Recently, it was announced that we would be getting a Family Guy spin-off that focusses on side character Cleveland. Today,
Yahoo TV! dropped a tidbit of information.
One virtual certainty is that Fox will be launching its first animated comedy — or comedies — in three years. “Cleveland,” a spinoff of “Family Guy,” is expected to get on the air with a 13-episode order. Staffers are being hired for the show, which focuses on the Griffins’ henpecked neighbor.
Doesn’t say much, but it gives me enough information. Fox is giving 13 episodes to a show that will probably only get to five. Side characters usually aren’t interesting when they are put in the spotlight. This isn’t always true, but usually, it is. Especially with Family Guy, who’s side characters are amusing, but I would never want to see an entire episode dedicated to them, much less an entire series.
Will Family Guy fans be interested enough to tune in? Most likely. But, at least for me, when I see a spin off usually I want to see the other characters from the original show. It’s usually never the same without them, even if the humor is the same.
Fox tried this a few years back with The Lone Gunman. The nerdy trio were interesting, but not without Mulder and Scully, and only after a few episodes, it was cancelled. But, to be fair, The Lone Gunman was mediocre at best. I’ll give Cleveland the benefit of the doubt, but I just have this strong feeling that this show will flop.
