Seth MacFarlane has revealed the four adult animated shows he believes stand above the rest, offering fans a glimpse into the series that helped shape both the genre and his own creative journey. During a recent interview with Complex News, the Family Guy creator named The Simpsons, Family Guy, American Dad!, and Bob’s Burgers as his personal favorites of adult animation.

“You know I think anyone who's being honest would say The Simpsons. I mean, it's like they rewrote the rule book for all of us,” Seth MacFarlane said during the interview with Complex News.

MacFarlane’s top pick was The Simpsons, which he credited as the ultimate trailblazer for adult animation. By acknowledging its groundbreaking influence, he highlighted how the long-running animated classic opened the door for a wave of shows that followed, including his own hit series Family Guy.

His final lineup reflects the dominance of animated sitcoms that redefined television comedy over the past few decades. With The Simpsons, Family Guy, American Dad!, and Bob’s Burgers, MacFarlane’s picks showcase the sharp humor, cultural satire, and lasting appeal that have made adult animation a staple of modern entertainment.

Seth MacFarlane’s reflections on adult animation come at a time when he is also looking ahead to expand one of his own most beloved comedy franchises.

Seth MacFarlane thinks more Ted projects are still possible

While celebrating the legacy of adult animation, Seth MacFarlane also shared optimism about the future of Ted. Speaking at Deadline Contenders TV, he revealed that discussions are ongoing for either a third season of the live-action Ted series or a direct-to-streaming feature for Peacock, while an animated Ted series is also nearing completion.

“It really is up to Peacock with their, you know, vast amounts of big Scrooge McDuck money that they dive into every day,” said MacFarlane, who has said in the past that he is not sure Peacock will want to bankroll another season of the series.

The update shows that MacFarlane is far from done building comedy worlds, whether through animation or live action. As he honors the classics that shaped adult animation, he’s also continuing to expand his own legacy with new chapters in the Ted universe.

With The Simpsons still leading his all-time list and Ted evolving into new formats, MacFarlane remains one of the most influential voices in modern comedy. His admiration for the past and commitment to future projects highlight why his impact on animation and entertainment continues to resonate with audiences.

What do you think of Seth MacFarlane’s top four adult animation picks? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Karishma Dasgupta

Edited by

Aliza Siddiqui