Simpsons vs. Family Guy

[Karlifornia]

Ok, I've had enough of people saying Family Guy is better than Simpsons. Simpsons may be weakening, but it's still way better than Family Guy. Family Guy tries way too hard to be "zany". Some FG episodes are just great, but the whole baby Stewie thing is just lame. There. I said it.

What's better, Simpsons or Family Guy? (oh, and I'm making the votes public!) :)

[MikeVic]

I don't think Family Guy can hold a light to Simpsons yet at all. It's been 3 seasons for Family Guy only? And I haven't really used any lines/situations from Family Guy in veeryday life like I have from The Simpsons. It'll take another 8-10 years of solid shows to be able to argue this, imho.

[Joe]

they both suck.

[Recoil]

The Simpsons are great, but I voted Family Guy just because if given the choice between watching either two, I'd chose FG.

[cthomer5000]

Family Guy is a much better show now than the Simpsons is. Absolutely no comparison.

[DeToxRox]

I agree with CT.

It's not even a debate.

[Easy Mac]

In its prime, The Simpsons easily trashed it. The writers managed to be hilarious, stupid, and touching in the same show. Sure, it was never cry me a river stuff, but they always managed to put some emotion into it (when Maggie talks after Homer says he hopes she never speaks always gets me). Family Guy is hilarious and I love it, but it can't hold a candle to the best of the Simpsons.

Now, the stuff they show now, Family Guy wins easily.

[DeToxRox]

I think making this a three show poll with South Park in the mix may've been a good idea.

SP is clearly ahead of the curve on social commentary and just in general, probably my favorite cartoon show out nowadays.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Wow.

People are simply insane.

The Simpsons hasn't been all that good for years now. I would say it's been around 4-5 years since the show was really good. But "The Family Guy" doesn't even come close. It's not even the same freakin' sport. It may be nowadays, but you take the prime of the Simpsons versus whatever could be considered the prime of "The Family Guy" and it's not even close.

Family Guy better than the Simpons??? What's wrong with kids these days???

[Galaxy]

FG is alot better then the Simpons, but I just like FG.

[Lathum]

Family guy. Easy.

[MizzouRah]

Yep, Family Guy by a wide margin.


Todd

[sabotai]

The Simpsons were good in their day, but right now they're the 40 year old heavyweight that is a shadow of his former self. They should have gotten out of the game a long time ago and are just completely tainting their legacy. I would say, thanks to them sticking around, there are more unfunny episodes of The Simpsons than there are great episodes. At the very least, the ratio of good to bad is not good and is getting worse as the years go on. As a whole, the Simpsons have not been all that great. There was a streatch of 4, maybe 5 or 6, seasons of true gold in there. Aside from the occasion breakthrough episode, that's pretty much it.

[Galaxy]

The thing with The Simpsons is it never really push the evelope in its humor, plots, ect. the way FG does.

[Easy Mac]

Thats like saying Ty Cobb wasn't as good of a hitter as Barry Bonds because he never tried to hit 50 home runs in a season. Just because they're in the same medium doesn't mean they were aiming for the same things.

[JonInMiddleGA]

FG, better on its best days than S on its best days.
Funnier, smarter writing, better drawn, more entertaining overall.

And on their worst days, FG kills S.

[Greyroofoo]

The first 3 seasons of Family Guy are much much better than the first 3 seasons of the Simpsons

[MikeVic]

How are we supposed to be comparing this? Which is better now? During their first three seasons? Overall?

I went with overall. I'd agree that Family Guy is better right now than The Simpsons. But in terms of the overall show, Family Guy needs more episodes for a debate like this to even be considered I thnk.

Now, if everyone here is saying that Family Guy is better than The Simpsons in any way possible, then you're all on crack. :D

[Neuqua]

Very close race thus far.

I love Family Guy but I can't pick it against The Simpsons.

[Eaglesfan27]

If you were talking about in their prime, I would pick the Simpsons. However, now the Family Guy is a better show than the Simpsons are now. There are still some great Simpsons episodes, but too many fall short. I still enjoy both shows, and they are 2 of my favorite shows on TV. However, if I had to pick only one at this point in time, it would be the Family Guy.

[klayman]

Family Guy, easily. The Simpsons is like someone telling the same joke for 15 years straight.

