-live/photos?g=4711&ep=4877|publisher=ABC|access-date=December 22, 2007|archive-date=January 6, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106095516/http://abc.go.com/shows/jimmy-kimmel-live/photos?g=4711&ep=4877|url-status=live}} and Late Show with David Letterman.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/wahoo/index/php/20050328.phtml |title=Monday, March 28, 2005: Show #2339 |access-date=December 22, 2007 |last=McIntee |first=Michael Z|website=Late Show with David Letterman |publisher=CBS |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080110162643/http://www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/wahoo/index/php/20050328.phtml |archive-date=January 10, 2008}} Three months later on March 24, 2007, MacFarlane was interviewed on Fox's Talkshow with Spike Feresten,{{cite web|url=http://www.fox.com/talkshow/showinfo/index.htm |title=TALKSHOW with Spike Feresten |access-date=December 22, 2007 |last=Grossberg |first=Josh |website=FOX |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071215030309/http://fox.com/talkshow/showinfo/index.htm |archive-date = December 15, 2007}} and closed the show by singing the Frank Sinatra song "You Make Me Feel So Young".{{cite web|title=Seth MacFarlane sings "You Make Me Feel So Young"|url=http://www.spike.com/video/seth-macfarlane/2839155?cmpnid=800&lkdes=VID_2839155|publisher=Spoke|access-date=May 31, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220163554/http://www.spike.com/video/seth-macfarlane/2839155?cmpnid=800&lkdes=VID_2839155|archive-date=February 20, 2009}} He also provided Stewie's voice when he appeared as a brain tumor-induced hallucination to Seeley Booth in an episode of Bones, writing his own dialogue for the episode.Ausiello, Michael. [https://web.archive.org/web/20090827030948/http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/03/19/exclusive-bones/ Exclusive: 'Bones' plots 'Family Guy' crossover!] Entertainment Weekly. March 19, 2009. Retrieved August 2, 2009. On May 8, 2009, MacFarlane was a guest on Real Time with Bill Maher.{{cite web|last=MacIntyre |first=April |title='Family Guy' tips the hat to Stephen King |url=http://www.monstersandcritics.com/smallscreen/news/article_1476091.php/Family_Guy_tips_the_hat_to_Stephen_King_Sunday_May_10__VIDEOS |publisher=Monsters and Critics |date=May 9, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129030043/http://www.monstersandcritics.com/smallscreen/news/article_1476091.php/Family_Guy_tips_the_hat_to_Stephen_King_Sunday_May_10__VIDEOS |archive-date=November 29, 2014 }}
Other than Family Guy and American Dad!, MacFarlane voices characters in other cartoon shows and films. He voiced Wayne "The Brain" McClain in an episode of Aqua Teen Hunger Force.{{cite web|url=http://flakmag.com/features/aquateen.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208091451/http://flakmag.com/features/aquateen.html|archive-date=February 8, 2012 |title='Just Bring 'em in From Space': An Interview With the Creators of Aqua Teen Hunger Force |access-date=December 22, 2007 |last=Grossberg |first=Josh |website=Flak Magazine}} He has also voiced various characters on Adult Swim's Robot Chicken, including a parody of Lion-O and Emperor Palpatine as well as Peter Griffin in the Season 2 premiere – he even parodied himself in the Season 4 premiere, in which he renewed the show simply by mentioning it in a Family Guy-like cutaway after its fictitious cancellation at the end of Season 3. He also played the villain "The Manotaur" in Bob Boyle's animated kids series Yin Yang Yo!.{{cite web|url=http://television.aol.com/tv-celebrity-interviews/seth-macfarlane-2 |title=American Dad and Family Guy Creator Seth MacFarlane Is Animated About Work and Play |access-date=December 22, 2007 |date=May 11, 2007 |website=The TV Tattler |publisher=AOL |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060627002815/http://television.aol.com/tv-celebrity-interviews/seth-macfarlane-2 |archive-date=June 27, 2006 }} p. 2. In addition, MacFarlane voiced Johann Kraus in the 2008 film Hellboy II: The Golden Army.[http://io9.com/381830/hellboy-2s-psychic-entity-voiced-by-family-guy "Hellboy 2's Psychic Entity Voiced By Family Guy"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080524004933/http://io9.com/381830/hellboy-2s-psychic-entity-voiced-by-family-guy |date=May 24, 2008 }}. io9. Retrieved May 31, 2008. He also had a guest appearance in the animated film Futurama: Into the Wild Green Yonder where he sings "That Was Then (And This is Too)", the opening theme.{{cite web|title=Seth MacFarlane to Voice Next Futurama Movie|url=http://www.scifitv.com.au/Blog/2008/11/Seth-Macfarlane-To-Voice-Next-Futurama-Movie/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121230173837/http://www.scifitv.com.au/Blog/2008/11/Seth-Macfarlane-To-Voice-Next-Futurama-Movie/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 30, 2012|website=November 14, 2008|publisher=Sci-Fi TV Australia}} He had also starred in a commercial for Hulu in which he plays an alien presenting Hulu as an "evil plot to destroy the world", progressively as his famous Family Guy and American Dad! characters. He also lent his voice to the series finale movie of the Comedy Central series, Drawn Together.
