Podcast Title: The Town with Matthew Belloni
Episode: Why It’s Harder Than Ever to Make a Studio Comedy, With Seth MacFarlane
Release Date: July 31, 2025
Host: Matt Bellany
Guest: Seth MacFarlane, Creator and Executive Producer of Family Guy, American Dad!, The Cleveland Show, and Producer of the new Naked Gun reboot.

Introduction

In this episode of The Town with Matthew Belloni, Matt Bellany delves into the evolving landscape of comedy in Hollywood with none other than Seth MacFarlane, a seminal figure in modern animation and comedy filmmaking. MacFarlane, known for his sharp wit and boundary-pushing content, provides an insider's perspective on the challenges facing studio comedies today.

The Decline of Traditional Studio-Comedy Films

Bellany opens the conversation by addressing the dwindling presence of joke-driven comedies in theaters, using the recent Naked Gun reboot as a focal point. MacFarlane acknowledges this shift, attributing it to changes in audience tastes and the evolving nature of comedic storytelling.

Notable Quote:
"The show that kind of keeps it alive, obviously for the past 25 years, or one of them at least, is Family Guy." (04:00)

Challenges in Getting Studio Comedies Greenlit

One of the central themes of the discussion revolves around the increasing difficulty of getting mainstream comedies produced in today's studio environment. MacFarlane highlights the hesitancy of studios to invest in traditional comedies, emphasizing economic uncertainties and the unpredictable nature of audience reception.

Notable Quote:
"A movie that I'm pitching right now that's a little outside the box from what I do, but is still very mainstream. And I think 10 years ago it would have been maybe a little bit of an easier sell." (23:25)

The Shift from Comedic Actors to Dramatic Performers

A significant point of contention MacFarlane discusses is the industry's reluctance to cast traditional comedians in comedic roles for films like the Naked Gun reboot. Instead, there's a push towards hiring dramatic actors to deliver humor, a strategy rooted in the belief that non-comedic actors can portray comedic roles with the same effectiveness.

Notable Quote:
"Trying to explain why you absolutely cannot cast comedians in the role. You have to cast actors." (05:27)

Animation vs. Live-Action: Freedom and Constraints

Comparing animated shows like Family Guy and South Park to live-action comedies, MacFarlane underscores the unique freedoms animation offers. Animated characters, being fictional, are often perceived as immune to the repercussions live actors face, allowing for more audacious and boundary-pushing humor.

Notable Quote:
"I think that that has a lot to do with it because, again, they're fictional characters and it takes so many people to get Peter Griffin to walk even two steps. You don't really know who to yell at." (09:52)

Internal Vetting Processes for Comedy Content

MacFarlane explains the stringent internal processes Family Guy employs to ensure jokes stay within acceptable boundaries. From the writer's room to table reads, each joke is meticulously vetted to prevent crossing lines that could lead to backlash or censorship.

Notable Quote:
"If you decide to try it, it goes to the table read. A table read is pretty unforgiving if you've crossed a line." (10:29)

The Evolution of Shared Comedy Experiences

The conversation shifts to how modern media consumption has transformed shared comedic experiences. MacFarlane reminisces about the communal joy of watching shows like Seinfeld simultaneously with a broad audience, contrasting it with today's fragmented consumption through memes and social media.

Notable Quote:
"Maybe it's memes. Maybe it's... We kind of gather around and enjoy things like that, which are, you know, the roots of them are a little less bright." (19:32)

Balancing Laughter with Critical Acclaim

MacFarlane touches upon the shifting priorities in comedy production, where the pursuit of critical acclaim and awards often overshadows the primary goal of making audiences laugh. He laments the rarity of comedies that excel in both humor and prestige, highlighting a systemic issue within the industry.

Notable Quote:
"It's a combination of those two things. I think it's a combination of those two things." (14:20)

The Future of Comedic Films and the Path Forward

Despite the challenges, MacFarlane remains optimistic about the resurgence of studio comedies. He believes that with even a single successful hit, the appetite for traditional comedies could reignite, provided there's a willingness to embrace new talents and innovative storytelling.

Notable Quote:
"I think that's always true. It's like suddenly this is what everybody wants." (24:14)

Personal Experiences and Aspirations

Towards the end of the interview, MacFarlane shares personal reflections on his career trajectory, the exhilaration of challenging projects like Ted, and his aspirations to venture into new genres, including a traditional Hollywood musical film.

Notable Quote:
"I would love to do a film musical. A true old style Hollywood musical." (25:55)

Conclusion

Matt Bellany wraps up the episode by thanking Seth MacFarlane for his insightful contributions and wishes him luck with the Naked Gun reboot. MacFarlane's candid discussion offers a comprehensive look into the complexities of producing studio comedies in the modern cinematic landscape, highlighting both the obstacles and the enduring passion that drive creators like him.

This episode serves as a compelling exploration of the state of comedy in Hollywood, enriched by Seth MacFarlane's extensive experience and thoughtful analysis. For anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes dynamics of comedy production and the challenges faced by creators today, this conversation offers invaluable insights.