[Easy Mac]

And in every episode, Peter has 3-4 weird "flashbacks" and Stewie is always hitting on a baby/toy. Every cartoon uses the same jokes over and over, they just tell them a different way. Believe me, no way FG would stay funny for 15 years. I'd think it'd top out at around 6-7 good-great seasons, just like the Simpsons.

[Galaxy]

Anyone watching FG so far tonight?

[Easy Mac]

WHat's that, there's trouble at the old mill?

[Ksyrup]

This is already the best new Family Guy...and there's still 15 minutes left.

I have to vote for Simpsons if we're talking entire span of the show, but the initial thread suggests the vote should be based on the shows now, so I'd have to take Family Guy in 2005. But South Park beats both, I'd say.

[Easy Mac]

The Power of Christ compels you, bitch

I think you could add bitch to anything and it would get a good laugh.

[Eaglesfan27]

Excellent Family Guy episode tonight :)

[Ksyrup]

http://www.compfused.com/directlink/738/

[Easy Mac]

Holy shit, even American Dad is making me laugh tonight. Maybe its just a residual FG hangover.

[Greyroofoo]

Props to the Rocky 3 ending

[DaddyTorgo]

where's the trout in rectum option? seriously...neither

edit: altough if i had to pick one to watch on penalty of death, it'd be family guy. something about the yellow people in Simpsons just irritates me

[Joe Canadian]

Now... Family Guy, this is a no brainer (the way I took this poll)

Ever... The Simpsons, an easy choice again...

[Joe Canadian]

dola, American Dad has been improving since the god awful pilot... it's really pretty good tonight.

[JimboJ]

dola, American Dad has been improving since the god awful pilot... it's really pretty good tonight.


Agreed. It really took guts to push the envelope with the racism stuff. A lot of shows won't touch that topic in this time of mega-political correctness.

[Tigercat]

That "They were black" line had me laughing good, something American Dad hadn't got out of me until tonight. I think it would be better without the fish and the alien and focusing on being a little LESS ridiculous than Family Guy instead of more so. (The ridiculous in Family Guy is good for that show though...)

[Ksyrup]

Who is the guy that the alien is mimicking? I think he played the rat in Charlotte's Web.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Anyone watching FG so far tonight?
Dunno... I watched it from the begining until he caught his friend's wife with the skinny neck dude. I guess I don't get the humor, but there really wasn't a moment I thought was clever, witty, or funny... Perhaps I have lost the capacity for joy.

[Ksyrup]

Oh fuck. Can't they leave anything alone anymore? Charlotte's Web, 2006 - the cast looks like a Who's Who of People on Ksyrup's Hit List:


<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1><TBODY><TR><TD align=left colSpan=3>Credited cast: </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Dakota Fanning (http://imdb.com/name/nm0266824/)</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>.... </TD><TD vAlign=top>Fern</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle colSpan=3><SMALL>rest of cast listed alphabetically:</SMALL></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>André 3000 (http://imdb.com/name/nm0238803/)</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>.... </TD><TD vAlign=top>Elwyn (voice)</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Kevin Anderson (http://imdb.com/name/nm0000754/)</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap></TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Noel Ballantine (http://imdb.com/name/nm1379217/)</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>.... </TD><TD vAlign=top>Townsperson</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Gary Basaraba (http://imdb.com/name/nm0059630/)</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>.... </TD><TD vAlign=top>Homer Zuckerman</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Kathy Bates (http://imdb.com/name/nm0000870/)</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>.... </TD><TD vAlign=top>Bitsy (voice)</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Abraham Benrubi (http://imdb.com/name/nm0072344/)</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap></TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Steve Buscemi (http://imdb.com/name/nm0000114/)</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>.... </TD><TD vAlign=top>Rat Templeton (voice)</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Cedric the Entertainer (http://imdb.com/name/nm0147825/)</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>.... </TD><TD vAlign=top>Golly (voice)</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Thomas Haden Church (http://imdb.com/name/nm0002006/)</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>.... </TD><TD vAlign=top>Brooks (voice)</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>John Cleese (http://imdb.com/name/nm0000092/)</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>.... </TD><TD vAlign=top>Samuel (voice)</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Essie Davis (http://imdb.com/name/nm0204583/)</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap></TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Siobhan Fallon (http://imdb.com/name/nm0266441/)</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>.... </TD><TD vAlign=top>Mrs. Zuckerman (as Siobhan Fallon Hogan)</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Afton Fraser (http://imdb.com/name/nm1864808/)</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap></TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Jennifer Garner (http://imdb.com/name/nm0004950/)</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap></TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Leslie Mann (http://imdb.com/name/nm0005182/)</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap></TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Reba McEntire (http://imdb.com/name/nm0005207/)</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>.... </TD><TD vAlign=top>Betsy (voice)</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Nate Mooney (http://imdb.com/name/nm1183102/)</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap></TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Robert Redford (http://imdb.com/name/nm0000602/)</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>.... </TD><TD vAlign=top>Ike (voice)</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Julia Roberts (http://imdb.com/name/nm0000210/)</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>.... </TD><TD vAlign=top>Charlotte (voice)</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Jane Sibbett (http://imdb.com/name/nm0796235/)</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>.... </TD><TD vAlign=top>Joy (voice)</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Oprah Winfrey (http://imdb.com/name/nm0001856/)</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>.... </TD><TD vAlign=top>Gussy (voice)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

