The mischievous, time-traveling toddler Stewie Griffin is poised to headline his own animated series. Fox and Hulu have ordered two seasons of a Family Guy spinoff centered around the iconic character, slated to premiere during the 2027-2028 television season, according to Deadline. The series promises to explore Stewie’s early years, specifically his adventures in preschool and his penchant for manipulating space, and time.
Stewie will once again be voiced by Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane, who as well co-created the spinoff with long-time Family Guy writer-producer Kirker Butler. Butler will serve as showrunner, bringing over 20 years of experience writing for the hit animated series, including the popular “Something, Something, Something Dark Side” episode, a parody of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. The new show joins Fox’s lineup of animated comedies, including Family Guy, American Dad!, The Simpsons, and Bob’s Burgers, all of which have been renewed through 2029.
Fox describes the premise of Stewie as follows: “After getting the boot from his old preschool, Stewie is forced to enroll in a new one that’s not exactly top-of-the-line. It’s attended by a handful of kids he doesn’t know, and a 75-year-old class turtle with a half-cocked theory on just about every subject. Stewie’s miserable, the other kids are miserable, and even the turtle is miserable… until Stewie begins rolling out his trusty array of devices to take them anywhere in space and time, turning every boring day at school into an insane and surreal adventure.”
The deal structuring for Stewie differs from the other Fox animated series, with both Fox and Hulu sharing the cost of production, making it a joint commission. The series will stream next day on Hulu and internationally on Disney+, as The Hollywood Reporter notes. While the episode count per season hasn’t been officially revealed, it’s expected to be slightly less than the 15 episodes currently produced for the flagship Family Guy series.
A New Chapter for the Griffin Family
This marks the second time Stewie Griffin has been positioned as the central focus of a standalone project. In 2005, a direct-to-video film, Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story, offered a glimpse into the character’s backstory. However, this new series represents a significant expansion of Stewie’s role within the Family Guy universe. Consequence reports that the show will explore Stewie’s experiences navigating a less-than-ideal preschool environment.
Kirker Butler expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I am honoured and humbled that Seth, 20th Television Animation and Fox have trusted me with one of the most iconic animated characters in the history of television. I have known Seth for more than two decades, worked with him on half a dozen projects, and I am hopeful This represents the one where he finally learns my name.” MacFarlane himself quipped, “I’d like to thank Fox for this incredible opportunity, and I’m excited to start pretending I’m collaborating closely with them on the show.”
Expanding MacFarlane’s Animated Empire
The greenlighting of Stewie comes as Seth MacFarlane’s animated projects continue to thrive. Family Guy recently aired its 450th episode, demonstrating the show’s enduring popularity. The renewal of Family Guy and American Dad! through 2029, alongside The Simpsons and Bob’s Burgers, solidifies Fox’s commitment to animation. This extended deal aligns with Fox’s $1.5 billion in-season streaming pact with 20th Television’s Disney sibling, Hulu, which expires in 2029, as CBR details.
While Brian, Stewie’s longtime canine companion, wasn’t specifically mentioned in the initial announcement, Deadline reports that he is expected to make recurring appearances. This suggests the continuation of their dynamic, a cornerstone of Family Guy’s humor and heart.
The Stewie spinoff represents a strategic move for Fox and Hulu, capitalizing on the established fanbase of Family Guy and offering a fresh perspective on one of its most beloved characters. As production ramps up, fans can anticipate a wild ride through preschool, space, and time with the irrepressible Stewie Griffin.
What are your initial thoughts on the Stewie spinoff? Share your predictions and excitement in the comments below!
