10 Worst Things FOX Did To The Simpsons
6. No Simpsons Writers On The Simpsons Guy
The Simpsons Guy was a huge cultural event, and was top of the bucket list for many animation fans. Considering it came out after both shows had passed their peak, it could’ve been a disaster. However, the two-part episode marked a return to form for both shows and was of the quality it deserved to be.
With how well it worked out, it seems a little foolish to tinker with the formula. Playing devil’s advocate is just so tempting though, and there was a notable absence in the team behind The Simpsons Guy.
The show was written by Patrick Meighan and directed by Peter Shin - both of whom are Family Guy staff members. Meighan has close to 20 Family Guy episodes in his back catalogue, while Shin directed the Family Guy pilot and the made-for-TV movie Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story. In fairness, Shin did work as an animator on The Simpsons in the early ‘90s, but that’s not really the same as knowing the show inside out.
Yes, it was a Family Guy episode first and foremost, but it was also a huge animation event. Having someone like John Swartzwelder, Ian Maxtone-Graham, Joel H. Cohen, John Frink or Al Jean might have rounded the edges.