So I was watching the season openers for The Simpsons, Family Guy, and American Dad on Sunday night. I also checked out The Cleveland Show, more out of curiosity than any real desire to watch the show as I had my reservations about it. I have to say, though, that I was pleasantly surprised: the main danger of any spin-off, as I see it, is that the character(s) around whom the spin-off is based will either change not at all (making one wonder why he/she got his/her own show) or change too much (thereby losing any continuity with its original show). I have to say that Cleveland retained much of his character while showing off enough different quirks (see the scene where he deals with Roberta's boyfriend) to make his character a more interesting one. The supporting cast seems to be a fairly interesting bunch as well (like that talking bear). The show could fail still, of course, but it got off to a fairly decent start, IMO.

On the note of the other shows: they were all pretty good except for Family Guy which was simply amazing and hilarious. The best season opener (or any other type of opener) that I've seen for that show by far- if you haven't already done so, download it and watch it now.

I thought that, in terms of story, it was pretty decent. The laugh factor, however, was almost non-existent for me. I'll give the show a few more episodes to make me laugh, but if it fails to do that then I'm gonna have to let it go.

Well i'll admit I was a little skeptical about this show at first, but it turned out better then I expected, I didn't laugh a whole lot(though I did laugh pretty hard at the R. Kelly gag) but I certainly laughed more at this show then I did at American Dad's premiere episode, which was kinda weak.

Watched the first three episodes. Not too bad. Kind of like Seth MacFarlane "light". The third episode reveals a little more of the charcters, which is a good sign. Generally I think the writers are going a little too easy on the main characters. They are too "self-celebrating classic sitcom". The rednecks and other "white" characters do all the slapstick and blood splatter/severed limbs gags - and Cleveland is just a little too mild-mannered for my taste (the third episode is hinting on hidden layers of vanity and him being a sex maniac - O.K. that's stereotypical for a black character - but it might have potential). He is basically a very, very watered down version of Homer Simpson and Peter Griffin - who are both absolutely hilarious. They don't even need to do anything and I start laughing already. Not so with Cleveland, who is just very likeable and slightly slow witted and slow talking - that's it. He needs more quirks than very occasionally losing his temper. Well let's see what is to come.

The versions of Meg, Stewie and Brian, namely Roberta (this time a hottie, let's see what they do with her beyond the been there, did it, done it: "wrong boyfriend" and "spioled teenager" stuff), Rallo (he ain't Stewie and he ain't even funny), and the talkng Bear with a strange accent (he ain't no Brian the dog, not even close).

Cleveland's bioligical son, morbidly obese and slow witted Cleveland Jr. is just not funny. Send him back to the drawing board guys!
This show desperately needs some kind of edge. I hope the writers find a way to provide it. I'll give it some more time, there is potential.

I actually don't think Stewie's been all that funny ever since McFarlane started piling on all those really lame jokes about Stewie being gay, I tihnk Raolo's alot funnier IMO And i've also laughed more at the cutaway gags on this show then the ones on Family Guy this season so far. This show certianly has plenty of potential and i'm looking forward to the next episode.

Have to disagree with some of the above comments, thought it was pretty poor with Rallo the only real highlight. Will give it a fair go, but really not that impressed.

I usually watch Family Guy to pass the time and am watching The Cleveland Show in the same vein. It's perhaps a notch below Family Guy, which means it isn't much depending on who you are. But it's not horrid.

A redneck: I once became aroused by Halle Berry and her breasts.
Cleveland: *nervously* Thank you.

I watched Sunday night's episode. There was a talking bear. And some stereotypes.

I've got to hand it to Seth McFarlane. Really. He's taken the Family Guy formula and created two more shows that are exactly the same. I don't know if his writers migrate from show to show but, whatever it is, he's got to find a show runner that brings something new to the table. Anything would be good. So, some advice for Seth McFarlane: watch the third season of The Simpsons. That's your angle. Now keep up your R-rated tendencies. See? You've finally made a good show!

So... i watch and enjoy Family guy. I find it very funny.

What the hell is going on with the cleveland show? i admit ive only seen a couple but really.. its just not funny.

Like Family Guy and American Dad, this show's still finding its way. I did watch this past Sunday's episode, and I found that they're already starting to push the edge a bit. If they can keep going in that direction, this show will likely end up being another success for Mr. MacFarlane.