Seth MacFarlane drops disappointing ‘Ted’ update ahead of Season 2 release: ‘There are no plans…’

‘Ted’ Season 1's success saw the streamer renew the dramedy for Season 2, but Seth MacFarlane gave a disappointing update on the show's future.
PUBLISHED MAR 5, 2026
A screenshot of Ted (voiced by Seth MacFarlane) in 'Ted' (Cover image credit: YouTube | Peacock)
A screenshot of Ted (voiced by Seth MacFarlane) in 'Ted' (Cover image credit: YouTube | Peacock)

Ted, the foul-mouthed teddy, is all set to return for 'Ted' Season 2. However, creator Seth MacFarlane's comments on the show's future suggest this might be coming to an end. Created by the five-time Emmy winner, the Peacock show serves as a prequel to the films. The show follows the bear along with John Bennett's teenage years. Max Burkholder stars as John, taking over from Mark Wahlberg. Season 1 opened to positive critical acclaim, and the streamer renewed the dramedy for a second season.

Ahead of Season 2's premiere, MacFarlane weighed in on Season 3, and the update is surely a dampener to the show's faithful. When asked about the developing animated series, which also serves as a sequel to the films and a potential third instalment, the creator told ScreenRant: 'As of now, there are no direct plans' to continue the live-action show. There are reasons why Season 3 wouldn't see the light of day, and one is the character development. With the season starring John in his junior year, there can only be a limited window to develop the storyline for a third season.

A screenshot of Ted from 'Ted' Season 2 trailer (Cover image credit: YouTube | Peacock)
A screenshot of Ted from 'Ted' Season 2 trailer (Cover image credit: YouTube | Peacock)

The other possibility could be the cost of the show. Earlier, Deadline reported that the estimated $10 million-per-episode budget for Season 1 makes it an expensive show to produce. With an animated series in the works, it is understandable if the show comes to a close after the second season. During the renewal news, reports suggested the streamer may cancel the show due to massive CGI costs. That said, Peacock is yet to officially close the door on a Season 3, despite MacFarlane's comments. For now, all eyes are on the eight-episode series premiering on Thursday.

Max Burkholder as John Bennett and Ted (voiced by Seth MacFarlane) in 'Ted (Cover image credit: YouTube | Peacock)
Max Burkholder as John Bennett and Ted (voiced by Seth MacFarlane) in 'Ted (Cover image credit: YouTube | Peacock)

The official synopsis of 'Ted' Season 2 reads, "It’s 1994, and senior year of high school is underway for Ted the foul-mouthed teddy bear and his best friend, likable but awkward John Bennett. Together they live in a working-class Boston home with John’s parents (Matty and Susan) and cousin (Blaire). Matty is a blustering, blue-collar Bostonian who sees himself as the unequivocal boss of the house and doesn’t like anyone challenging him, particularly his liberal-minded niece. Susan is kind, selfless, and almost pathologically sweet when it comes to caring for her family. Blaire is an outspoken college student who often finds herself at odds with her more traditional-minded relatives." 

A screenshot of Max Burkholder and Ted (Seth MacFarlane) from 'Ted' Season 2 (Cover image credit: YouTube | Peacock)
A screenshot of Max Burkholder and Ted (Seth MacFarlane) from 'Ted' Season 2 (Cover image credit: YouTube | Peacock)

The synopsis suggests that all isn't necessarily well with John as he navigates the pressure of being a teen. From sputtering relationships to schoolwork, he is forced to make things tick with Ted, being typical Ted. The trailer packs enough to show the two experiment with flirting, playing Dungeons & Dragons, and just causing mayhem in general. The cast, along with MacFarlane and Burkholder, includes Scott Grimes as Matty Bennett; Alanna Ubach as Susan Bennett, and Giorgia Whigham as Blaire Bennett — John’s bold, college-aged cousin living with the family. Expect the same chemistry to continue in Season 2 when it premieres on Peacock on Thursday, March 5.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

'Fire Country' is inspired by the California fire department, but its actual shooting spots are quite surprising.
1 hour ago
Production designer shares what each house in 'Your Friends & Neighbors' represents and where exactly fans can find it.
2 hours ago
After Jessica Jones, two other major characters from ‘The Defenders’ will possibly return to NYC in ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 3.
6 hours ago
A longtime cast member's future hangs by a thread as ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 22 nears its finale.
7 hours ago
Andrew 'Coop' Cooper is cleared of murder in 'Your Friends & Neighbors' Season 1, but in Season 2, he returns to more risky and criminal habits.
8 hours ago
‘The Chosen’ reaches its most intense chapter yet as Season 6 sets premiere date, with a bold release plan and a big-screen twist ahead.
8 hours ago
Season 2 of ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’ deals with darker themes as Coop continues to push his luck, and Jon Hamm gives a major update.
1 day ago
While no official date has been set for 'The Pitt' Season 3, reports suggest that it will premiere next year, without this fan-favorite character.
1 day ago
'The Pitt' has already been renewed for a third season by HBO Max and is currently in the writing stage.
1 day ago
Raj Dar and Mir Dar's fortunes took a turn for the worse following the death of the criminal mastermind father, Baba Dar.
1 day ago