Beginning this Autumn, ITV will become the free-to-air home of all new Family Guy.
The deal, with Twentieth Century Fox’s TV distribution wing, will see new series of Family Guy air exclusively on ITV2. The multi-year deal also includes other animated comedies American Dad, The Cleveland Show and new series Bordertown – all starring Seth MacFarlane.
Currently, the BBC’s youth channel, BBC Three, is home to both Family Guy and American Dad. However, the channel is facing the chop as a traditional TV platform and will likely move wholly online as the BBC looks to make radical cost-savings.
“Seth MacFarlane’s shows have firmly established him as the comedy voice of choice for an entire generation,” said ITV’s director of television, Peter Fincham.
“Seth is sharp, hugely irreverent and brilliantly funny which is reflected in his fantastic shows. We are delighted to be welcoming him and his comic creations to ITV.”
The news comes as ITV reports strong financial results for 2014, delivering revenue growth across all parts of the business.
While ITV’s share of viewing on linear TV was down in 2014, the broadcaster’s CEO, Adam Crozier, said that it is “firmly focused” on improving viewing figures in 2015, bolstered by a range of new content.
ITV’s director of digital channels and acquisitions, Angela Jain added: “The acquisition of these brilliant and distinctive shows is totally in line with the strategy of strengthening ITV2 as a comprehensive entertainment channel destination for young viewers.”
