For What Duration Was Cleveland Absent From The Family Guy?

Cleveland Orenthal Brown, Sr. is a supporting character on Family Guy and central character in the spin-off series, The Cleveland Show. He left Family Guy in season 4 and returned in season 12. After playing Cleveland Brown from seasons 1 to 8, Mike Henry voiced the character on the spin-off. Now that The Cleveland Show has ended, Cleveland and his family will return to Quahog in the Family Guy episode He’s Black.

Cleveland left Family Guy in season 4 and returned in season 12 after playing Cleveland Brown from seasons 1 to 8. After four seasons, the show aired its final episode on May 19, 2013. After the cancellation of The Cleveland Show, Cleveland and his family moved back to Quahog.

Victor Mike Henry, who voiced Cleveland Brown from seasons 1 to 8, announced Friday that he would no longer play the character. Cleveland was officially written out of Family Guy during Season 8 before The Cleveland Show was broadcast. After briefly losing his job due to a wardrobe malfunction in “Unzipped Code”, he found employment with the Pawtucket Brewery.

In “Blind”, Cleveland was an accomplished minor-league baseball player before moving to Quahog after a break-up with his girlfriend Maxine in “Death Lives”. In “He’s Bla-ack!”, Cleveland returns with his family and removes the trend as an option. The show was gone for almost three full years, from 2002 to 2005 when it was revived for a fourth season.

The 230th episode of the animated comedy series Family Guy, “He’s Bla-ack!”, is the twentieth and penultimate episode of the twelfth season and the 230th overall. Henry made the announcement on Twitter, saying it’s been an honor to play Cleveland on Family Guy for 20 years.

Who Voices Cleveland Brown Now?

Arif Zahir is the new voice of Cleveland Brown on "Family Guy," stepping into the role originally portrayed by Mike Henry for over 20 years. Zahir, a YouTuber known for his impressions of Cleveland, officially joined the cast in September 2020, marking a significant transition for the long-running animated series. This change comes as part of a broader industry discussion about representation, following Mike Henry's decision to step down from the role, stating that "persons of color should play" characters of their own ethnicity.

Zahir, also known as Azerrz, became popular on YouTube, amassing over 6 million followers by creating content that featured his impersonations of Cleveland. His official debut as Cleveland was in the episode "LASIK Instinct." Although he took on the character full-time, Henry continued to be credited for Cleveland's voice in some earlier episodes where the character had no lines.

"Family Guy" has enjoyed renewed life, having been picked up for Seasons 19 and 20 on Fox, and Zahir's casting signifies the show's commitment to evolving with the times. The transition represents a milestone as it marks the first time a Black actor has voiced the character. Arif Zahir expressed excitement about the opportunity, highlighting his journey from YouTube impersonation to becoming the official voice of Cleveland Brown. As "Family Guy" continues its satirical exploration of suburban family life, fans are eager to see how Zahir will bring his unique interpretation to the beloved character moving forward.

Does Stewie Ever Meet Rallo?

In the "Family Guy" episode titled "He's Bla-ack!" (s12e20), Rallo attempts to befriend Stewie but faces rejection as Stewie dismisses him, labeling him a "ripoff of The Boondocks." Meanwhile, an incident occurs when Chris accidentally breaks a vase that belonged to Donna’s great-grandmother over Rallo's head. This leads to Donna spanking Chris, which angers Lois and prompts her to confront Donna about the discipline.

Although there has been speculation among fans about the potential for a Rallo and Stewie episode due to their similar traits—Rallo being likened to "black Stewie" and often compared to Cleveland and his interactions—Rallo and Stewie have never truly interacted or had an adventure together.

Their missed opportunity as a dynamic duo fascinates fans, with many expressing a desire to see them team up in future episodes. Since Cleveland's return, the appearances of Rallo and his family have diminished, leading viewers to reflect on their past roles and interactions with the main characters, particularly Stewie.

Why Did Brian'S Voice Change In Family Guy?

Brian’s voice on Family Guy is distinctive as it reflects Seth MacFarlane’s natural speaking voice. Unlike other characters, Brian’s vocal evolution is particularly noticeable, especially from season 1 to later seasons where it has grown darker and fuller. Auditions for Brian included unsuccessful attempts by William H. Macy. In the episode "Road to the Multiverse," Brian was temporarily voiced by Japanese actor Kotaro Watanabe in a Japanese-themed alternate universe. While Brian used to be the voice of reason, he has undergone significant character development. Many fans have noticed changes in the voices of other characters too, particularly Bonnie's, and some expressed dissatisfaction with the voice quality in later seasons, especially season 20, which they found lacking except for a few jokes. The character of Meg was recast from Lacey Chabert to another actress, marking another major change since the show’s inception. Interestingly, there’s a fan theory suggesting Brian might be the show's writer, communicating nonsensically with Stewie amidst their playful interactions. Overall, Brian remains a complex character, embodying various traits as he evolves, contrasting with the more static vocal portrayals of characters like Peter Griffin. His Massachusetts and Ottawa roots may influence his voice, adding to his uniqueness in the cast.