MacFarlane played Ziggy in the 2010 film Tooth Fairy. In August 2010, he appeared as a guest voice-over in a sci-fi themed episode of Disney's Phineas and Ferb entitled "Nerds of a Feather".{{cite web|title=Phineas and Ferb – Nerds of a Feather|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1707588/|publisher=IMDb|year=2010|access-date=January 15, 2016|archive-date=January 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115155954/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1707588/|url-status=live}} On September 15, 2012, MacFarlane hosted the season premiere of Saturday Night Live, with musical guest Frank Ocean.{{cite web|title=Season 38 Premiere |url=http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/backstage/backstage/season-38-premiere/index.shtml |access-date=August 20, 2012 |website=NBC |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120821183336/http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/backstage/backstage/season-38-premiere/index.shtml |archive-date=August 21, 2012 }} The episode was MacFarlane's first appearance on the show. MacFarlane had a cameo in the 2013 film Movie 43.{{cite web|title=Movie 43 is Upcoming Movie of Emma Stone, Release Date, Cast, Wallpapers |url=http://www.viewsbuzz.com/movie-43-is-upcoming-movie-of-emma-stone-release-date-cast-wallpapers |access-date=May 2, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110503073147/http://www.viewsbuzz.com/movie-43-is-upcoming-movie-of-emma-stone-release-date-cast-wallpapers/ |archive-date=May 3, 2011 }} MacFarlane collaborated with Matt Groening on an episode of The Simpsons and Futurama.{{cite magazine | last = O'Connell | first = Michael | url = https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/seth-macfarlane-lends-voice-simpsons-519503 | title = Seth MacFarlane Lends Voice to 'Simpsons' Season Finale | date = May 8, 2013 | access-date = June 4, 2014 | magazine = The Hollywood Reporter }}{{cite magazine | last = Snierson | first = Dan | url = https://ew.com/article/2013/06/19/futurama-seth-macfarlane/| title = Futurama: Seth MacFarlane to play.... – EXCLUSIVE | date = June 19, 2013 | access-date = March 3, 2020 | magazine = Entertainment Weekly | url-status=live| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140901074747/http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/06/19/futurama-seth-macfarlane/ | archive-date = September 1, 2014 | df = mdy-all }} In 2016, he had a voice role in the animated film Sing, as well as serving as a major performer on the film's soundtrack.{{cite web|last1=Truitt|first1=Brian|title=Sneak peek: A-list animals 'SING' together|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2015/11/10/sneak-peek-sing-movie/75478808/|website=USA Today|access-date=August 6, 2016|date=November 10, 2015|archive-date=May 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530180859/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2015/11/10/sneak-peek-sing-movie/75478808/|url-status=live}} In 2017, he appeared in Steven Soderbergh's heist comedy Logan Lucky, alongside Channing Tatum and Adam Driver.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/05/adam-driver-steven-soderbergh-heist-movie-logan-lucky-1201753532/|title=Adam Driver Steps Into Steven Soderbergh's 'Logan Lucky'; Seth MacFarlane In Talks|last=Busch|first=Anita|date=May 11, 2016|website=Deadline|access-date=August 24, 2016|archive-date=August 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826123044/http://deadline.com/2016/05/adam-driver-steven-soderbergh-heist-movie-logan-lucky-1201753532/|url-status=live}} In 2019, MacFarlane appeared in the Showtime limited series The Loudest Voice.{{cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |last2=Petski |first2=Denise |title=Seth MacFarlane, Sienna Miller, Simon McBurney & Annabelle Wallis Join Showtime's Roger Ailes Limited Series |url=https://deadline.com/2018/10/seth-macfarlane-sienna-miller-simon-mcburney-annabelle-wallis-join-showtimes-roger-ailes-limited-series-1202481755/ |work=Deadline Hollywood |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |access-date=October 13, 2018 |date=October 12, 2018 |archive-date=October 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013014548/https://deadline.com/2018/10/seth-macfarlane-sienna-miller-simon-mcburney-annabelle-wallis-join-showtimes-roger-ailes-limited-series-1202481755/ |url-status=live }}
Artistry
=Musical style=
File:Frank Sinatra by Gottlieb c1947- 2.jpg significantly influenced MacFarlane and his music.]]
MacFarlane has a baritone voice.{{cite news|last=O'Connor|first=Stuart|title=Seth MacFarlane: from cartoons to showtunes|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/jul/31/seth-macfarlane-family-guy-singing-bbc-proms|newspaper=The Guardian|date=July 31, 2009}} He is a pianist and singer who, in his early years, trained with Lee and Sally Sweetland, the vocal coaches of Barbra Streisand and Frank Sinatra. In an interview with NPR, he commented on their training style: "They really drill you. They teach you the old-style way of singing, back when you had no electronic help ... [They teach you to] show your teeth. If you look at old photos of Sinatra while he's singing, there's a lot of very exposed teeth. That was something Lee Sweetland hit on day in and day out, and correctly so, because it just brightens the whole performance."{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2012/01/02/144084216/seth-macfarlane-a-family-guy-sings-out|title=Seth MacFarlane: A 'Family Guy' Sings Out|publisher=NPR|date=January 2, 2012|access-date=March 25, 2015|archive-date=April 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403061746/http://www.npr.org/2012/01/02/144084216/seth-macfarlane-a-family-guy-sings-out|url-status=live}}
In 2009, MacFarlane appeared as a vocalist at the BBC Proms with the John Wilson Orchestra in Prom 22, A Celebration of Classic MGM Film Musicals.[https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/classical/reviews/prom-22-a-celebration-of-classic-mgm-musicals-john-wilson-orchestra-royal-albert-hall-london-1766694.html Review for the Independent by Edward Seckerson, Monday 3 August 2009] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809040500/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/classical/reviews/prom-22-a-celebration-of-classic-mgm-musicals-john-wilson-orchestra-royal-albert-hall-london-1766694.html |date=August 9, 2017 }}. accessed August 29, 2010. In 2010, he reappeared at the Proms with the John Wilson Orchestra in a Christmas concert special. In 2012, it was announced he would again appear at the Proms with the John Wilson Orchestra in a concert celebrating Broadway musicals.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-18439435|title=Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane to perform at Proms|work=BBC News|date=June 14, 2012|access-date=June 22, 2012|archive-date=June 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617193335/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-18439435|url-status=live}} In 2015, MacFarlane again appeared at The Proms as a vocalist with the John Wilson Orchestra, this time in a Sinatra program.{{cite press release | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/corporate2/mediacentre/latestnews/2015/bbcproms2015-launch | title=The BBC Proms today announces full details of its 2015 season, marking the 120th anniversary of the world's largest and longest-running music festival | publisher=BBC | date=April 23, 2015 | access-date=August 3, 2015 | archive-date=July 26, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726045113/http://www.bbc.co.uk/corporate2/mediacentre/latestnews/2015/bbcproms2015-launch | url-status=live }} Regarding his musical passion, MacFarlane has said, "I love and am fascinated by exciting orchestration—what you can do with a band that size—and I think in many ways it's a lost art."{{cite web |title=Seth MacFarlane |url=https://www.biography.com/people/seth-macfarlane-20624525 |access-date=January 1, 2019 |website=Biography |archive-date=January 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102050404/https://www.biography.com/people/seth-macfarlane-20624525 |url-status=live }} His music is predominantly vocal jazz, show tunes and swing.