View source for American Dad!

{{short description|American animated sitcom}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox television
| image                = American dad logo.svg
| genre                = [[Animated sitcom]]<ref name="ZapOverview">{{Cite web |title=American Dad |url=http://www.zap2it.com/tv/american-dad/SH007164450000 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805023333/http://zap2it.com/tv/american-dad/SH007164450000/ |archive-date=August 5, 2016 |access-date=April 22, 2018 |website=[[Zap2it]]}}</ref>
| creator              = {{Plainlist|
* [[Seth MacFarlane]]
* [[Mike Barker (producer)|Mike Barker]]
* [[Matt Weitzman]]
}}
| voices               = {{Plainlist|
* Seth MacFarlane
* [[Wendy Schaal]]
* [[Scott Grimes]]
* [[Rachael MacFarlane]]
* [[Dee Bradley Baker]]
* [[Jeff Fischer (actor)|Jeff Fischer]]
}}
| opentheme            = {{Theme song|"Good Morning, USA"|Seth MacFarlane}}
| endtheme             = "Good Morning, USA"<br />(instrumental)
| theme_music_composer = [[Walter Murphy]]
| composer             = {{Plainlist|
* Walter Murphy
* [[Joel McNeely]]
* [[Ron Jones (composer)|Ron Jones]]
}}
| country              = United States
| language             = English
| num_seasons          = 21
| num_episodes         = 388
| list_episodes        = List of American Dad! episodes
| executive_producer   = {{Plainlist|
* Seth MacFarlane
* Mike Barker
* Matt Weitzman
* Brian Boyle
* Kenny Schwartz
* Rick Wiener
* [[David Zuckerman (TV producer)|David Zuckerman]]
* [[Richard Appel]]
* [[Nahnatchka Khan]]
* [[David A. Goodman]]
* Erik Sommers
* [[Steve Callaghan]]
* Jordan Blum
* Zachary Rosenblatt
* Joe Chandler
* Nic Wegener
* Joel Kuwahara
* Jeff Mednikow
}}
| producer             = {{Plainlist|
* [[Kara Vallow]]
* Diana Ritchey
* [[Zac Moncrief]]
* [[Michael Rowe (screenwriter)|Michael Rowe]]
* Brian LoSchiavo
}}
| editor               = Rob DeSales
| runtime              = 21–24 minutes
| company              = {{plainlist|
* Underdog Productions
* [[Fuzzy Door Productions]]
* [[20th Television]]{{efn|Credited as 20th Century Fox Television through season 17}} {{small|(seasons 1–18)}}
* [[20th Television Animation]]{{efn|Animation service through season 18; credited as Fox Television Animation through season 17}} {{small|(season 19–present)}}
}}
| network              = [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]]
| first_aired          = {{Start date|2005|2|6}}
| last_aired           = {{End date|2014|9|21}}
| first_aired3         = <!--Only insert start date after the first episode has aired. {{Start date|2026}} -->
| network2             = [[TBS (American TV channel)|TBS]]
| first_aired2         = {{Start date|2014|10|20}}
| last_aired2          = {{End date|2025|03|24}}
}}

'''''American Dad!''''' is an American [[animated sitcom]] created by [[Seth MacFarlane]], [[Mike Barker (producer)|Mike Barker]] and [[Matt Weitzman]] for the [[Fox Broadcasting Company]]. The series premiered on February 6, 2005, following [[Super Bowl XXXIX]], with the rest of the [[American Dad! (season 1)|first season]] airing from May 1 of the same year. The show centers around the [[List of American Dad! characters|Smiths]], a [[dysfunctional family]] consisting of parents [[Stan Smith (American Dad!)|Stan]] and [[Francine Smith|Francine]], their children, [[Hayley Smith (American Dad!)|Hayley]] and [[Steve Smith (American Dad!)|Steve]], as well as a [[goldfish]] named [[Klaus Heisler|Klaus]] and an [[Extraterrestrial life|extraterrestrial]] named [[Roger (American Dad!)|Roger]]. In the [[100 A.D. (American Dad!)|seventh season]], Hayley's boyfriend (turned husband) [[Jeff Fischer (American Dad!)|Jeff Fischer]] joined the main cast, followed by [[Rogu (American Dad!)|Rogu]], Roger's [[neoplasm|neoplastic]] son who joined in [[American Dad! (season 15)#ep250|season fifteen]]. Unlike MacFarlane's other show, ''[[Family Guy]]'', ''American Dad!'' does not lean as heavily on the use of [[Cutaway (filmmaking)|cutaway gags]], instead deriving its humor mostly from the quirky characters and their relationships. 

