Why It’s Harder Than Ever to Make a Studio Comedy, With Seth MacFarlane - The Town with Matthew Belloni

Summary

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.

Transcript

Seth MacFarlane (0:00)

Hi everyone, it's Amy Poehler and I'm launching a new podcast called Good Hang. In preparation for that, I asked some of my friends to send in some videos and give me some advice.

Matt Bellany (0:10)

Just be yourself and the guests will come.

Seth MacFarlane (0:13)

Don't be the celebrity that this is their like sixth thing they're doing.

Matt Bellany (0:16)

I love true crime and cooking podcasts. Is there any way you could combine the two?

Seth MacFarlane (0:21)

Well, everyone has an opinion and a podcast, so join me for Good Hang. It's rough out there, we're just trying to lighten it up a little bit. Hi, I'm Ben Mankiewicz and on this season of the plot Thickens. We're going behind the scenes on a film whose history it's a little close to home. Cleopatra was my Uncle Joe's biggest gamble and his greatest failure. It had everything you could want in a Hollywood blockbuster, but the budget and the on set love affair both went off the rails, creating a story even more dramatic than Cleopatra herself. The plot thickens. Cleopatra available now. Wherever you get your podcasts, visit tcm.compodcast to learn more. This episode is brought to you by Netflix says Happy Gilmore 2.

Matt Bellany (1:04)

We're back.

Seth MacFarlane (1:05)

30 years ago, he decided to give golf a try. Now he's ready for the happiest comeback of all time. Adam Sandler's beloved golf legend returns to the green for another swing at glory. Just remember, it's all in the hips. Also starring Ben Stiller. I like him.

Matt Bellany (1:20)

Julie Bowen like her, and Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio.

Seth MacFarlane (1:25)

Happy Gilmore 2 now streaming only on Netflix.

Matt Bellany (1:31)

It is Thursday, July 31st. I went to a screening at Paramount the other night of the new Naked Gun reboot. It's very funny and it really feels like a throwback. Not just because it's a comedy coming out in theaters, albeit based on known ip or at least IP known to my generation. Not sure how much Gen Z is familiar with Naked Gun. It's also a pure joke driven comedy, something you really don't see anymore on film or in tv. For that reason, I feel like the stakes are higher for this movie. If it's a hit, we may see more swings from the studios in the comedy space. We've talked about this subject before, but we haven't talked about what's one of the major comedic voices of the past 25 years. Seth MacFarlane is here. In addition to being the creator and executive producer of Family Guy, American dad, the Cleveland show, he's a writer, director in film and TV and a talented singer produces a bunch of stuff, including the new Naked Gun movie. We're gonna get into the comedy climate these days, how to push the envelope in this environment, the business end of comedy, and why he says it's so hard for even someone like him to get a studio interested in a mainstream comedy. Plus what he wants to make now. No call sheet today. It's Seth MacFarlane from the Ringer and Puck. I'm Matt Bellany, and this is the town. All right, we are here with Seth MacFarlane, writer, producer, actor, actor, animator, singer. Did I miss any hyphenates there?