{{cite news | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/seth-macfarlane-receives-two-grammy-268403 | title=Seth MacFarlane Receives Two Grammy Nominations (Video) | work=The Hollywood Reporter | date=January 12, 2011 | access-date=March 10, 2015 | author=Schutte, Lauren | archive-date=April 30, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430020703/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/seth-macfarlane-receives-two-grammy-268403 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/genres/easylisteningsoundtracksandmusicals/reviews | title=Easy Listening, Soundtracks & Musicals Reviews | website=BBC Music | access-date=March 10, 2015 | archive-date=October 31, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031022929/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/genres/easylisteningsoundtracksandmusicals/reviews | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2014/may/16/seth-macfarlane-christmas-album-norah-jones | title=Seth MacFarlane records Christmas album with Norah Jones | work=The Guardian | date=May 16, 2014 | access-date=March 10, 2015 | author=Beaumont-Thomas, Ben}}{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/jul/31/seth-macfarlane-family-guy-singing-bbc-proms | title=Seth MacFarlane: from cartoons to showtunes | work=The Guardian | date=July 31, 2009 | access-date=March 10, 2015 | author=O'Connor, Stuart}}{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00wyltw | title=Swingin' Christmas | website=BBC | access-date=March 10, 2015}} He also uses musical comedy in his shows and movies.{{cite news | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/oscars-2013-25-things-know-423230 | title=Oscars 2013: 25 Things to Know About Host Seth MacFarlane | work=The Hollywood Reporter | date=February 23, 2013 | access-date=March 10, 2015 | archive-date=April 12, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412140214/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/oscars-2013-25-things-know-423230 | url-status=live }}
=Influences=
MacFarlane has said that his comedy influences include Woody Allen, Jackie Gleason, Mel Brooks, Monty Python, Matt Groening, and Norman Lear;{{cite interview|last=Pollak |first=Kevin |interviewer=Kevin Pollak |title=Kevin Pollak Chat Show |last2=MacFarlane |first2=Seth |url=http://www.kevinpollakschatshow.com/archive/?p=64 |date=August 30, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016071245/http://www.kevinpollakschatshow.com/archive/?p=64 |archive-date=October 16, 2013 }}{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/2014/09/27/matt-groening-seth-macfarlane-simpsons-family-guy-crossover/|title='Simpsons' and 'Family Guy' creators Matt Groening and Seth MacFarlane talk crossover episode, movies, rivalry|first=Dan|last=Snierson|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=September 27, 2014|access-date=September 28, 2014|archive-date=November 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104105631/https://ew.com/article/2014/09/27/matt-groening-seth-macfarlane-simpsons-family-guy-crossover/|url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/28/style/norman-lear-and-seth-macfarlane-and-their-tv-families.html|title=Norman Lear and Seth MacFarlane and Their TV Families|first=Philip|last=Galanes|work=The New York Times|date=June 26, 2015|access-date=June 27, 2015|archive-date=December 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216173130/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/28/style/norman-lear-and-seth-macfarlane-and-their-tv-families.html|url-status=live }} while his musical influences include Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Vic Damone, Johnny Mercer, Bing Crosby, Bobby Darin, Gordon MacRae and the Rat Pack.{{cite journal|url=http://www.musictimes.com/articles/9969/20140911/family-guy-creator-seth-macfarlane-releases-cover-art-release-date-for-christmas-album-holiday-for-swing-photo-norah-jones-sara-bareilles.htm |title='Family Guy' Creator Seth MacFarlane Releases Cover Art, Release Date For Christmas Album 'Holiday For Swing'|journal=Music Times|date=September 11, 2014 |access-date=March 25, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.epixhd.com/movie/seth-macfarlane-swingin-in-concert|title=Seth MacFarlane: Swingin' in Concert|publisher=Epix|date=September 26, 2011|access-date=March 26, 2015|archive-date=March 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315012911/http://www.epixhd.com/movie/seth-macfarlane-swingin-in-concert/|url-status=live}}
Activism
=Political views=
MacFarlane is a supporter of the Democratic Party. He has donated over $200,000 to various Democratic congressional committees and to the 2008 presidential campaign of then-U.S. Senator Barack Obama.{{cite web
|url=http://www.newsmeat.com/celebrity_political_donations/Seth_MacFarlane.php
|title=Seth MacFarlane's Federal Campaign Contribution Report
|publisher=newsmeat.com
|access-date=September 30, 2008
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130816133700/http://newsmeat.com/celebrity_political_donations/Seth_MacFarlane.php
|archive-date=August 16, 2013
}} He has stated that he supports the legalization of cannabis.{{cite video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EA9IQSxTPAs |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/EA9IQSxTPAs |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Seth MacFarlane on Legalizing Marijuana}}{{cbignore}}
In 2015, MacFarlane endorsed Bernie Sanders for the 2016 U.S. presidential election, and he introduced Sanders onstage at a Los Angeles rally.{{cite news|url=https://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/dem-primaries/257036-family-guy-creator-sanders-won-the-debate/|first=Bradford|last=Richardson|title='Family Guy' Creator Seth MacFarlane: Sanders won the debate|work=The Hill|date=October 15, 2015|access-date=October 15, 2015|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016123110/http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/dem-primaries/257036-family-guy-creator-sanders-won-the-debate|url-status=live}} After the primaries, he supported Hillary Clinton for president during the general election.{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2016/biz/news/hillary-clinton-fundraisers-seth-mcfarlane-barry-diller-diane-von-furstenberg-1201852898/|first=Ted|last=Johnson|title=Seth MacFarlane, Barry Diller and Diane von Furstenberg to Host Hillary Clinton Fundraisers|work=Variety|date=September 6, 2016|access-date=September 6, 2016|archive-date=September 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907150534/http://variety.com/2016/biz/news/hillary-clinton-fundraisers-seth-mcfarlane-barry-diller-diane-von-furstenberg-1201852898/|url-status=live}} In 2019, he supported Pete Buttigieg in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.{{cite news |last1=Walsh |first1=Savannah |title=A Guide to Every Celebrity Endorsement For The 2020 Presidential Election So Far |url=https://www.elle.com/culture/career-politics/a29386763/celebrity-endorsements-2020-presidential-election/ |publisher=Elle |date=October 9, 2019 |access-date=December 24, 2019 |archive-date=January 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103141957/https://www.elle.com/culture/career-politics/a29386763/celebrity-endorsements-2020-presidential-election/ |url-status=live }} After the primaries, he endorsed Joe Biden for president during the general election.{{cite news|url=https://www.newsweek.com/robert-de-niro-cardi-b-these-are-celebrities-endorsing-joe-biden-1531295|date=September 11, 2020|title=From Robert De Niro to Cardi B, These are the Celebrities Endorsing Joe Biden|work=Newsweek|first=Marina|last=Watts|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=September 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200911193150/https://www.newsweek.com/robert-de-niro-cardi-b-these-are-celebrities-endorsing-joe-biden-1531295|url-status=live}} He endorsed Biden again for the 2024 U.S. presidential election.{{Cite web |last=Lloyd |first=Sophie |date=April 5, 2024 |title=Full List of Celebrities Supporting Joe Biden Over Donald Trump |url=https://www.newsweek.com/celebrities-supporting-joe-biden-2024-election-1887372 |access-date=June 3, 2024 |website=Newsweek |language=en |archive-date=June 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603060020/https://www.newsweek.com/celebrities-supporting-joe-biden-2024-election-1887372 |url-status=live }} After Biden withdrew his candidacy, MacFarlane endorsed Kamala Harris.{{Cite magazine |last1=Yandoli |first1=Krystie Lee |first2=Tomás |last2=Mier |date=2024-07-23 |title=Cardi B, Charli XCX, Barbra Streisand, More Celebs Endorse Kamala Harris for President |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/kamala-harris-celebrity-endorsements-cardi-b-charli-xcx-barbra-streisand-1235065132/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}
