How an “Opportunistic” Fox Reclaimed ‘American Dad!’ After 10 Seasons on TBS

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The unexpected comeback of “American Dad!” on Fox was apparently not accompanied by intricate negotiations according to the network’s officials.

Michael Thorn, president of Fox Television Network, shared that they’ve seized the opportunity to collaborate with Seth [MacFarlane] again on another show for the 2025-26 schedule. He’s an excellent collaborator for us and broadens our appeal to our dedicated animation fanbase. It fits perfectly within our existing lineup.”

Or more informally:

“Michael Thorn, head of Fox Television Network, announced they’re working with Seth [MacFarlane] again on a new show for 2025-26. He’s a fantastic partner and helps us reach our animation fans. It’s a perfect fit for our current lineup.

The animated comedy series “American Dad!,” co-created by Mike MacFarlane, Mike Barker and Matt Weitzman, first aired on Fox back in 2005. After running for nine seasons, it shifted to TBS in 2014, where it continued for another ten seasons. However, when its run on TBS concluded in March, speculation about a potential return to Fox began circulating around the same time.

According to Fox Entertainment CEO Rob Wade, it was a smart move for the network since the show’s run had ended on TBS. They were thrilled to welcome the show back to its original broadcasting platform.

In early April, Fox made it official: “American Dad!” is coming back for sure! It joined other long-standing animated series like “The Simpsons,” “Family Guy,” and “Bob’s Burgers” in securing a colossal four-season deal from 20th Television Animation, a division of Disney. This move guarantees that all four shows will continue airing until the 2028-29 season.

crucial elements for those renewals were set in motion months prior, as Fox and Hulu sealed a fresh, multi-year content agreement. This deal ensures that Hulu remains the go-to streaming platform for Fox series the day after they air. Additionally, the libraries of shows such as American Dad!, Bob’s Burgers, and Family Guy are solely available on Hulu, accumulating hundreds of millions of viewing minutes weekly.

Wade expressed his great pleasure about continuing our collaboration with Disney and Hulu for another four years, which he considers as friends in a broader perspective.

On Sundays this coming fall, Fox will launch its animation lineup featuring shows like “The Simpsons,” “Universal Basic Guys,” “Krapopolis,” and “Bob’s Burgers.” However, “American Dad!” together with Seth MacFarlane’s other Fox show, “Family Guy,” won’t return until 2026.

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2025-05-12 17:29