Even though its reviews were almost universally middling-to-negative, the preview of “American Dad” drew more than 15 million viewers to FOX on Sunday (Feb. 6) night. That successful performance has prompted FOX to juggle its future Sunday line-up, which may mean bad things for Emmy-winning comedy “Arrested Development.”
“American Dad,” the new animated comedy from “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane, will still have its real premiere on Sunday, May 1. FOX has, however, moved the show up an hour from 9:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET. “American Dad” will now officially launch between the 350th episode of “The Simpsons” and the fourth season premiere of “Family Guy.”
The series, which will air encores as part of Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim block, focuses on mid-level CIA agent Stan Smith, his wife, his two kids, his alien and his fish with the brain of a German guy.
FOX also announced that the schedule will allow the first three episodes of “American Dad” to air after new episodes of “The Simpsons.”
As a result of the shift, “Arrested Development” will now have to end its second season by late April. According to The Hollywood Reporter, FOX is expected to reduce its order for “Arrested Development,” though specifics haven’t been announced. Despite endless critical acclaim and awards attention, “Development” is averaging only 6.06 million viewers per week this season in the Sunday 8:30 p.m. time slot.
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