MacFarlane had been without an overall deal since summer 2019, when his most recent pact with the now Disney-owned 20th Century Fox expired. While efforts had been made by Disney to keep MacFarlane in the fold, sources claim that the studio reconsidered after hearing MacFarlane's initial $40 million annual fee and reluctance to immediately do another animated show.
Under the deal with NBCUniversal, MacFarlane and his Fuzzy Door Production Company will create and develop new TV projects for the media giant's platforms for five years. The deal includes a signing bonus plus overhead for his company.
While work on current shows like Family Guy will continue, McFarlane is said to be interested in starring in and producing musicals, political dramas and anthologies around historic events in addition to working on new animated projects.
"Seth’s voice resonates across multiple demographics and mediums. We all admire his ability to create audacious commentary with bold, yet relatable, humor and I look forward to working with him behind and in front of the camera,” said Bonnie Hammer, Chairman of NBCUniversal Content Studios. NBCU Content Studios Vice Chairman George Cheeks added, “NBCUniversal is known for creating some of the most talked-about television and we know Seth’s fearless voice will continue this storied legacy."
"I am extremely honored to be partnering with Dawn Olmstead and the entire UCP team," MacFarlane said. "My relationship with Universal predates this new chapter, and if my experience producing television with UCP is anything like the experience I’ve had producing films with the company, it will be an exciting and creatively fulfilling one for me and for Fuzzy Door. I’m especially inspired by all of the opportunities that NBCUniversal Content Studios has to offer with George and Bonnie at the helm. I will remain indebted to my good friend Dana Walden and the team at 20th for their collaborative partnership over the years, and I look forward to our continued work together on Family Guy, American Dad and The Orville."
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