Seth MacFarlane, the creator of “Family Guy,” is advocating for a shift towards more positivity in the TV industry. In a recent podcast appearance, MacFarlane expressed his concern that the current state of Hollywood is dominated by “negative” stories that lack hope. He believes that audiences need more movies and TV shows that offer a sense of optimism and inspiration.
MacFarlane cited his own show, “The Orville,” as an example of a program that aims to provide a more hopeful narrative. He stated that when he was growing up, Hollywood was more focused on telling stories that inspired and uplifted, rather than dwelling on pessimism and dystopia. He pointed to classic shows like “Star Trek: The Next Generation” as examples of programs that offered a more positive vision of the future.
In contrast, MacFarlane noted that many modern shows, such as “The Handmaid’s Tale,” are beautifully crafted but overwhelmingly bleak. He also referenced the rise of antihero narratives, which he believes began with shows like “The Sopranos.” While he acknowledges that these types of stories can be compelling, he argues that they have become overly dominant in the industry.
MacFarlane emphasized that telling hopeful stories is one of the most valuable things that Hollywood can do. He acknowledged that celebrities may not have a significant impact on people’s opinions or behaviors, but noted that storytelling has the power to inspire and uplift. He urged the industry to do a better job of telling stories that give people hope, rather than simply reinforcing pessimism and negativity.
Ultimately, MacFarlane’s call for more positivity in TV is a response to what he sees as a lack of balance in the industry. He believes that by telling more hopeful stories, Hollywood can provide a valuable service to audiences and help to inspire and uplift people during difficult times. By doing so, the industry can fulfill its potential as a force for good, rather than simply perpetuating negativity and despair.