'Family Guy' creator Seth MacFarlane inks lucrative deal with NBCUniversal, leaves Fox after two decades
'Family Guy' and 'The Orville' creator, actor, and producer Seth MacFarlane has inked a lucrative deal, reportedly worth $200 million with NBC Universal Content Studios.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the deal includes a signing bonus as well as overhead for Fuzzy Door Productions, MacFarlane's production company.
The deal will be for five years during which MacFarlane and Fuzzy Door will create and develop new television projects for NBC's portfolio, across its cable and streaming services. MacFarlane will continue to work on shows like 'Family Guy'.
MacFarlane reportedly is interested in producing and acting in musicals, political dramas, and anthologies around historic events in addition to new animated projects. The deal will also leave MacFarlane free to write, act, produce, and direct films for any studio as features remain a top priority at his production company, which has produced movies like 'Ted' and 'A Million Ways to Die in the West'.
MacFarlane had been associated with 20th Century FOX for just over two decades, creating shows like 'Family Guy' and 'American Dad!', as well as 'The Orville'. In a statement, former FOX chief Dana Walden—now Chairman of Disney Television Studios and ABC Entertainment—said, "He entertained all of us with his incredible wit and hilarious observations. He is a brilliant artist and a great friend; and, there is no one we root for more than him. As a fan, I look forward to whatever he creates next, and as his studio partner on 'Family Guy', 'American Dad', and 'The Orville', I feel lucky to be continuing an extraordinary partnership.”
"Seth’s voice resonates across multiple demographics and mediums. We all admire his ability to create audacious commentary with bold, yet relatable, humor and I look forward to working with him behind and in front of the camera,” said Bonnie Hammer, who serves as chairman of NBCUniversal Content Studios. Added NBCU Content Studios vice-chairman George Cheeks: “NBCUniversal is known for creating some of the most talked-about television and we know Seth’s fearless voice will continue this storied legacy."
