How Fox Revived ‘American Dad!’ After 10 Seasons on TBS: The Opportunistic Strategy Behind the Comeback

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american dad 3 H 2025
american dad 3 H 2025

The Return of American Dad! to Fox: A Strategic Move

The revival of American Dad! on Fox may have caught some off guard, but according to network executives, the process was surprisingly straightforward.

“It’s quite simple — we had the opportunity to collaborate with Seth MacFarlane again, and we seized it,” stated Michael Thorn, President of Fox Television Network, while discussing the network’s schedule for 2025-26. “He’s an exceptional partner for us, and this move enhances our connection with our dedicated animation audience. It perfectly complements our programming lineup.”

A Legacy of Success

American Dad!, co-created by MacFarlane, Mike Barker, and Matt Weitzman, debuted on Fox in 2005 and enjoyed a successful nine-season run before transitioning to TBS for an additional ten seasons starting in 2014. The series was the last scripted show on TBS when its run concluded in March, coinciding with rumors of its potential return to Fox.

Seizing the Opportunity

“It was an opportunistic moment for the network,” remarked Rob Wade, CEO of Fox Entertainment. “With its TBS run coming to an end, we were thrilled to welcome the show back to its original home.”

Major Renewals and Partnerships

Fox officially confirmed the return of American Dad! in early April, alongside other long-standing animated series such as The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Bob’s Burgers. All four shows received a substantial four-season renewal, ensuring their presence through the 2028-29 season.

A crucial element of these renewals was solidified months earlier when Fox and Hulu established a new, multi-year content partnership, ensuring Hulu remains the next-day streaming destination for Fox series. The libraries of American Dad!, Bob’s Burgers, and Family Guy are exclusive to Hulu, collectively amassing hundreds of millions of viewing minutes each week.

Looking Ahead

“Overall, we’re genuinely excited to extend our partnership with our friends at Disney and Hulu for the next four years,” Wade expressed.

This fall, Fox will kick off its Sunday animation lineup with The Simpsons, Universal Basic Guys, Krapopolis, and Bob’s Burgers. American Dad!, along with MacFarlane’s other Fox staple, Family Guy, is set to make its return in 2026.

Persons

Seth MacFarlane, Michael Thorn, Rob Wade, Mike Barker, Matt Weitzman

Company Names

Fox Television Network, Disney, Hulu, 20th Television Animation

Titles

American Dad!, The Simpsons, Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers, Universal Basic Guys, Krapopolis

Disclaimer: This article has been auto-generated from a syndicated RSS feed and has not been edited by Vitrina staff. It is provided solely for informational purposes on a non-commercial basis.

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