Seth MacFarlane Trivia That Might Surprise You

With Seth MacFarlane's second motion picture coming out in just two days, I decided to take a look at some of this stranger accomplishments.

1. "A Million Ways to Die in the West" was Seth MacFarlane's first novel.

It's becoming more common and more common for authors to be involved in films based on their work.  Stephanie Myers was a producer in the Twilight series, JK Rowling did the same with Harry Potter, but it's rare for Seth MacFarlane to do quite what he is doing with "A Million Ways to Die in the West".  Not only has he produced, written, and directed this film, but he's also given himself the lead role!

2. "Ted" is the highest grossing original R rated comedy of all time.

I think this sounds more impressive than it is, but it's still notable.  To be the highest grossing comedy with an R rating that also happens to not be based on anything is pretty specific.  It's like saying "Alvin and the Chipmunks" was the highest grossing movie released that Christmas that featured singing, dancing, chipmunks and also David Cross.  Still, if we narrow the playing field a bit, "Ted" was still quite successful.  Domestically, it's the 7th highest grossing R rated movie ever.  It's beaten out by three comedies: Hangover, Hangover 2, and Beverly Hills Cop.  It's fairly impressive for somebody's first movie, but he's also had years and years of comedy writing experience.

3. Seth MacFarlane is the highest paid TV writer.

Back in 2008, Seth MacFarlane signed a deal with Fox to guarantee "Family Guy" and "American Dad" would remain on the air until 2012, the deal was determined to be worth over  $100 million.

4. Seth MacFarlane was scheduled to be in American Airlines Flight 11 on September 11th, 2001.

According to a Penthouse interview, MacFarlane says he was supposed to be on American Airlines Flight 11 out of Boston on 9/11.  He apparently was very hungover and had been given the wrong departure time, and when he arrived at the airport, the terminal had been closed.  Here's a quote from a TVShowsOnDVD.com interview.

"The only reason it hasn't really affected me as it maybe could have is I didn't really know that I was in any danger until after it was over, so I never had that panic moment. After the fact, it was sobering, but people have a lot of close calls; you're crossing the street and you almost get hit by a car..... this one just happened to be related to something massive. I really can't let it affect me because I'm a comedy writer. I have to put that in the back of my head."

5. Seth MacFarlane is an Academy Award Nominee.
In 2013 Seth MacFarlane was nominated for a Best Original Song Academy Award for "Everybody Needs a Best Friend" from "Ted.  The award ultimately went to "Skyfall", but it's still impressive that he will forever be an academy award nominated song-writer.

6. Seth MacFarlane's voice was in "Hellboy II: The Golden Army"

MacFarlane was the voice of the ectoplasmic entity known as Johann Kraus in the 2008 film "Hellboy II".  In addition to Hellboy, MacFarlane has also done voices in "Futurama: Into the Green Yonder" and "The Drawn Together Movie".

Top Ten Television Shows Based on Movies

With Agent of SHIELD starting in a few weeks, I've looked back on a few other television shows that originated in movies.  Some of these on this list are direct continuations or the films, other are just kind of in the same world, and other ones take place during the movie they are based.  This is by no means a definitive list, that can be found here.  This is a list of my top ten.

10. Clerks: The Animated Series (2000)

Okay, now if you have seen any of this show, just stay with me for a second.  It is far from perfect, literally only aired two episodes before being taken off the air, and really has very little to do with the show, but give it a chance!  The show follows Dante and Randall as they work at Quickstop.  Each of the six episodes has Jay and Silent Bob as recurring characters, as well as some other new characters.  It doesn't fit in with the View Askew Universe, but is definitely worth watching for anyone who enjoyed Clerks.

Clerks (Movie) on Netflix

9. Tron: Uprising (2012)

Tron: Uprising stars Elijah Wood as the lead character.  The series takes place in between Tron (1982) and Tron Legacy (2010) and so far has lasted 19 episodes.  It features characters from both movies: Tron, Clu, and even Quorra.  The show has received favorable critical reviews, but has yet to be renewed for another season.  Since January 2013, rumors have circulated that it has been cancelled, but nothing has been officially stated.

Tron: Uprising on Netflix

8. Hercules (1998)

While not considered canon, Hercules the series lasted 65 episodes and well fairly well-received.  The show covers Hercules as a teenager getting into Greek mythology themed shenanigans.  One could say that it takes place during the montage scene in the film, while Hercules is aging, but really it doesn't take place within the same continuity.  On occasion, the show contradicts things from the film.  Either way, it still had a fairly successful run along with most of Disney's other series based on movies.

Hercules (Movie) on Netflix

7. Aladdin (1994)

While definitely not as successful as the film it is based on, Disney's Aladdin had a fairly successful run of 86 episodes.  The show starts right where the second film, Return of Jafar, leaves off.  Aladdin now lives in the palace and goes on adventures with Abu, Genie, and Iago.  The third film, Aladdin and the King of Thieves continues where the show ends.

6. The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron (2002)

I didn't even know this was based on a movie for years.  It was based on the 2001 film of the same name.  For whatever reason, I never saw it as a kid, and I don't specifically remember advertisements for it.  Either way, the movie spawned a successful 119 episode run.  The movie also spawned another TV show, Planet Sheen.  The show began airing in 2010 and lasted for 26 episodes.  Planet Sheen was not near and successful or memorable as Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius.

Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (Movie) on Netflix

5. Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2007)

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles follows Sarah and John Connor after the events of Terminator 2.  In 1999 Sarah, John, and a reprogrammed Terminator named Cameron jump forward in time to 2007 to try and take down Skynet.  The first season was well received and had decent ratings.  It quickly gained a vocal fanbase.  It was decided during the show's second season that it would not continue. It was nominated for numerous Teen Choice and Primetime Emmy awards.

Terminator 2: Judgement Day on Netflixtar

4. Friday Night Lights (2006)

The film, Friday Night Lights was released in 2004 and follows a high school football team in Texas working their way to the state championship.  While the film is based on actual events, the series takes place in a fictional town with fictional characters.  The series took the overall tone from the movie, and the book it was based on, and applied to modern cultural problems.  The show has a very vocal, but small, fan-base along with huge amounts of critical reception.  The show was nominated for a number of Emmys, but still never really found a solid audience.

Friday Night Lights on Netflix

3. Stargate: SG-1 (1997)

Stargate: SG-1 continues where the film, Stargate, leaves off.  The gate is now fully operational and the United States government has assembled a teams of operatives to explore and defend the galaxy.  This series went on the spawn two more series and two direct-to-DVD films.  SG-1 was a huge critical success, it was nominated for a pile of awards, including seven Emmys in the ten year run.

Stargate on Netflix

Stargate: The Ark of Truth

Stargate Continuum

2. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997)

Definitely more successful than the film, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a critically acclaimed TV series that lasted 144 episodes and spawned a spin-off, Angel, that lasted 110 episodes.  Joss Whedon, the director of Avengers and Dr. Horrible had written a script about teenage vampire.  When he finally found somebody to make it, they took his script and changed most of it.  In the film, the main character, Buffy, is much more "girly" as she is in the television show.  Whedon wrote the pilot episode of the TV to be a continuation of the original script.  While I can't recommend the movie, the TV show is definitely something that is quite entertaining and will keep you busy for months.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Netflix

Angel on Netflix

1. M*A*S*H (1972)

M*A*S*H is based in the film MASH, which is based on the novel of the same title.  The show follows some military surgeons during the Korean war.  It covers a three-year time period over the course of eleven seasons and 256 episodes.  It is easily considered one of the greatest shows of all time, and it seems hard to find a "top 100" list of series without M*A*S*H on it.  The series finale is still the most watched television episode of all time, and the rate people are dropping cable, it is impossible for anything to ever surpass its legacy.

Star Trek Streaming Options with Viewing Order

I've always been a Star Wars fan personally.  I saw the 2009 Star Trek film, and while I was entertained, I wasn't necessarily blown away.  I wasn't compelled to seek out more.  After viewing Star Trek: Into Darkness, I have to say I want to be a fan.  With a little research, very little research, I found a nice viewing order here.  I'm just simply providing a list with some pictures and link to where you can find it right now.  For a more simplified list, please use to one linked above.  Thanks!

If you have Netflix and Amazon Prime you are able to watch literally all of Star Trek with no cost to you other than the subscriptions you have already.  If you only have Hulu for whatever reason, you can watch all the shows but not the movies (who does that anyway?).

Also, keep in mind I'm only listing streaming options that are covered by monthly fees already.  For example Star Trek III: The Search for Spock is available on Amazon streaming for $2.99, but I'm not going to list it because it costs extra.

Star Trek Seasons 1-3 (1966)

This is the most obvious place to start.  I've seen a few episodes here and there over the years, but never really enough to understand any of it in a grand scale.  From what I remember, it is quite campy, but it was the sixties, what was I expecting?  I am going to try to start here, but I honestly don't expect it to hold my attention enough.  Hopefully it will!

Star Trek: The Original Series on Netflix
Star Trek: The Original Series on Amazon Streaming
Star Trek: The Original Series on Hulu

Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973)

Apparently due to fan demand, the crew from the original show re-appeared in animated form in 1973.  This seems to be a continuation of the original series.  I have read that this was canon at some point, then it was decided it would be longer be canon.  I'm going to try to watch it all, but I'm not really sure I'll be able to handle this.  I find trouble trying to watch any animated made prior to the late '80s.  It just doesn't hold my attention unforunately.  I'll certainly try though!

Star Trek: The Animated Series on Netflix

Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)

This is where I was told to start watching Star Trek.  Apparently the quality really begins to improve and it is much less cheesy.  So, if I can't get through the first series, I'll just move to this.  Please be aware there is apparently a director's cut, which is probably better, and I don't believe it is streaming anywhere.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture of Amazon Streaming

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)

I have personally been informed that this is the best Star Trek anything ever.  I'm definitely looking forward to watching it, Star Trek: Into Darkness spoilers here...After watching the new one featuring Khan, I'm very interested in the character.  I'm also told Into Darkness and this have many similarities, I'm excited to find out what.

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan on Netflix

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan on Amazon Streaming

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984)

Without reading the synopsis, I'm going to assume Wrath of Khan ends like Into Darkness did but Spock dies?  Then they go somewhere to revive him?  Apparently Leonard Nimoy, who plays Spock, directed this film and the next one.

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock on Netflix