CelebList
Seth MacFarlane

Is Seth MacFarlane A-List?

YesA

YesSeth MacFarlane is an A-list celebrity, a household name with massive fame and influence.

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Reached A-list in 2005

American Dad Expands Animation Empire

Ranking Timeline

1999C$1M

Family Guy Premieres on Fox

Created and launched Family Guy, which initially struggled in ratings but showed creative promise. MacFarlane earned modest creator fees but the show's future remained uncertain.

2002B$5M+$4M

Family Guy Canceled Then Revived

After cancellation, massive DVD sales and Adult Swim reruns led Fox to revive Family Guy. This unprecedented comeback established MacFarlane as a force in animation and significantly boosted his earnings.

2005A$25M+$20M

American Dad Expands Animation Empire

Launched American Dad!, proving his creative range beyond Family Guy. With two hit shows on Fox, MacFarlane secured lucrative multi-year deals and merchandising rights.

2009A$80M+$55M

Record $100M Fox Contract

Signed a groundbreaking $100 million deal with Fox, the richest in television history at the time. The contract covered Family Guy, American Dad!, and The Cleveland Show, making him one of TV's highest-paid creators.

2012A$150M+$70M

Ted Becomes Highest-Grossing R-Rated Comedy

Wrote, directed, and starred in Ted, which grossed $549 million worldwide and became the highest-grossing original R-rated comedy ever. His successful transition to film directing dramatically increased his wealth and influence.

2013A$180M+$30M

Hosted Oscars Amid Controversy

Hosted the 85th Academy Awards to mixed reviews, with his edgy humor dividing audiences. Despite controversy, the hosting gig elevated his mainstream profile and demonstrated his versatility.

2017A$220M+$40M

The Orville Sci-Fi Passion Project

Created, wrote, and starred in The Orville, a Star Trek-inspired dramedy that showcased his range beyond comedy. The show earned a devoted cult following and moved to Hulu for later seasons.

2020A$270M+$50M

Overall Deal with NBCUniversal

Signed a massive overall deal with NBCUniversal after leaving Fox, maintaining creative control over multiple projects. The deal included animation, live-action, and music ventures worth hundreds of millions.

2026A$300M+$30M

Multi-Hyphenate Entertainment Mogul Status

Remains one of entertainment's most successful and versatile creators, with Family Guy still airing after 27 years. His empire spans TV, film, music albums, and voiceover work, cementing his status as a household name and A-list creative force.

Last updated: February 25, 2026