Fox is expanding the animated world of Family Guy as creator Seth MacFarlane returns to one of his most famous characters for a new spin-off. The network confirmed a two-season order for Stewie, a series centered on the youngest Griffin family member, known for his intelligence and dark humor. The project marks the second spin-off in the show’s long history, more than a decade after The Cleveland Show ended in 2013.
According to a report from Deadline, Stewie will launch during the 2027-28 television season. It will air on Fox, then stream the next day on Hulu, and reach global audiences through Disney+. Each season will include fewer episodes than the typical 15-episode runs seen in other Fox animated comedies produced by 20th Animation.
MacFarlane will return to voice the title character, continuing his signature role as the scheming infant he has portrayed since the 1999 debut of Family Guy. In the new show, Stewie is expelled from his preschool and sent to a less prestigious one. There, he meets unfamiliar classmates and even a 75-year-old class turtle with bizarre theories that challenge everyone’s sanity. The plot follows Stewie as he brings new inventions and time-traveling devices into the chaos, but the events will exist outside the main Family Guy timeline.
MacFarlane issued a tongue-in-cheek statement after the show’s announcement, saying, “I’d like to thank Fox for this incredible opportunity, and I’m excited to start pretending I’m collaborating closely with them on the show.” The remark fits his trademark humor while highlighting his long partnership with the network.
The new series will take a more serialized approach than Family Guy, following one connected story arc throughout its two seasons. While the original show often features self-contained episodes tied together by humor and cultural satire, Stewie is expected to focus on character development and a continuous storyline.
After more than 25 years on air, Family Guy remains a key part of Fox’s animation lineup. The launch of Stewie signals the network’s desire to deepen its investment in animated franchises that have proven both profitable and culturally enduring.
***
James Quinn
Best described as a pop culture contrarian, notorious for tossing grenades into fandom echo chambers while mixing sharp skepticism with an unhealthy dose of snark. When not airing my grievances about "shills" in the entertainment media, I'm dissecting every whiff of Hollywood hype with all the subtlety of Marc malkin at a press junket.
English (US) · 