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.

Why Did The Cleveland Show End?

The Cleveland Show was canceled after four seasons due to declining ratings, with its last episode airing on May 19, 2013. Although the spin-off from Family Guy featured Cleveland Brown's move to Virginia, it struggled to achieve substantial popularity. Ratings consistently dropped with each season, particularly hitting a low in its final season, leading to the show's abrupt end after 88 episodes. Factors contributing to its cancellation included poor reviews, ineffective advertising, and a lack of consistent time slots for airing.

Reports circulated that the voice actor for Cleveland, a white individual, would no longer portray a character of color, further complicating the show's future. Fox confirmed the cancellation, stating that the series would not be renewed for a fifth season. Despite some initial success, The Cleveland Show ultimately fell short of expectations, leaving fans disappointed and confused, especially given that it ended without a proper finale.

Creator Seth MacFarlane acknowledged the show's challenges, hinting at an oversaturation in the market due to the popularity of Family Guy. In summary, while The Cleveland Show had its merits, the combination of low ratings, poor marketing, and production decisions led to its cancellation.

What Happened To Cleveland On 'Family Guy'?

On June 26, 2020, Mike Henry announced his departure from the role of Cleveland Brown, a character he voiced on "Family Guy" for 20 years, stating on Twitter, "It’s been an honor…but persons of color should play characters of color." Cleveland, along with his son Cleveland, Jr., transitioned to "The Cleveland Show," where Cleveland, Jr. underwent a significant character change. Cleveland initially left "Family Guy" in season 4, returning in season 12, with his last regular appearance in season 7's episode "420." Despite hints of a potential return, he was officially written out during season 8.

Henry’s decision to exit followed a trend of white actors stepping down from voicing characters of color. The character Cleveland was an accomplished minor-league baseball player who moved to Quahog after a breakup with his girlfriend. Following the cancellation of "The Cleveland Show," Cleveland returned to "Family Guy" but had lost much substance, evidenced by his surprising reappearance in the episode "The Splendid Source." Henry's resignation underscored a significant moment in animation, emphasizing the importance of representation by allowing a black actor to take over the role of Cleveland Brown.

Does Cleveland Ever Come Back To Family Guy?

The episode "He’s Bla-ack!" marks the return of Cleveland Brown to Quahog after the cancellation of his spin-off, The Cleveland Show. Cleveland and his family come back, but their return complicates his friendship with Peter when their wives have a dispute regarding parenting. The episode is significant as Cleveland's presence disrupts the streak of cameos that Family Guy had enjoyed during his absence. Although Cleveland was last seen in season 7, the continuity of his character is acknowledged when he returns in season 12.

The episode features the humorous ribbing of The Cleveland Show by Peter, Quagmire, and Joe, yet they ultimately accept Cleveland back into their social circle. Cleveland's journey highlights his past affection for Donna, who had promised him a chance if her relationship failed. Seth MacFarlane revealed at Comic-Con the character's return, and fans recognized that Cleveland's absence had been felt in the show.

The episode hints at potential dynamics between Cleveland’s family and established characters, urging a desire for deeper storytelling. Cleveland's return symbolizes a blending of past and present dynamics, bringing both tension and humor as he reintegrates into the Quahog community.

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.

Is Mike Henry Leaving 'Family Guy'?

Mike Henry is stepping down from his role as Cleveland Brown on "Family Guy," a decision he announced on Twitter on June 26, 2020. Henry, a white actor, has voiced the character, an African American neighbor, for two decades. He expressed pride in portraying Cleveland but emphasized that actors of color should voice characters of color. This shift in casting follows a growing trend in the entertainment industry, notably after "The Simpsons" made a similar announcement regarding the voicing of non-White characters by White actors.

Henry's departure from the long-running Fox animated series aims to increase representation and opportunity for Black actors in the industry. He stated, "I love this character, but persons of color should play characters of color. Therefore, I will be stepping down from the role." This move aligns with similar decisions by other voice actors in recent times, underscoring a broader conversation about representation and diversity in animation. Henry's exit marks a significant change for a beloved character as the industry navigates issues of race and identity in casting choices.