What's with all the remakes of classics

[BigJohn&TheLions]

Family Guy is a much better show now than the Simpsons is. Absolutely no comparison.

I agree.

Overall, Simpsons has been the better show. But right now, I get a couple of smirks at the average Simpsons episode. Sometimes I even lose interest.

Family Guy, on the other hand, had me howling tonight! I had tears running down my face... Even the "Rocky III" ending... BEAUTIFUL! And I had never even put Cleveland's first name together with his last name before tonight!

[BigJohn&TheLions]

Oh fuck. Can't they leave anything alone anymore? Charlotte's Web, 2006 -

They are completely out of original ideas.

[Suicane75]

Simpsons in its heyday was one of the best tv shows ever.
Right now FG is superior, but so are alot of shows, it has taken a mighty fall.

[Raiders Army]

Simpsons still r0xx0r. FNG sux.

[mhass]

I think the 17 seasons of The Simpsons settles this one by itself. If FG sticks around for half that, we can debate it then.

[Galaxy]

I think the 17 seasons of The Simpsons settles this one by itself. If FG sticks around for half that, we can debate it then.

Just because The Simpsons were around for 17 seasons, makes it better?

[mhass]

Just because The Simpsons were around for 17 seasons, makes it better?
Uh. Yes? I'm pretty sure FOX renews it because it's successful.

[Hammer755]

Simpsons Seasons 2-7 > Family Guy > Simpsons Seasons 8+

[Kodos]

Even though the Simpsons has gone to crap, I still watch it. I can't watch FG. It just doesn't amuse me at all.

The Simpsons in it's heyday was the best comedy in history. But those days are lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng gone now.

[duckman]

I think making this a three show poll with South Park in the mix may've been a good idea.

SP is clearly ahead of the curve on social commentary and just in general, probably my favorite cartoon show out nowadays.
Agreed. Matt and Trey are going to a special place in hell when they go. :D

[Suicane75]

Uh. Yes? I'm pretty sure FOX renews it because it's successful.
By that logic the singing frog is the greatest artist in England.

[Butter]

Even though the Simpsons has gone to crap, I still watch it. I can't watch FG. It just doesn't amuse me at all.

The Simpsons in it's heyday was the best comedy in history. But those days are lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng gone now.

I agree with the alien.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I agree with the alien.
I concur fully with the alien and the butterman. They have shown true wisdom and good taste.

[st.cronin]

Arguing that Family Guy is better than the Simpsons isn't like arguing that Bonds is better than Cobb. It's like arguing that John Tudor was better than Babe Ruth.

I think anybody who prefers Family Guy over the Simpsons (even now) just isn't smart enough to get the humor of the Simpsons - the show aims too high for them or something.

[kurtism]

Today, I learned that a sense of humor is not relative, or personal, or unique, but in fact directly linked to your intellect. Thanks, st. cronin!

[Subby]

I think anybody who prefers Family Guy over the Simpsons (even now) just isn't smart enough to get the humor of the Simpsons - the show aims too high for them or something. I think anyone who would make a statement like this wouldn't know funny if it bit them in the vulva...

Humor is subjective, you humorless git...but maybe you just aren't smart enough to get that...

[st.cronin]

hehehe

[stkelly52]

It is interesting that, by far, most of the posts in this thread are for Family Guy, but The Simpsons still have the lead in the poll.

