The Simpsons vs Family Guy

Which animated family truly rules the small screen? Welcome to WatchMojo and today we’ll be comparing “Family Guy” to “The Simpsons” to settle once and for all which cartoon crew deserves the most praise. There is a lot to settle between the two long-running series so let’s get to it. Round One: Laughs The early years of “The Simpsons” were hilarious. When the show began, there was nothing quite like it and it quickly won over audiences with its sharp writing and nuanced, topical humor. With a talented set of writers, including Al Jean and Conan O'Brien, the show could mix high-brow and low-brow comedy like no other. Combined with fluid animation, the show was edgy and brilliant. However, the three decade plus animation lost some of its charm in later seasons. Constraints to run-time as well as steeper competition against everything from copycat shows to YouTube (um, oops!) the show has seen a dim in the spark that once made it so surprising. Let’s be honest, “Family Guy” started out as something of a Simpsons clone. After a number of cancellations, the show expanded from its mildly crude comedic stylings to favor a more shocking, gross-out, no-holds-barred approach. While the writing often crosses the line, going for the cheapest shot available, for devoted audiences those shots often hit their mark, pulling out laughs from either the outrageousness of the situation or from the sheer awkward randomness of it. Also, as the show seems to operate within its own rules, it will never run out of material – a problem with more reality-grounded shows. WINNER: Family Guy FG 1/TS 0 Round Two: Characters “The Simpsons” characters are known and recognized around the world. While the show focuses on the titular family, over the years many side characters within the town of Springfield have been fleshed out with their own backstories, personalities, and episodes, some becoming as beloved as the members of the Simpsons themselves. The way each of the characters interact with one another has real heart. As for the main family it took only three seasons for them to become icons of the TV landscape. Despite nearly twenty years on the air, the characters of “Family Guy” have never really been given more than one dimension, and in some cases, such as Peter, actually seem less nuanced than they did initially. While the Griffins are individually recognizable, they are all sort of the same – in that they are all terrible people. As for the townsfolk of Quahog Rhode Island, they likewise just seem to be somewhat lacking in depth. Outside of ardent fans, the average person would be hard pressed to name even half a dozen, let alone describe anything truly individual about them. For creating a living cast of memorable characters, we have to give this one to “The Simpsons.” WINNER: The Simpsons FG1/TS1 Round Three: Storylines Despite being a comedy, “The Simpsons” has veered with great success into other genres. Some of the classic storylines are genuinely great television, with touching, memorable moments that helped to establish “The Simpsons” as a classic and that nostalgia continues to keep the show going. Who can forget Lisa’s substitute teacher? Or Homer’s sad farewell to his mother? Or the time Homer took a job working for the nicest Bond villain ever put to screen? Or the many misfires of Sideshow Bob? With A, B, and C plots throughout every episode, weaving and synching in surprising and natural ways by the third act, there is much to enjoy in any given Simpson storyline. In contrast to the well-oiled gears of “The Simpsons,” “Family Guy” works off of a bizarre sort of randomness. Generally, there is a chaotic inciting event (often caused by Peter) that sets into motion the rest of the plot … but often in a totally unrelated way. This makes it so that Act 2 is usually completely disconnected from the first ten minutes or so of viewing. It can make for a real roller coaster of a viewing experience, as you truly never know what direction any given episode will take. However, relying on so much randomness doesn’t leave room for the same clever meshing of storylines. Furthermore, “Family Guy” really likes to make a joke out of dead airtime and gags that go on way too long. It’s funny the first time, but after a while it starts to feel like padded runtime material. For giving us some truly great plots over the years, we’re giving this one to the first family of Springfield. WINNER: The Simpsons FG1/TS2 Round Four: Consistency For ten seasons, “The Simpsons” were simply amazing. Nearly every episode was a winner, with more quotable lines than you could shake a can of Duff at. They couldn’t keep it going forever though and there was a significant dip in quality by the beginning of season 11. At first, fans couldn’t quite put their finger on it, but as the series went on it was clear that the show had changed. No longer grounded by the simple premise of a dysfunctional yet loving blue collar family, the plots became more theatrical and less relatable; Homer seemed to get dumber (and not in a funny way) and the storylines, zanier. While there were still some good episodes, it always felt like a rare return to form rather than a continuation of it. Except for the first season or two, “Family Guy” has churned out the same sort of content for years. After a couple false-starts, they leaned into a madcap, reality-bending, can-you-get-away-with-that-on-TV? style of narrative. Their insane approach keeps many plot doors open, as the show truly works on cartoon logic with provocative humor. You never know what you’re going to see in any given “Family Guy” episode, but you know what you’re in for by tuning in. Whether it’s a road trip to murder Santa Clause, a mission to get Jesus laid, or an endless fight with a giant chicken, there is no bottom to the absurd well “Family Guy” so steadily draws from. WINNER: Family Guy FG 2/TS2 Round Five: Legacy Despite the ups and downs, “The Simpsons” are still wildly popular. Over thirty years old and showing no signs of stopping, “The Simpsons” has been parodied, quoted, merchandize, and broadcast so widely it’s nigh impossible to escape the show’s reach. Through an uncanny ability to tap into cultural zeitgeist, they’ve accidentally predicted a number of real-world events. Several of the show’s catchphrases have been added to dictionaries; it holds the record for the most episodes and aired seasons of any scripted television program; and the show’s comedic timing and style (including the lack of sitcom laugh-track) are so copied that they’ve become a part of the fabric of not just television but western pop culture. While it has been its own creature for a number of years, “Family Guy” is ultimately still a part of “The Simpsons” legacy. Would an adult animation about a working-class family with an oafish husband, long-suffering wife, and 2.5 children even have aired in 1999 if “The Simpsons” hadn’t just done it for ten years? Like many shows cast under the yellow shadow, it’s clear that “Family Guy” ran into the “Simpsons Did It First” problem early on before finding its own stride. The show has developed its own following, style, and staying power, but the influence of the older show is undeniable and its own impact on pop culture history just can’t quite compete. Once again, The Simpsons Did It. WINNER: The Simpsons FG 2/TS3 FINAL WINNER: THE SIMPSONS