What does that mean for you, gentle viewer? "The Simpsons" won't be the only cartoon in town. Networks are starting to notice the success of "Adult Swim." They will possible add several animated shows to their primetime schedules in the coming months.
Following is a breakdown of possible cartoons coming to primetime.
"American Dad"
"Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane is taking another shot at putting a primetime cartoon on the Fox line-up. His "American Dad" will be another cartoon about his perspective on family life.
According to "USA Today," Fox is also considering an animated family comedy titled "Blue Aloha," an adaptation of the "Boondocks" comic strip, and an animated comedy about radio host Phil Hendrie.
"Father of the Pride"
"USA Today" also reports that NBC has committed to airing this project from DreamWorks about the lions in Siegfried & Roy's Las Vegas revue. According to "Entertainment Weekly," each episode will cost at least $2 million. This is the same DreamWorks that produced "Shrek," of course. Roy Horn, the injured magician, is expected to promote the show.
"Shorties Watching Shorties"
Comedy Central, home of "South Park," will premiere "Shorties Watching Shorties" on April 28. In this cartoon, a pair of babies watch animated comedians' stand-up routines. Stand-up stars including Denis Leary, Janeane Garofalo and Dane Cook will guest.
Comedy Central is also preparing "Drawn Together." "Drawn Together" answers the question of what happens when eight completely different cartoon characters from various genres and styles live together and have their lives filmed for the entire world to see.
Cartoon Network is adding a batch of new cartoons to its successful "Adult Swim" line up.
"The Venture Brothers"
"The Venture Brothers" follows the adventures of two dim-witted brothers, their scientist father and his bodyguard, Brock.
"Squidbillies"
Five million years ago, the Atlantic Ocean covered North America all the way to the Ohio Valley. As the ocean receded to form our present-day geography, a family of squids was stranded in a remote setting in the North Georgia mountains. This motley melange of mischievous mollusks, influenced by the rural ways of the redneck locals, quickly "adapticise" to a world of fighting, feuding and fornicating with a Faulknerian flambé of ferocious sea creature livin’. A pilot for Squidbillies is currently in production; seven episodes are scheduled to air this fall.
"Untitled Seth Green project"
From actor/producer Seth Green (known for his roles in "The Italian Job" and the "Austin Powers" feature films, TV’s "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and as the voice of Brian in "Family Guy") comes a new "Adult Swim" series scheduled to debut in October. The series will utilize stop-motion animation to deliver a satirical look at popular culture.
"Tom Goes to the Mayor"
Tom Peters is a would-be entrepreneur and civic do-gooder in the eccentric small town of Jefferton. He brings his crackpot ideas to The Mayor, who invariably endorses them. From there, "Tom Goes to the Mayor" explores the comedic possibilities of government machinations and provincial thinking.
"Stroker & Hoop"
Meet John Stroker, a private eye still mastering the art of lock picking, car hood sliding and keeping his gun from falling out of his waistband when he bends over at the grocery store. Together with his partner Hoop, a self-proclaimed master of disguise, and his disobedient talking hatchback named CARR, Stroker is willing to help anyone dumb enough to respond to his 1/8-page ad in the yellow pages.
Also, "Game Over" on UPN, and "Tripping the Rift" on Sci Fi, are animated shows that already premiered mid-season.
Personally I'm stoked to see the Seths at work. Seth MacFarlane's "American Dad" will no doubt tickle my funny bone. I'm also looking forward to new episodes of "Family Guy" in 2005. Also, Seth Green is hysterical as Chris in "Family Guy," and I enjoyed his other show "Greg the Bunny." I'm hoping his "untitled project" proves just as funny, but more popular.
Before we get too excited about this onslaught of cartoons, let's have a moment of silence for past shows that didn't last more than a few episodes, namely "Clerks," "Baby Blues," "The Oblongs," "Home Movies," "Dilbert," "The PJs," and our beloved "Family Guy "and "Futurama". Let those shows be a reminder that not all cartoons are treated equally.