=Gay rights advocacy=
MacFarlane is a supporter of gay rights. In 2008, prior to the holding of the Obergefell v. Hodges case by the United States Supreme Court, MacFarlane called it "infuriating and idiotic" that two gay partners "have to go through this fucking dog and pony act when they stop at a hotel and the guy behind the counter says, 'You want one room or two?'" He went on to say: "I'm incredibly passionate about my support for the gay community and what they're dealing with at this current point in time."{{cite news|url=http://www.advocate.com/news/2008/01/25/bgf-seth-macfarlane|title=BGF: Seth MacFarlane|publisher=Advocate|author=Voss, Brandon|newspaper=Advocate.com|access-date=September 5, 2009|date=January 25, 2008|archive-date=August 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823102520/http://www.advocate.com/news/2008/01/25/bgf-seth-macfarlane|url-status=live}}
In recognition of "his active, passionate commitment to humanist values, and his fearless support of equal marriage rights and other social justice issues", MacFarlane was named the Harvard Humanist of the Year in 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.harvardhumanist.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=166:seth-macfarlane-harvard-humanist-of-the-year-2011&catid=6:latest-news&Itemid=38|website=Humanist Chaplaincy at Harvard|title=Seth MacFarlane, Harvard Humanist of the Year 2011!|access-date=May 26, 2011|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807031352/http://www.harvardhumanist.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=166:seth-macfarlane-harvard-humanist-of-the-year-2011&catid=6:latest-news&Itemid=38|url-status=dead}}
=Speaking engagements=
MacFarlane is a frequent speaking guest on college campuses. On April 16, 2006, he was invited by Stanford University's ASSU Speakers' Bureau to address an audience of over 1,000 at Memorial Auditorium.Finley, Adam. [http://www.tvsquad.com/2006/04/20/seth-mcfarlane-talks-about-south-park/ "Seth McFarlane talks about South Park"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807025208/http://www.tvsquad.com/2006/04/20/seth-mcfarlane-talks-about-south-park/ |date=August 7, 2020 }} TV Squad. Published April 20, 2006. Retrieved October 18, 2009. He was invited by Harvard University's class of 2006 to deliver the "class day" address on June 7, 2006. He spoke as himself, and also as Peter Griffin, Stewie Griffin and Glenn Quagmire.[http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2006/05.11/03-classday.html "'Family Guy' Seth MacFarlane to speak at Class Day"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418134025/http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2006/05.11/03-classday.html |date=April 18, 2012 }}. The Harvard University Gazette. Retrieved October 18, 2009. He has also spoken at George Washington University,[http://www.adultswim.com/williams/news/090406/index.html#1 "Seth MacFarlane coming to George Washington Univ.!"] Adult Swim. Retrieved December 20, 2007. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081009205450/http://www.adultswim.com/williams/news/090406/index.html |date=October 9, 2008 }} Washington University in St. Louis,{{cite web|url=https://source.wustl.edu/2005/03/creator-of-family-guy-to-speak-at-assembly-series/|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230324195830/https://source.wustl.edu/2005/03/creator-of-family-guy-to-speak-at-assembly-series/|archive-date=March 24, 2023|title=LMU reacts to First Amendment Week keynote choice|access-date=March 25, 2005|last=Broom|first=Caroline|date=March 24, 2005|website=The Newsroom}} the University of Texas at Austin,{{cite web |url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2007/04/16/TopStories/family.Guy.Creator.Brings.Insights.To.Ut-2842963.shtml |title='Family Guy' creator brings insights to UT |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703204708/http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2007/04/16/TopStories/family.Guy.Creator.Brings.Insights.To.Ut-2842963.shtml |archive-date=July 3, 2007}}. The Daily Texan. Retrieved April 22, 2007. the University of Missouri,{{cite web |url = http://www.themaneater.com/stories/2007/8/21/dsa-lines-fall-entertainment/ |title = DSA lines up fall entertainment |access-date = January 29, 2008 |last = Levy |first = Stephanie |date = August 21, 2007 |website = The Maneater |quote = MacFarlane and [Henry] Rollins were chosen because of their popularity with students and prevalence in pop culture. |archive-date = February 13, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080213173949/http://www.themaneater.com/stories/2007/8/21/dsa-lines-fall-entertainment/ |url-status = dead }} Bowling Green State University,{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/a-voice-for-obama-family-guy-creator-macfarlane-speaks-at-bowling-green-state-u/|title=A 'voice' For Obama: 'Family Guy' Creator MacFarlane Speaks At Bowling Green State U.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107034416/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/a-voice-for-obama-family-guy-creator-macfarlane-speaks-at-bowling-green-state-u/|archive-date=November 7, 2018|access-date=August 2, 2009|last=Sullivan|first=Ryan|date=October 6, 2008|work=CBS News}} Loyola Marymount University,{{cite web|url=http://www.laloyolan.com/news/lmu-reacts-to-faw-keynote-choice-1.2142020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100505083637/http://www.laloyolan.com/news/lmu-reacts-to-faw-keynote-choice-1.2142020|archive-date =May 5, 2010|title=LMU reacts to First Amendment Week keynote choice|access-date=February 10, 2010|last=Oddis|first=Kyle|date=February 8, 2010|website=The Los Angeles Loyolan}} and University of California, Los Angeles.{{Cite news|last=Day|first=Patrick Kevin|date=November 30, 2012|title=Seth MacFarlane plans to have college kids deliver Oscars|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-xpm-2012-nov-30-la-et-mn-seth-mcfarlane-college-kids-oscar-ceremony-20121130-story.html|url-status=live|work=Los Angeles Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523091721/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-xpm-2012-nov-30-la-et-mn-seth-mcfarlane-college-kids-oscar-ceremony-20121130-story.html|archive-date=May 23, 2023|access-date=November 30, 2012}}
=2007–08 Writers Guild of America strike=
File:Seth mcfarlane speaks at wga rally.jpg rally in Culver City on November 9, 2007]]
During the 2007–08 Writers Guild of America strike, MacFarlane publicly sided with the Writers Guild, and fully participated in the strike.[http://wga.org/subpage_member.aspx?id=2529 "Pencils Down"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071219203656/http://www.wga.org/subpage_member.aspx?id=2529 |date=December 19, 2007 }}. Writers' Guild of America. Retrieved December 20, 2007. Official production of Family Guy was halted for most of December 2007 and various periods afterwards. Fox continued producing episodes without MacFarlane's final approval, and although he refused to work on the show during the strike, his contract with Fox required him to contribute to any episodes it subsequently produced.{{cite news|url= https://variety.com/2007/tv/news/fox-to-air-new-guy-sunday-1117975944/|title=Fox to air new 'Guy' Sunday|last=Adalian |first=Josef |work=Variety |access-date=March 3, 2020|date=November 13, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071117224737/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117975944.html?categoryid=2821 |archive-date=November 17, 2007 }} Rumors of continued production on Family Guy prompted the statement from MacFarlane that ".....it would just be a colossal dick move if they did that". During the strike, MacFarlane wrote an inside joke into an episode of Family Guy about Jon Stewart's choice to return to the air and undermine the writers of The Daily Show, causing Stewart to respond with an angry phone-call, harassing MacFarlane and arguing his point.{{cite web|last=Piers|first=Morgan|title=Seth MacFarlane Interview|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrcOge6pMhg |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/NrcOge6pMhg |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|work=CNN|date=October 4, 2011 |access-date=January 15, 2016}}{{cbignore}} The strike ended on February 12, 2008.
