Production has finally begun on the sixth season of Fox's animated smash "Family Guy," 2½ months after the show's writers were told not to report to work.

"Family Guy" scribes were informed Tuesday that the doors had been unlocked, and they returned to the writers' room for the first time Wednesday.

 

Work was halted on "Family Guy" last fall as talks between producer 20th Century Fox TV and series creator Seth MacFarlane on an overall deal had reached an impasse (Daily Variety, Oct. 25).

 

Although MacFarlane's deal wasn't up for several more months, studio execs didn't want to start production only to halt later if for some reason a deal wasn't struck. Twentieth brass also hoped to push along negotiations, which had progressed slowly for more than a year.

 

Decision to bring the "Family Guy" scribes back to work is a signal that progress has finally been made in mapping out a new deal for MacFarlane at 20th; indeed, sources close to the negotiations said a rich pact is expected to be announced imminently. A 20th Century Fox TV spokesman declined comment.

 

Insiders said it was too soon to gauge whether the late start for season six of "Family Guy" would affect the studio's ability to deliver episodes on time. Should the show's 2007-08 premiere appear to be in jeopardy, however, it's likely the studio will spend some extra coin to quicken the production pace.

 

MacFarlane stands to sign a big overall deal with 20th given the success of "Family Guy" and his other animated creation, "American Dad." He's also behind upcoming live-action Fox laffer "The Winner" (along with Ricky Blitt).

 

 

Fox could not possibly have been stupid enough to let that show go. Not with the fan base it has, and especially not with the DVD sales of the show.

This past season of Family Guy has been pretty brutal, IMO. I really wouldn't have missed it had it not been picked up.

This past season of Family Guy has been pretty brutal, IMO. I really wouldn't have missed it had it not been picked up.

 

 

Hopefully...with a new deal in place Seth and company can concentrate and put some better shows on the air

This past season of Family Guy has been pretty brutal, IMO. I really wouldn't have missed it had it not been picked up.

 

Agreed. The little side stories or w/e you want to call them (this is like the time I fought snakes with Samuel L. Jackson on that plane) have taken over that show, and killed what was good about it.

Agreed. The little side stories or w/e you want to call them (this is like the time I fought snakes with Samuel L. Jackson on that plane) have taken over that show, and killed what was good about it.

They've completely given up on having any kind of quality plots, it's all about the flashbacks now and it has made the show unwatchable. It's just sad to see 2 of the greatest cartooon/sitcoms off all time, Family guy and the Simpson, become as bad as they have.

Simpsons is more watchable IMO.

Simpsons is more watchable IMO.

I honestly wouldn't know, I haven't seen an episode in 3 years.

The flashbacks every 5 seconds can get annoying, but it just isn't as funny. The first episode of last season, I was so excited to watch it, just for after the show to be disappointed on how unfunny it was.

I got Family Guy overkill about a year ago, and haven't been that interested in the show since the DVD "movie."

This past season of Family Guy has been pretty brutal, IMO. I really wouldn't have missed it had it not been picked up.

 

 

Agreed. The little side stories or w/e you want to call them (this is like the time I fought snakes with Samuel L. Jackson on that plane) have taken over that show, and killed what was good about it.

 

I am glad I am not the only one who is completely bored with this show.