One of the frequently asked questions among fans of the adult animated sitcom “Family Guy” is: Is the show available on Disney Plus?
This article delves into this query, examining the implications of Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox, the geographical availability of “Family Guy” on Disney Plus, and alternative platforms where the series can be streamed. Let’s explore the current status of “Family Guy” in the streaming landscape.
Is ‘Family Guy’ Available on Disney Plus?
For viewers living in countries like the U.K., Australia, Canada, and UAE, “Family Guy” is readily available on Disney Plus, thanks to the inclusion of the Star package in their subscription. Star essentially replaces Hulu in these regions and delivers a similar experience to what The Disney Bundle offers in the U.S. Therefore, subscribers in these countries enjoy a wealth of Star content in addition to their regular Disney+ offerings, all under the same subscription umbrella.
However, it’s a different story for Disney Plus subscribers in the U.S. Here, “Family Guy” does not come as part of the standard Disney Plus catalog. Instead, U.S. viewers seeking to binge-watch the antics of the Griffin family need to sign up for The Disney Bundle or Hulu to gain access to this beloved series, among other additional content. This situation echoes the structure seen in countries with Star, albeit with a different service—Hulu—in the mix.
Geographical Availability of ‘Family Guy’ on Disney Plus
The accessibility of “Family Guy” on Disney Plus is region-dependent, a result of varied media licensing and distribution contracts that create disparities in content availability across countries. Let’s analyze the geographical distribution of “Family Guy”.
In the United States, “Family Guy” isn’t listed on Disney Plus. The American version of Disney Plus sticks to a family-friendly programming strategy, and more mature shows, including “Family Guy”, are typically found on Hulu – a streaming service predominantly owned by Disney.
The narrative differs drastically for viewers located in other regions. In the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and several Western European countries, Disney Plus features a section named Star. Star functions as a hub for more adult-themed content on Disney Plus, and “Family Guy” is included there. Subscribers in these territories can therefore enjoy “Family Guy” directly via Disney Plus.
In other areas, like Latin America and certain Asian countries, the availability of “Family Guy” might rely on regional streaming services or specific distribution agreements. Occasionally, due to local regulations or licensing limitations, “Family Guy” may not be available on Disney Plus or any other platform.
Keep in mind that Disney’s content strategy and licensing contracts are subject to change, affecting the availability of shows. To obtain the most precise information on where to watch “Family Guy” on Disney Plus, it is recommended to check the platform’s offerings in your particular region or country.
Alternative Platforms to Watch ‘Family Guy’
If you’re a “Family Guy” aficionado and Disney Plus doesn’t have it in your region, don’t worry; several other services feature this renowned animated sitcom. Nevertheless, availability might vary based on your geographical locale, so it’s best to check local listings for accurate details.
Hulu (U.S.): Given Disney’s significant stake in Hulu, the platform is the primary hub for “Family Guy” within the United States. Hulu subscribers can stream all the existing and preceding seasons of “Family Guy”.
Fox (U.S.): As an original series by Fox, recent “Family Guy” episodes are often accessible via Fox’s official website or the Fox NOW app, although you might need to sign in using your TV provider’s credentials.
Netflix (Selected Regions): “Family Guy” is accessible on Netflix in certain regions. However, this may change due to regular renegotiations of licensing agreements between Netflix and content providers.
Amazon Prime Video: Amazon Prime Video allows users to buy or rent individual episodes or complete seasons of “Family Guy”. Contrary to subscription-based streaming, this offers you indefinite access to the episodes or seasons you’ve purchased.
Adult Swim (U.S.): In the United States, “Family Guy” reruns frequently air on the Adult Swim section of Cartoon Network.
DVD/Blu-ray: If you prefer tangible copies, “Family Guy” seasons can be bought on DVD and Blu-ray. These often include bonus materials like commentary and behind-the-scenes content.
Do remember, availability is subject to change due to licensing agreements. Additionally, platform offerings can vary over time and by region. Hence, it’s advisable to check the specific services in your region for the most recent and accurate information.
The Acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney
Disney’s purchase of 21st Century Fox, finalized in March 2019, marked a monumental media merger in recent times. Valued at over $71 billion, the deal transformed the entertainment sector, reshaping the ownership and distribution rights of numerous intellectual properties.
The merger allowed Disney, already a titan in media, to enhance its collection by acquiring the rights to numerous renowned franchises and series. These include “Avatar,” “X-Men,” “Fantastic Four,” “The Simpsons,” and the “Family Guy” series.
The deal also granted Disney a controlling interest in the streaming service Hulu, where a large portion of Fox’s mature-themed content, such as “Family Guy,” is hosted in the U.S. Internationally, many of these shows are showcased on the Star section of Disney Plus, designed to house the adult-oriented content procured through the Fox acquisition.
The purchase also influenced Disney’s strategic trajectory in the burgeoning streaming market. The enlarged content library fortified Disney Plus’s stance against rivals like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, offering a wider variety of content to subscribers and making the platform attractive to a larger demographic.
This merger also underlined the industry pattern of media conglomerates aiming to establish comprehensive, direct-to-consumer streaming platforms. By amalgamating the vast content from 21st Century Fox, Disney further entrenched its position as a major player in the global entertainment arena.
Nevertheless, it’s crucial to remember that the repercussions of the acquisition are still emerging. The distribution rights and the platforms streaming specific shows, such as “Family Guy,” may evolve as Disney continues to fine-tune its streaming approach.