= 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike =
During the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike and the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, MacFarlane donated $1 million to The Entertainment Community Fund to Support Film and Television Workers During Strikes. The Entertainment Community, formerly The Actors Fund, is there to help provide financial assistance for industry workers during the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes.{{cite web|url= https://variety.com/2023/film/columns/seth-macfarlane-donation-entertainment-community-fund-1235684669/|title= Seth MacFarlane Donates $1 Million to Entertainment Community Fund to Support Film and Television Workers During Strikes (EXCLUSIVE)|website= August 1, 2023|date= August 2023|access-date= August 2, 2023|archive-date= August 2, 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230802001822/https://variety.com/2023/film/columns/seth-macfarlane-donation-entertainment-community-fund-1235684669/|url-status= live}}
=The Seth MacFarlane Collection of the Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan Archive=
In 2012, MacFarlane donated money to create The Seth MacFarlane Collection of the Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan Archive at the Library of Congress. MacFarlane said, "The work of Carl Sagan has been a profound influence in my life, and the life of every individual who recognizes the importance of humanity's ongoing commitment to the exploration of our universe [...] The continuance of our journey outward into space should always occupy some part of our collective attention, regardless of whatever Snooki did last week."{{cite news|title=Somewhere, aliens watch Jersey Shore and plot Earth's total annihilation|newspaper=The Express, a Washington, DC newspaper|date=June 29, 2012}}{{cite web|last=Fischer|first=Audrey|title=Library of Congress Acquires Carl Sagan Papers|url=https://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2012/12-104.html|publisher=US Library of Congress|access-date=June 29, 2012|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629024041/http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2012/12-104.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Day|first=Patrick|title=Seth MacFarlane donates Carl Sagan's papers to Library of Congress|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-seth-macfarlane-carl-sagan-library-congress-20120628,0,3134029.story|access-date=June 29, 2012|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=June 28, 2012|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629145835/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-seth-macfarlane-carl-sagan-library-congress-20120628,0,3134029.story|url-status=live}} The collection opened on November 12, 2013.{{cite news|title=Science geek Seth MacFarlane donates to Carl Sagan's notes collection|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/reliable-source/wp/2013/11/12/science-geek-seth-macfarlane-donates-to-carl-sagans-notes-collection/|date=November 12, 2013|access-date=November 13, 2013|newspaper=The Washington Post|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107093220/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/reliable-source/wp/2013/11/12/science-geek-seth-macfarlane-donates-to-carl-sagans-notes-collection/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Carl Sagan Archive Opens at U.S. Library of Congress|first=Miriam|last=Kramer|url=https://www.space.com/23567-carl-sagan-archive-library-of-congress.html|date=November 12, 2013|access-date=November 13, 2013|work=Space.com|archive-date=August 13, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813170650/https://www.space.com/23567-carl-sagan-archive-library-of-congress.html|url-status=live}}
= Film preservation =
On April 20, 2024, MacFarlane partnered with Martin Scorsese to showcase Back from the Ink: Restored Animated Shorts at the 2024 TCM Classic Film Festival. MacFarlane and Scorsese funded the restoration and worked with the UCLA Film and Television Archive and The Film Foundation with Paramount Pictures Archives.{{Cite web |last=Helm |first=Douglas |date=2024-04-23 |title=Seth MacFarlane Teams With Martin Scorsese To Save Classic Cartoons |url=https://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/?p=624413 |access-date=2024-05-04 |website=GIANT FREAKIN ROBOT |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Mendez |first=Gabriella |date=2024-04-18 |title=Seth MacFarlane and Martin Scorsese Team Up for Animation Restoration Project |url=https://www.cbr.com/seth-macfarlane-martin-scorsese-animation-restoration-project/ |access-date=2024-05-04 |website=CBR |language=en |archive-date=April 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418174434/https://www.cbr.com/seth-macfarlane-martin-scorsese-animation-restoration-project/ |url-status=live }}
Personal life
MacFarlane lives in Beverly Hills, California.{{cite web |url=https://www.echofineproperties.com/seth-mcfarlanes-personal-resort/ |title=Seth McFarlane's Personal Resort |last=Lichtenstein |first=Jeff |website=Echo Fine Properties |date=July 19, 2016 |access-date=August 11, 2021 }} He is not married and has no children.{{cite web |last1=Fisher |first1=Luchina |title=Oscar Host Seth MacFarlane: 7 Things to Know |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/oscar-host-seth-macfarlane-things/story?id=18539228#:~:text=Then%20again%2C%20I'm%20not,Neil%20Meron%20told%20USA%20Today. |website=ABC News |access-date=December 6, 2022 |archive-date=December 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206162322/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/oscar-host-seth-macfarlane-things/story?id=18539228#:~:text=Then%20again%2C%20I'm%20not,Neil%20Meron%20told%20USA%20Today. |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Wigandt |first1=Hannah |title=The Real Reason Seth MacFarlane Doesn't Have A Wife |url=https://www.thethings.com/seth-macfarlane-wife-dating-facts/ |website=The Things |date=September 3, 2021 |access-date=December 6, 2022 |archive-date=December 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206162317/https://www.thethings.com/seth-macfarlane-wife-dating-facts/ |url-status=live }} From 2012 to 2013, he was in a relationship with British actress Emilia Clarke.{{cite web |last1=Fisher |first1=Kendall |title=Emilia Clarke Finally Opens Up About Dating Seth MacFarlane |url=https://www.eonline.com/uk/news/754076/emilia-clarke-finally-opens-up-about-dating-seth-macfarlane |website=E! News |access-date=October 29, 2019 |date=2016 |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327183257/https://www.eonline.com/uk/news/754076/emilia-clarke-finally-opens-up-about-dating-seth-macfarlane |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Seth MacFarlane Splits From Emilia Clarke |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/seth-macfarlane-splits-emilia-clarke_n_2922787?guccounter=1 |website=HuffPost |access-date=October 29, 2019 |date=March 21, 2013 |archive-date=July 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715074503/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/seth-macfarlane-splits-emilia-clarke_n_2922787?guccounter=1 |url-status=live }}
