TMC
02-02-2023, 02:45 AM
https://www.looper.com/1186252/why-family-guy-has-stayed-popular-according-to-a-disney-boss/
Success comes from several elements
Dana Walden has been a part of the "Family Guy" story since its debut. The chairman of Disney General Entertainment Content took time out of the series' 400th episode celebration last year to talk about what it's been like working with creator Seth MacFarlane.
First and foremost, she addressed why she thinks the series has remained a part of pop culture as it continues a two-decade-long run. For her, it comes down to Seth MacFarlane. "Seth has remained an incredibly curious person — he really thinks about the different dynamics that exist in culture," Walden told Variety (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/seth-macfarlane-family-guy-showrunners-400-episodes-1235262205/). She also singled out the work of co-showrunners Rich Appel and Alec Sulkin (https://www.looper.com/1021277/rich-appel-and-alec-sulkin-examine-the-past-present-and-future-of-family-guy-exclusive-interview/).
It's only natural to see the series compared to The Simpsons in terms of longevity and storytelling. Walden talked about how few shows can give the latter such a timeless quality; a big reason why that works for the exec is an unchanging set of characters who never age or alter their appearance. Even though that aspect may remain unaltered, they consistently take on topics that are relevant, if not exactly breaking news.
In the same interview with Variety, Appel revealed that it's a guessing game as to what will still be important to audiences over a year. According to the co-showrunner, the production cycle runs about 12 to 14 months. "We have to think about something that entered a zeitgeist [and hope that] in a year, not only will it still be relevant, but we'll have [what feels like] a fresh take on it."
Success comes from several elements
Dana Walden has been a part of the "Family Guy" story since its debut. The chairman of Disney General Entertainment Content took time out of the series' 400th episode celebration last year to talk about what it's been like working with creator Seth MacFarlane.
First and foremost, she addressed why she thinks the series has remained a part of pop culture as it continues a two-decade-long run. For her, it comes down to Seth MacFarlane. "Seth has remained an incredibly curious person — he really thinks about the different dynamics that exist in culture," Walden told Variety (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/seth-macfarlane-family-guy-showrunners-400-episodes-1235262205/). She also singled out the work of co-showrunners Rich Appel and Alec Sulkin (https://www.looper.com/1021277/rich-appel-and-alec-sulkin-examine-the-past-present-and-future-of-family-guy-exclusive-interview/).
It's only natural to see the series compared to The Simpsons in terms of longevity and storytelling. Walden talked about how few shows can give the latter such a timeless quality; a big reason why that works for the exec is an unchanging set of characters who never age or alter their appearance. Even though that aspect may remain unaltered, they consistently take on topics that are relevant, if not exactly breaking news.
In the same interview with Variety, Appel revealed that it's a guessing game as to what will still be important to audiences over a year. According to the co-showrunner, the production cycle runs about 12 to 14 months. "We have to think about something that entered a zeitgeist [and hope that] in a year, not only will it still be relevant, but we'll have [what feels like] a fresh take on it."