Seth MacFarlane, the mastermind behind the hit animated series “Family Guy,” is well-known for his irreverent humor and sharp wit. However, amidst the laughter lies a surprising passion: an adoration for classic musical films. In fact, MacFarlane’s ultimate favorite film is none other than “The Sound of Music,” the iconic 1965 musical directed by Robert Wise, featuring the exceptional talents of Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. During an interview with Wired, he humorously remarked, “Can you believe that? Who would’ve thought? ‘The Sound of motherf***ing Music.'”
“The Sound of Music” gracefully adapts the beloved 1959 stage musical, which itself draws inspiration from the real-life tale of the Von Trapp family. This Austrian clan of singers famously fled their Nazi-occupied homeland in 1938. The film introduces us to Maria, played by Andrews, a spirited nun who becomes a governess for Captain Georg Von Trapp’s seven children, eventually finding love and happiness with him. The film was an incredible commercial triumph, earning $286 million globally against a modest budget of eight million, and it snagged five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
It’s fitting that “Family Guy,” known for its over-the-top pop culture references, pays homage to “The Sound of Music” through various nods and parodies throughout its run. In the very first episode, “Death Has A Shadow,” Peter Griffin finds himself outperformed in a talent show by none other than the Von Trapp family. The show’s third season features a delightful rendition of “So Long, Farewell,” showcased in full Austrian attire by the Griffin children. Furthermore, in a particularly memorable moment from season 4’s “You May Now Kiss The… Uh… Guy Who Receives,” Stewie and Brian watch an alternate rendition of “The Sound of Music,” where nuns go above and beyond, taking down the villainous Nazi, Rolf.
MacFarlane’s admiration for musicals extends beyond “The Sound of Music.” His impressive voice acting spans numerous characters, from Stewie Griffin to Roger the alien in “American Dad,” displaying a remarkable vocal range. Notably, he often adopts a high-pitched, theatrical tone reminiscent of Paul Lynde, contrasting with his natural deep voice as Brian the dog. Beyond musicals, MacFarlane is a dedicated “Star Trek” enthusiast, even creating the series “The Orville” to fulfill his aspirations of taking on the role of a “Star Trek” captain. Not surprisingly, he produced a musical episode of that series and regularly weaves musical moments into his animated projects.
It’s intriguing to see how “Family Guy,” typically associated with edgy teenage comedy, possesses a hidden affinity for musical theater. The opening credits showcase the Griffin family in a song-and-dance routine, while the theme tune of “American Dad,” “Good Morning U.S.A.,” is sung by the main character, Stan Smith, who is also voiced by MacFarlane. A standout musical moment from “Family Guy” occurs in season 4’s “PTV,” where Peter boldly creates a raunchy TV network but faces the wrath of the FCC, resulting in the trio of Peter, Brian, and Stewie launching into their raucous anthem “The Freakin’ FCC”—all performed in MacFarlane’s impressive vocal stylings.
At times, “Family Guy” opts to reinterpret classic musicals rather than producing original numbers. An example can be found in season 2’s “The King Is Dead,” when Lois attempts to direct a local version of “The King and I.” Another notable instance is when Peter performs “Shipoopi” from “The Music Man” during a pivotal moment in the season 4 episode “Patriot Games.” The show even revisits “The Sound of Music” in the direct-to-DVD film “Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story,” where a clever cutaway features Stewie dressed as Maria, singing the empowering “I Have Confidence.”
Though “Family Guy” may appear to be at odds with the grandeur of classic musicals, its creator’s passion for theater is subtly woven throughout the series. For those who pay attention, it’s evident that beneath the surface humor lies a profound musical heartbeat.