MacFarlane gave a speech at his alma mater, the Rhode Island School of Design, on September 10, 2001;"Full Frontal TV" Q&A: Head of the Family". Penthouse. September 2007. the next morning he was scheduled to return to Los Angeles on American Airlines Flight 11, one of the planes hijacked in the September 11 attacks. Due to a hangover after the previous night's celebrations and an incorrect departure time (8:15 a.m. instead of 7:45 a.m.) from his travel agent, he arrived at Logan International Airport about ten minutes too late to board the flight, as the gates had been closed.{{cite news | last = Johnson | first = Peter | date = September 17, 2001 | title = TV Insider (column) | url = https://www.proquest.com/docview/408839814 | newspaper = USA Today | access-date = August 23, 2015 | archive-date = March 21, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160321112435/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/USAToday/doc/408839814.html | id = {{ProQuest|408839814}} | url-status = live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.mania.com/10-questions-family-guys-seth-mcfarlane-part-two_article_39625.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140428231727/http://www.mania.com/10-questions-family-guys-seth-mcfarlane-part-two_article_39625.html |title=DVD Interview: 10 Questions with FAMILY GUY's Seth MacFarlane – Part Two |publisher=ManiaDVD |access-date=August 23, 2015 |archive-date=April 28, 2014 |url-status=dead |first1=Patrick |last1=Sauriol |date=September 15, 2003 }} Speaking of his experience of missing the fatal trip, MacFarlane said:
The only reason it hasn't really affected me as it maybe could have is I didn't really know that I was in any danger until after it was over, so I never had that panic moment. After the fact, it was sobering, but people have a lot of close calls; you're crossing the street and you almost get hit by a car... This one just happened to be related to something massive. I really can't let it affect me because I'm a comedy writer. I have to put that in the back of my head.{{cite web|url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/articles/seth.cfm|title=Interview with Seth MacFarlane|publisher=TVShowsonDVD.com|date=April 23, 2003|access-date=September 1, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070824231737/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/articles/seth.cfm|archive-date=August 24, 2007|df=mdy-all}}The Family Guy episode "Boy (Dog) Meets Girl (Dog)" references the incident.
On July 16, 2010, MacFarlane's mother, Ann Perry Sager, died from cancer. Her death was reported by Larry King on his show Larry King Live, who acknowledged a conversation he had with her during an interview with MacFarlane in May 2010.{{cite web|date=July 16, 2010|title=Obituaries – Ann Perry MacFarlane|url=http://www.newburyportnews.com/obituaries/x2105968393/Ann-Perry-MacFarlane|access-date=August 1, 2010|publisher=Newburyport News|archive-date=August 7, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100807202534/http://www.newburyportnews.com/obituaries/x2105968393/Ann-Perry-MacFarlane|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Television/2010/07/29/14863236-wenn-story.html |title=Seth MacFarlane's mother dies |publisher=Canoe |access-date=July 31, 2010 |date=July 29, 2010|url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710074405/http://jam.canoe.ca/Television/2010/07/29/14863236-wenn-story.html|archive-date=July 10, 2012}}
MacFarlane is an atheist, explaining his beliefs, "I do not believe in God. I'm an atheist. I consider myself a critical thinker, and it fascinates me that in the 21st century most people still believe in, as George Carlin puts it, 'the invisible man living in the sky'."{{cite news | first=Brandon | last=Voss | title=Big Gay Following: Seth MacFarlane | date=February 28, 2008 | work=The Advocate | publisher=Planet Out, Incorporated | url=http://www.advocate.com/issue_story.asp?id=51793&page=1 | access-date=February 3, 2008 | quote=...I'm an atheist... | archive-date=August 17, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090817120630/http://www.advocate.com/issue_story.asp?id=51793&page=1 | url-status=live }}{{Cite web|last=Woods|first=Stacey Grenrock|date=August 18, 2009|title=Hungover with Seth MacFarlane|url=https://www.esquire.com/features/the-screen/seth-macfarlane-interview-0909|access-date=May 30, 2021|website=Esquire|language=en-US|archive-date=September 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140902113556/http://www.esquire.com/features/the-screen/seth-macfarlane-interview-0909|url-status=live}}Seth MacFarlane to Steppin' Out magazine{{Volume needed|date=November 2012}}
Lawsuits
On October 3, 2007, Bourne Co. Music Publishers filed a lawsuit accusing Family Guy of infringing its copyright on the song "When You Wish Upon a Star", through a parody song titled "I Need a Jew" appearing in the episode "When You Wish Upon a Weinstein". Bourne Co., which holds the copyright, alleged the parody pairs a "thinly veiled" copy of their music with anti semitic lyrics. Named in the suit were MacFarlane, 20th Century Fox Film Corp., Fox Broadcasting Co., Cartoon Network and Walter Murphy; the suit sought to stop the program's distribution and asked for unspecified damages.{{cite court |litigants=Bourne Co., vs. Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Fox Broadcasting Company, Twentieth Century Fox Television, Inc., Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, Inc., Fuzzy Door Productions, Inc., The Cartoon Network, Inc., Seth MacFarlane, Walter Murphy |court=United States District Court, Southern District of New York |date=October 3, 2007 |access-date=September 5, 2010 |url=http://www.schwimmerlegal.com/family%20guy%20complaint.pdf |format=PDF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025144422/http://www.schwimmerlegal.com/family%20guy%20complaint.pdf |url-status=dead }} Bourne argued that "I Need a Jew" uses the copyrighted melody of "When You Wish Upon a Star" without commenting on that song, and that it was therefore not a First Amendment-protected parody per the ruling in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc.{{cite web |url=http://writ.news.findlaw.com/hilden/20071031.html |title="The Family Guy" Once Again Tests Parody's Limits: The Copyright Suit Challenging the Show's Use of "When You Wish Upon a Star" |access-date=September 28, 2007 |last=Hilden |first=Julie |author-link=Julie Hilden |date=October 31, 2007 |website=FindLaw's Writ |publisher=FindLaw |archive-date=November 2, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071102070735/http://writ.news.findlaw.com/hilden/20071031.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=conewsstory&refer=conews&tkr=DJ%3AUS&sid=aQveqoR6.Pew |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091102163410/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=conewsstory&refer=conews&tkr=DJ%3AUS&sid=aQveqoR6.Pew |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 2, 2009 |title=News Corp. Wins Suit Dismissal Over 'Family Guy' Song (Update1) |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |access-date=May 8, 2010 |date=March 16, 2009 }} On March 16, 2009, United States District Judge Deborah Batts held that Family Guy did not infringe on Bourne's copyright when it transformed the song for comical use in an episode.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE52F6W620090316 |title="Family Guy" wins court battle over song |access-date=May 8, 2009 |last=Kearney |first=Christine |date=March 16, 2009 |work=Reuters |archive-date=July 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120727064326/http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/03/16/us-usa-familyguy-song-idUSTRE52F6W620090316 |url-status=live }}
