Did Cleveland Go Back To Being A Family Man?

The Cleveland Show, a popular animated series, ended its fourth season on May 19, 2013. After the cancellation, Cleveland and his family moved back to Quahog, where he made his triumphant return during Season 12 episode “He’s Bla-ack!” Cleveland Brown, originally voiced by Mike Henry, was reduced to a guest character until he returbed. He was last seen in the non-canon “3 Kings” episode.

Mike Henry, a white voice actor, announced that he would no longer play Cleveland Brown, Peter’s chipper neighbor, who is black, on the show. Family Guy executive producer Steve Callaghan plans to fully reintegrate Cleveland into the show by moving him into his old house on Spooner Street.

Despite voicing Cleveland Brown since Season 1, Mike Henry stepped down from the role after Season 19. This was due to a major behind-the-scenes change in the show. Veteran voice actor Mike Henry decided to step down from his decades-long role as Cleveland Brown.

On the same day, Seth MacFarlane revealed that Cleveland would return to Family Guy during the 12th season in the episode “He’s Bla-ack!” Cleveland and his family return to Quahog, but his friendship with Peter is tested when their wives argue about parenting. Cleveland Brown was written out before Family Guy season 8 to prepare for the debut of The Cleveland Show.

After Cleveland’s show was cancelled and he returned to Family Guy, the rest of his family got demoted to silent cameos for now on. While some of his Cleveland returns to Quahog, they are forbidden from spending time with Peter when their wives get into an argument over parenting. Cleveland returns to Family Guy with no explanation and the main cast will sometimes be silent.

Why Did Family Guy Leave The Cleveland Show Vacant?

Family Guy served as a safety net for The Cleveland Show, allowing for the Brown family’s potential return. Cleveland Brown departed from Family Guy in 2020, when Mike Henry, the voice actor, decided it was inappropriate for a white actor to portray a Black character. Henry expressed his honor in voicing Cleveland for two decades via Twitter. Despite Cleveland's absence, Family Guy kept the house available for a possible reunion and showcased various guest stars in the interim.

Cleveland left Family Guy in season 4, rejoining in season 12, only to see The Cleveland Show canceled after four seasons due to declining popularity and issues with writing and scheduling. Interestingly, Cleveland's exit from Quahog was noted as early as the first episode of The Cleveland Show, yet his final meaningful appearance in Family Guy occurred in the non-canon "Road to the Multiverse." Following the cancellation, Cleveland and his family returned to Quahog, making a grand comeback in the episode titled "He’s Bla-ack!" The journey of Cleveland Brown is a testament to the legacy of these interconnected animated series, showcasing shifts behind-the-scenes as voice actors transitioned, particularly highlighting Henry's pivotal role. Ultimately, it emphasizes the original appeal of Family Guy while underscoring the challenges encountered by its spin-off.

Who Voices Cleveland On 'Family Guy'?

Mike Henry, who is not Black, has voiced Cleveland Brown, a Black character, since Family Guy's debut in 1999 and also led its spinoff, The Cleveland Show. Arif Zahir, a YouTube star, was announced as the new voice for Cleveland in September 2020, taking over from Henry in Season 20. Henry expressed gratitude for his long tenure but stepped down to allow a person of color to voice the character. Throughout his career, Henry has contributed as a writer, producer, and voice actor for various characters on the show, including Herbert and Consuela.

He had voiced Cleveland for 20 years before the transition. Zahir's casting reflects a broader movement in the industry towards authentically representing diverse characters. Despite stepping away from Cleveland, Henry continues to voice other characters like Bruce and Consuela. The show remains popular, having recently received renewal for future seasons.

How Long Did 'Family Guy' Last?

Cleveland, a beloved character, was integral to the action of Family Guy for eight seasons before starring in his own spin-off, The Cleveland Show, which lasted four seasons on Fox. After its cancellation, Cleveland returned to Family Guy, an animated sitcom created by Seth MacFarlane that premiered on January 31, 1999. The show follows the dysfunctional Griffin family and has become a staple of American television over its 25-year run. Despite past cancellations—initially after its second season and again in 2002 after the third season—Family Guy has persevered, largely due to its reruns and subsequent revival in 2005. Recent reports indicate a significant change for the show, moving from its long-standing Sunday night slot to Wednesdays beginning March 6, 2024. MacFarlane has confirmed that while changes are occurring, the show's future remains bright, with no immediate plans for cancellation. With a total of over 400 episodes, Family Guy continues to enjoy strong popularity. Additionally, Adult Swim, after airing reruns for 18 years, has officially bid farewell to the series, marking the end of an era in its syndication history. The show remains a cornerstone of animated television and MacFarlane's enduring legacy.

When Did Mike Henry Return To Family Guy?

Cleveland Brown, a character on "Family Guy," was initially voiced by Mike Henry from seasons 1 to 8 and departed in season 4, returning in season 12 after his own spin-off, "The Cleveland Show," which aired for four seasons. Following the completion of "The Cleveland Show," Henry returned to "Family Guy." However, after season 19, Henry announced he would step down from voicing Cleveland to allow a Black actor to take over, aligning with a broader industry movement regarding racial representation in voice acting.

This decision came in the wake of similar announcements from shows like "The Simpsons," reflecting the need for authentic representation in animated roles. Henry confirmed that he would continue to voice the character during the already completed Season 18 episodes. Subsequently, actor and YouTuber Arif Zahir was cast as Henry's replacement. Cleveland and his family rejoined "Family Guy" in 2014 following the spin-off’s cancellation and featured prominently in the series thereafter.

Henry's long tenure saw him contribute significantly to the show as a writer, producer, and voice actor for several characters beyond Cleveland, which underscored his substantial impact on the series since its debut in 1999.

Is Cleveland Brown Still A Part Of Family Guy?

Cleveland Brown, a key character in "Family Guy," was introduced in the pilot and remained integral to the series throughout its run, even during its revival in 2005. Initially voiced by Mike Henry, Cleveland's character evolved significantly, particularly during the five years he starred in his spin-off, "The Cleveland Show." In 2020, Henry, who co-created the character, announced on social media that he would step down from voicing Cleveland, feeling that a white actor should not portray a person of color.

Following this decision, YouTuber Arif Zahir was cast as Cleveland's new voice, starting in Season 19. Henry, who still voices other characters on the show, emphasized his pride in playing Cleveland for two decades. Cleveland's character has experienced various changes, including being written out before Season 8 to facilitate "The Cleveland Show." Although he was absent for several seasons, Cleveland made a return in later episodes, such as "He's bla-ack." As "Family Guy" approaches its 24th season, Cleveland continues to be featured prominently alongside the main cast, maintaining his status as a beloved character in the ongoing animated series.