[Galaxy]

Arguing that Family Guy is better than the Simpsons isn't like arguing that Bonds is better than Cobb. It's like arguing that John Tudor was better than Babe Ruth.

I think anybody who prefers Family Guy over the Simpsons (even now) just isn't smart enough to get the humor of the Simpsons - the show aims too high for them or something.

I always though the people who dont like FG usually dont like how FG is willing to dip into more conversatival areas then The Simpsons. The thing with FG is it takes two or three eposides to really understand it.

[MikeVic]

The thing about Simpsons being less edgy is false isn't it? Back when Simpsons came out, wasn't it viewed as being edgy and controversial? Maybe my memory is remembering it wrong...

[sterlingice]

It is interesting that, by far, most of the posts in this thread are for Family Guy, but The Simpsons still have the lead in the poll.
That's because Family Guy is the younger sister who keeps pulling on the brother's jacket saying "can I play, too". Sure, if he agrees, they play the same game but they're not in the same league.

Family Guy fans could claim The Simpsons are overrated (not really) or that it's lost its luster (very true) to try to bring it down to their level. But in the end, Family Guy is still a show that doesn't get many ratings outside of the 18-25yo demographic, is based on inside jokes and proprietary humor, and has no depth: no emotional arc, no compelling stories, just jokes loosely strung together by a random story. On it's best day, Family Guy may be funny and that's all it will ever be but on The Simpsons best day, it was all of those things.

These days, the Simpsons has become what Family Guy is- shallow quick hitters, playing to the lowest common denominator. All this poll shows is that the Simpsons have fallen a long way. Sure, there were players better than MJ the last year he was in the league. But that wasn't because they were as great as he was in his prime, it was because he had fallen to their level.

SI

[MikeVic]

That's because Family Guy is the younger sister who keeps pulling on the brother's jacket saying "can I play, too". Sure, if he agrees, they play the same game but they're not in the same league.

Family Guy fans could claim The Simpsons are overrated (not really) or that it's lost its luster (very true) to try to bring it down to their level. But in the end, Family Guy is still a show that doesn't get many ratings outside of the 18-25yo demographic, is based on inside jokes and proprietary humor, and has no depth: no emotional arc, no compelling stories, just jokes loosely strung together by a random story. On it's best day, Family Guy may be funny and that's all it will ever be but on The Simpsons best day, it was all of those things.

These days, the Simpsons has become what Family Guy is- shallow quick hitters, playing to the lowest common denominator. All this poll shows is that the Simpsons have fallen a long way. Sure, there were players better than MJ the last year he was in the league. But that wasn't because they were as great as he was in his prime, it was because he had fallen to their level.

SI

Good post.

[Honolulu_Blue]

That's because Family Guy is the younger sister who keeps pulling on the brother's jacket saying "can I play, too". Sure, if he agrees, they play the same game but they're not in the same league.

Family Guy fans could claim The Simpsons are overrated (not really) or that it's lost its luster (very true) to try to bring it down to their level. But in the end, Family Guy is still a show that doesn't get many ratings outside of the 18-25yo demographic, is based on inside jokes and proprietary humor, and has no depth: no emotional arc, no compelling stories, just jokes loosely strung together by a random story. On it's best day, Family Guy may be funny and that's all it will ever be but on The Simpsons best day, it was all of those things.

These days, the Simpsons has become what Family Guy is- shallow quick hitters, playing to the lowest common denominator. All this poll shows is that the Simpsons have fallen a long way. Sure, there were players better than MJ the last year he was in the league. But that wasn't because they were as great as he was in his prime, it was because he had fallen to their level.

SI
Excellent post.

[timmynausea]

More like the Family Guy is the younger sister pulling at the sleeve of the rotting corpse.

[MizzouRah]

Wow, very close.

[st.cronin]

The main edge the Simpsons has over Family Guy (or any other TV show, except for perhaps West Wing, Sopranos, ER and perhaps a few others) is its rewatchability quotient. There are episodes from it's prime that I may have seen 5 times, yet it still feels fresh and new.

[Kobeck]

Lois is hot, not Jessica Rabbit hot though, and it appears that Brian not only has a thing for Lois, but for Meg as well.

Having said that Simpsons rule. Even Futurama is better than Family Guy.