In December 2007, Family Guy was again accused of copyright infringement when actor Art Metrano filed a lawsuit regarding a scene in Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story, in which Jesus performs Metrano's signature magic parody act, involving absurd faux magical hand gestures while humming the distinctive tune "Fine and Dandy".{{cite web |url=http://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2007/12/06/6128/magician_sues_over_cartoon_jesus |title=Magician sues over cartoon Jesus |website=Chortle |access-date=September 25, 2009 |archive-date=March 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305173634/http://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2007/12/06/6128/magician_sues_over_cartoon_jesus |url-status=live }} MacFarlane, 20th Century Fox, Steve Callaghan, and Alex Borstein were all named in the suit.{{cite court |litigants=Arthur Metrano, vs. Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Seth MacFarlane, Steve Callaghan and Alex Borstein |court=United States District Court, Central District of California |access-date=April 27, 2010 |date=December 5, 2007 |url=http://www.aolcdn.com/tmz_documents/1206_metrano_fox_wm.pdf |format=PDF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612120827/http://www.aolcdn.com/tmz_documents/1206_metrano_fox_wm.pdf |url-status=live }} In July 2009, a federal district court judge rejected Fox's motion to dismiss, saying that the first three fair use factors involved—"purpose and character of the use", "nature of the infringed work", and "amount and substantiality of the taking"—counted in Metrano's favor, while the fourth—"economic impact"—had to await more fact-finding. In denying the dismissal, the court held that the reference in the scene made light of Jesus and his followers—not Metrano or his act.{{cite court |litigants=Metrano v. Twentieth Century Fox et al. (CV 08-6314) |reporter=Memorandum & Order on Motions to Dismiss and to Strike |court=C.D. Cal. |date=June 16, 2009 |url=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4e/08_6314_Memorandum_and_Order.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806093808/http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4e/08_6314_Memorandum_and_Order.pdf |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://prawfsblawg.blogs.com/prawfsblawg/2009/07/the-amazing-metrano-family-guy-and-fair-use.html |title=The Amazing Metrano, Family Guy, and Fair Use |author=Dave Fagundes |date=July 20, 2009 |website=PrawfsBlawg |access-date=March 16, 2011 |archive-date=March 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110305134349/http://prawfsblawg.blogs.com/prawfsblawg/2009/07/the-amazing-metrano-family-guy-and-fair-use.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.ssjr.com/pubdigassets/publications/lawyer_6/withcover.pdf |title=Copyright Lessons from Family Guy Add Insult to Injury to Support Your Fair-Use Defense |author=Andy I. Corea |date=December 2009 |website=Tennessee Bar Association Newsletter |publisher=Tennessee Bar Association |access-date=March 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512015840/http://www.ssjr.com/pubdigassets/publications/lawyer_6/withcover.pdf |archive-date=May 12, 2011 |url-status=dead }} The case was settled out of court in 2010 with undisclosed terms.{{cite web|url=http://www.cardozolawreview.com/content/33-2/Sirabella.33-2.pdf |title=Separating the sheep from the goats: celebrity satire as fair use |page=802 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515043137/http://www.cardozolawreview.com/content/33-2/Sirabella.33-2.pdf |archive-date=May 15, 2013 }}
On July 16, 2014, MacFarlane was served with a lawsuit from the production company of a series of Internet videos called Charlie the Abusive Teddy Bear claiming that Ted infringes on the copyright of its videos due to the Ted bear largely matching the background story, persona, voice tone, attitude, and dialogue of the Charlie bear.{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/16/showbiz/charlie-versus-ted-lawsuit/|title=Lawsuit: Seth MacFarlane's 'Ted' ripped off 'Charlie the Abusive Bear'|first=Alan|last=Duke|access-date=July 16, 2014|date=July 16, 2014|archive-date=July 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718164904/http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/16/showbiz/charlie-versus-ted-lawsuit|url-status=live}} The suit was dismissed with prejudice on March 23, 2015, after the plaintiffs conceded Ted was independently created and withdrew the suit.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/mar/24/charlie-abusive-teddy-bear-creators-drop-lawsuit-seth-macfarlane-ted|title=Charlie the Abusive Teddy Bear creators drop lawsuit against Seth MacFarlane's Ted|last=Child|first=Ben|date=March 24, 2015|work=The Guardian|access-date=October 7, 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-macfarlane-ted-lawsuit-idUSKBN0MK1ZK20150324|title=Seth MacFarlane wins in lawsuit claiming he stole 'Ted' idea|date=March 24, 2015|work=Reuters|access-date=October 7, 2019|language=en|archive-date=October 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007053455/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-macfarlane-ted-lawsuit-idUSKBN0MK1ZK20150324|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://m.hollywoodreporter.com/v/MoviesNews/SethMcfarlaneBeats03|title=Seth MacFarlane Beats Ted Lawsuit With Independently Created Bear|access-date=March 25, 2015|date=March 23, 2015}}{{Dead link|date=November 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
Awards and nominations
{{See also|List of awards and nominations received by Seth MacFarlane}}
MacFarlane has been nominated for twenty-four Primetime Emmy Awards for his work on Family Guy and has won five times, in 2000, 2002, 2016, 2017 and 2019.{{cite web|url=http://www.emmys.com/bios/seth-macfarlane|title=Seth MacFarlane – Emmys|publisher=Television Academy|access-date=January 15, 2016}} He has been nominated for five Grammy Awards for his work in Family Guy: Live in Vegas, Music Is Better Than Words, Family Guy, No One Ever Tells You and In Full Swing.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/08/arts/09gram-list.html|title=The Complete List of Grammy Nominations|access-date=July 12, 2010|date=December 8, 2005|page=1|work=The New York Times|archive-date=May 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503165707/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/08/arts/09gram-list.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Montgomery|first=James|title=Grammy Nominations: The Biggest Shocks And Snubs|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1675217/grammy-award-nominations-surprises.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111203033301/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1675217/grammy-award-nominations-surprises.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 3, 2011|publisher=MTV|access-date=December 15, 2012}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/grammys/6785974/grammy-nominations-2016-full-list|title=Grammy Nominations 2016: See the Full List of Nominees|magazine=Billboard|date=December 7, 2015|access-date=December 7, 2015|archive-date=December 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210021119/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/grammys/6785974/grammy-nominations-2016-full-list|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Grammy Nominations 2018: Complete List|url=https://variety.com/2017/music/news/2018-grammy-nominations-list-nominees-1202623881/|access-date=December 1, 2017|work=Variety|date=November 28, 2017|archive-date=November 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122013742/https://variety.com/2017/music/news/2018-grammy-nominations-list-nominees-1202623881/|url-status=live}} He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for co-writing the opening song, "Everybody Needs a Best Friend", from his film Ted with the film's composer Walter Murphy.
