Sageman's Blog

After being canceled twice, the often controversial show, "The Family Guy" has now seen it's 100th episode. The brainchild of Seth Macfarlane, many critics argued whether viewers were ready for a another cartoon targeting adults. With "The Simpsons" and "King of the Hill" already holding primetime slots on Fox when the show was initially aired it's future was seen as tentative at best.

The Fox network approached Macfarlane after seeing the "Larry Shorts" spots aired during the 1999 Superbowl. By the fall of 1999 Macfarlane's show entered Fox's Sunday night line up. After two seasons Fox decided to pull the plug on the show, only reversing it's decision after a online petition was signed by over 110,000 fans. It was subsequently canceled after it's third season in 2002.

It then was picked up by the Cartoon Network where it aired in the "Adult Swim" line up. Finding it's home among other quirky cartoons targeted towards a mature audience. It was not untill the show's first season was released on DVD, which subsequently sold 2.2 million, that Fox once again took notice and picked the show up again in 2005.

The show has seen many controversies over it's content, which is primarily based on parody's from pop culture. The show has frequently been the source of ire for critics who have argued the show uses poor artwork and weak storylines. The show has even been the satirized on several other adult cartoon shows including, "The Simpsons" and "South Park," both shows also no stranger to criticism and controversy.

The Family Guy producers were sued multiple times. Most notably in 2006 by Carol Burnett, for copyright infringement, over the use of the "Charwoman" character that was frequently seen on the "Carol Burnett Show" in the 1970's. The lawsuit was found to be unfounded when the judge presiding ruled that the parody of the character was protected by the First Amendment.

Despite everything though, the Family Guy has managed to go on to it's 100th episode and sixth Season. The show has been picked up for it's seventh season by Fox, with episodes planning to air in August of 2008. The 100th episode of the show aired on March 24th of 2008.