Family Guy in Color

"FOX picking up nine more episodes of our show is proof that an African-American can make it in this country. This is a milestone for the United States of America." Cleveland Brown.

Cleveland, the first spin-off from The Family Guy truly does have it all. I mean what more could you want from a sitcom “including love, rednecks and talking bears, oh my!”

Cleveland Brown is Peter Griffin's black neighbor on the family guy. Not only is he the president of the Quahog Chamber of Commerce, but he owns a deli called, Cleveland's Deli. He was a fluent auctioneer before he was hit in the head by a totem pole. This incident permanently slurred his speech, causing him to speak slower.

He gets along well with his white counterparts, and is considered the “responsible one.” However, being the “token black” in the neighborhood, he sometimes receives different treatment from the neighbors. For instance, in the episode “Stuck Together, Torn Apart,” the machinery in a police car labels him as a minority suspect. Another episode, titled “Blind Ambition,” he discusses with policeman Joe Swanson how black strangers should be viewed in white neighborhoods, like a black bowling ball amidst white bowling pins.

Cleveland was created by Cleveland, himself, aka Mike Henry and Rich Appel with help from Seth McFarland (creator of The Family Guy). Interestingly enough, Mike Henry is white and 72. The inspiration for the name was the Cleveland Browns.

Cleveland has officially left The Family Guy, but will occasionally drop by for guest appearances.
The spinoff is apparently expected to be a huge success, not unlike The Family Guy, which as become a $1 billion franchise. FOX already has it slated for 35 episodes (or 2 seasons). This contract will make Seth MacFarlane the highest paid television writer.

Cleveland loses both his wife, Loretta and his house (along with his beloved bathtub) in a messy divorce. Loretta has had an affair with Quagmire. Cleveland's response? “Better it be Quagmire than someone she could get a disease from.” So the submissive, clumsy divorcee makes strides with hyperactive son, Tiger Woods, er, Cleveland Jr., to California. However while passing through his hometown of Virginia, he meets up with an unrequited crush, who he made a promise to long ago. It seems her husband did her wrong and left her with two kids. Thrilled at this opportunity, Cleveland decides to stay there instead. This will set the scene for their new Brady-esqe family, which includes, the new wife, Donna, her 16-year-old daughter, Roberta, along with her 5-year-old son, Rallo, as well as a much fatter and less hyper Cleveland Jr.

The new family lives alongside a family of eastern anthropomorphic bears; voiced by author and syndicated columnist, Arianna Huffington and Seth MacFarlane, himself. His other next-door neighbors are the British Pennyapple family. McFarlane also does the voice of the father, Barrington Pennyapple. Across the street live a family of rednecks who don't mask their discomfort with black people. Another familiar voice will be, longtime fan of The Family Guy, Kanye West. He will be the voice of Kenny West, soccer rival of Cleveland Jr.

The premiere has Stewy bidding goodbye to the “chocolate people.” scheduled to premiere in 2009.

Is FOX is taking a huge chance committing two seasons to a spin-off, especially one that hasn't
been tested? Historically, spin-offs are tricky business. Hopefully Cleveland won't follow the patterns of Golden Palace, Flo, and The Ropers. Haven't heard of these? Exactly my point.

c. 2009