He has received numerous awards from other organizations, including the Annie Award for Best Voice Acting in an Animated Television Production and the Saturn Award for Best Television Presentation for the Family Guy episode titled "Blue Harvest", the MTV Movie Award for Best On-Screen Duo and the Empire Award for Best Comedy for Ted.{{cite web |url=https://www.empireonline.com/awards2013/winners/bestcomedy.asp |title=Best Comedy |website=Empireonline.com |publisher=Bauer Consumer Media |date=2013 |access-date=August 18, 2014 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924045507/http://www.empireonline.com/awards2013/winners/bestcomedy.asp |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url= http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1705660/avengers-win-movie-awards-2013.jhtml|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130427004339/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1705660/avengers-win-movie-awards-2013.jhtml|url-status= dead|archive-date= April 27, 2013|title= 'Marvel's The Avengers' Slays Competition At 2013 MTV Movie Awards|date=April 15, 2013|website=MTV.com|access-date=April 16, 2013 }} In 2019, MacFarlane received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6259 Hollywood Blvd.{{cite web|url=https://kryptonradio.com/2019/04/17/seth-macfarlane-star-creator-of-the-orville-to-receive-star-on-the-hollywood-walk-of-fame/|title=Seth MacFarlane To Receive Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110210030517/https://kryptonradio.com/2019/04/17/seth-macfarlane-star-creator-of-the-orville-to-receive-star-on-the-hollywood-walk-of-fame/|archive-date=February 10, 2011}} In 2020, he was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/12/tv-academy-hall-of-fame-2020-bob-iger-geraldine-laybourne-seth-macfarlane-jay-sandrich-cicely-tyson-1202799363/|title=TV Academy Hall Of Fame Adding Bob Iger, Geraldine Laybourne, Seth MacFarlane, Jay Sandrich & Cicely Tyson|first=Patrick|last=Hipes|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=December 3, 2019|access-date=December 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122045320/https://deadline.com/2019/12/tv-academy-hall-of-fame-2020-bob-iger-geraldine-laybourne-seth-macfarlane-jay-sandrich-cicely-tyson-1202799363/|archive-date=January 22, 2015|url-status=live}}
In 2022, a new species of Hyloscirtus frog (Hyloscirtus sethmacfarlanei) was described from Ecuador and named after him.{{Cite journal |last1=Reyes-Puig |first1=Juan P. |last2=Recalde |first2=Darwin |last3=Recalde |first3=Fausto |last4=Koch |first4=Claudia |last5=Guayasamin |first5=Juan M. |last6=Cisneros-Heredia |first6=Diego F. |last7=Jost |first7=Lou |last8=Yánez-Muñoz |first8=Mario H. |date=September 29, 2022 |title=A spectacular new species of Hyloscirtus (Anura: Hylidae) from the Cordillera de Los Llanganates in the eastern Andes of Ecuador |journal=PeerJ |language=en |volume=10 |pages=e14066 |doi=10.7717/peerj.14066 |pmid=36196397 |pmc=9527025 |issn=2167-8359 |doi-access=free }}
Filmography
{{Main|Seth MacFarlane filmography}}
- Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story (2005)
- Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)
- Futurama: Into the Wild Green Yonder (2009)
- The Drawn Together Movie: The Movie! (2010)
- Tooth Fairy (2010)
- Ted (2012)
- Movie 43 (2013)
- A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014)
- Ted 2 (2015)
- Sing (2016)
- Logan Lucky (2017)
Discography
{{Main|Seth MacFarlane discography}}
- Music Is Better Than Words (2011)
- Holiday for Swing (2014)
- No One Ever Tells You (2015)
- In Full Swing (2017)
- Once in a While (2019)
- Great Songs from Stage & Screen (2020)
- Blue Skies (2022)
- We Wish You the Merriest (with Elizabeth Gillies) (2023)
- Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements (2025)
Written works
- {{cite book |last=MacFarlane |first=Seth |title=A Million Ways to Die in the West |location=New York |publisher=Ballantine Books |year=2014 |isbn=978-0-553-39167-1 |title-link=A Million Ways to Die in the West (novel)}}
- {{cite book |last=MacFarlane |first=Seth |title=The Orville: Sympathy for the Devil |publisher=Hyperion Avenue |year=2022 |isbn=978-1-368-09263-0 |title-link=The Orville (season 3)#Novella}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{Official website|https://www.sethmacfarlanemusic.com/}}
- {{IMDb name|0532235}}
- {{AllMusic|id=mn0000529571}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20140904030339/http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/philpedia/seth-macfarlane Seth MacFarlane] on Hollywood Bowl
{{Seth MacFarlane}}
{{Fuzzy Door Productions}}
{{Navboxes
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{{Animation Writers Caucus}}
{{Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production}}
{{EmmyAward MusicLyrics}}
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{{EmmyAward Character Voice-Over Performance}}
{{MTV Movie Award for Best On-Screen Duo}}
{{2020 Television Hall of Fame}}
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