The Role of Disney in Family Guy's Ownership

Is Family Guy owned by Disney? Yes, as of 2023, Family Guy is owned by Disney. This ownership resulted from Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019. Since then, the show has been a part of Disney's portfolio. Currently, it is produced by Fox Animation and airs on various platforms including Hulu, which is also owned by Disney.

Upcoming Changes for Family Guy

On May 5th, 2024, Family Guy is set to undergo a significant transformation. The Animated Sitcom will focus on key characters such as Lois Griffin, Peter Griffin, Meg Griffin, Stewie Griffin, Brian Griffin, Olivia Fuller, Jillian Russell, Joe Swanson, Cleveland Brown, Glenn Quagmire, Patty Patterson, Ruth Rutherford, Esther Esthederm, Tom Tucker, Diane Simmons, Neil Goldman, Bonnie Swanson, Loretta Brown (Cleveland's sister and Peter's boss and mentor), and Angela Everwood. These changes will revitalize the show and attract new audiences.

Disney's Control Over Family Guy

Do they own the IP and overall rights? Yes, Disney owns the intellectual property and overall rights to Family Guy. However, they do not own the TV stations; instead, they retain the rights to license the show as they see fit. There likely exists an agreement to ensure that the show remains on local TV stations, safeguarding the interests of both Disney and the local TV networks.

Disney does not own broadcast TV, so their strategy is to allow TV stations to continue licensing individual shows. New episodes will initially appear on broadcast before moving to streaming services. Fox now owns over 60% of Hulu, meaning some shows like Orville that don't fit Disney will end up there.

Disney's Approach to Family Guy and Future Plans

Will Disney continue to support Family Guy? Yes, Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox means Family Guy is technically a Disney product, similar to how Anastasia, originally a Fox Animation movie, became a Disney film. However, given Family Guy's reputation for its mature and sometimes inappropriate content, it is remarkable that Disney continues to support it. This step highlights Disney's willingness to take risks, especially in an era where streaming platforms dominate, with the added benefit of maintaining continuity in the TV landscape.

The future plans for Family Guy remain uncertain but focus on sustaining its popularity. With evolving viewer tastes and the rise of streaming, Disney might aim to create more contemporary and family-friendly storylines to retain its audience, including Peter and his family's journey in new and innovative ways. Whether this will mean more focus on the Griffin family or more serialized adventures, only time will tell as Disney navigates the complex landscape of modern entertainment.