Family Guy Spin-Off in Development?

After returning from premature cancellation, Family Guy has been popular enough to convince FOX to allow the show to air for season after season. Currently on its third new season since returning, the show has already been confirmed as returning for a new season next fall. What's more, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the cartoon may be returning with a full-fledged spin-off beside it.

The spin-off, named Cleveland, will, naturally, center around long-time Family Guy character Cleveland Brown. Although an integral member of the cast early-on in the show, Cleveland's stories have slowly dropped off since the show's return three years ago. A fourth-season episode saw Cleveland's wife cheat on and divorce him. Later episodes removed her, and Cleveland's son Cleveland Jr., from the show almost entirely.

Of course, one wonders how the dynamics of Family Guy will change to accommodate for this new spin-off, especially with both shows running concurrently. Will Cleveland Brown move away from Quahog and start a new life somewhere else? And if so, how will Family Guy replace him on the show? And if Cleveland stays, will the shows have intersecting plots and crossover episodes, or will they be mostly separated? There are many interesting ways that Seth MacFarlene, creator of Family Guy, can go.

In truth, this is a move that is, as far as I can remember, unprecedented. Most spin-offs that involve main characters only come into fruition after the original show has ended its run. And Family Guy is still running strong on the air. But it is also a novel idea that could end up extending the Family Guy name and opening up future opportunities for other characters to shine with their own shows.

Right now, details on Cleveland are sparse, but I am sure more will be revealed as summer approaches. For now, enjoy the remaining episodes of Family Guy's sixth season and watch out for new news on the spin-off.

Original report can be found here; http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ibde8ca74de470b93d12371ef61c0ef91