The show was conceived by MacFarlane and Weitzman after the two were inspired by the [[2000 United States presidential election]], and Fox Broadcasting ordered a pilot presentation of the series in September 2003. ''American Dad!'' was the first series made specifically for Fox's [[Animation Domination]] block. The series moved to [[TBS (American TV channel)|TBS]] for its twelfth season in 2014 until the conclusion of its twenty-first season in March 2025. It will return to Fox for its twenty-second season in early 2026 and was renewed through its twenty-fifth season on the network.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Porter |first1=Rick |title=How an "Opportunistic" Fox Reclaimed 'American Dad!' After 10 Seasons on TBS |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/how-fox-landed-american-dad-after-tbs-run-1236213457/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=16 May 2025 |date=12 May 2025}}</ref>

''American Dad!'' has received generally positive reviews and has been nominated for numerous awards. In June 2013, it was awarded as top television series by the [[American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers]]. It has also been nominated for four [[Primetime Emmy Awards]] and two [[Annie Awards]].<!-- Per [[MOS:LEAD]] if cited in article prose, citation is not required for lead. -->

==Premise==
[[File:AmericanDadPromo.PNG|thumb|left|The [[List of American Dad! characters|Smith family]]. From left to right: [[Roger (American Dad!)|Roger]] (alien), [[Francine Smith|Francine]], [[Stan Smith (American Dad!)|Stan]], [[Klaus Heisler|Klaus]] (fish in fishbowl), [[Hayley Smith (American Dad!)|Hayley]], [[Steve Smith (American Dad!)|Steve]]]]
The series focuses on the eccentric [[upper middle class]] Smith family in a fictionalized version of [[Langley, Virginia]] and their four housemates:<ref name="avclub4">{{Cite web |last=Emily VanDerWerff |date=September 28, 2012 |title=Comedy Showrunners Week: American Dad's co-creators on the show's weird evolution |url=https://www.avclub.com/comedy-showrunners-week-american-dad-s-co-creators-on-1798233675 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623031002/https://www.avclub.com/comedy-showrunners-week-american-dad-s-co-creators-on-1798233675 |archive-date=June 23, 2021 |access-date=December 9, 2013 |publisher=The A.V. Club}}</ref> father, husband, [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] agent, [[Republican Party (US)|Republican]], and [[breadwinner model|breadwinner]] [[Stan Smith (American Dad!)|Stan]]; his wife and homemaker/[[housewife]] [[Francine Smith|Francine]]; their liberal, hippie, college-aged daughter [[Hayley Smith (American Dad!)|Hayley]]; and their dorky high-school-aged son [[Steve Smith (American Dad!)|Steve]]. There are four additional main characters, including [[List of American Dad! characters#Jeff Fischer|Jeff Fischer]], Hayley's dimwitted boyfriend and later husband; [[Klaus Heisler|Klaus]], the family's unusual [[goldfish]] who has the brain of an [[East Germany at the Olympics|East German athlete]]; [[Roger (American Dad!)|Roger]], an [[Extraterrestrial life|alien]] who is a flamboyant, hedonistic, self-serving master of disguise; and [[List of American Dad! characters#Rogu Smith|Rogu]], Roger's ex-tumor son .<ref name="ovguide1">{{Cite web |title=Roger Video &#124; Movie Clips & Character Interview |url=http://www.ovguide.com/roger-9202a8c04000641f80000000008d8419 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521175723/http://www.ovguide.com/roger-9202a8c04000641f80000000008d8419 |archive-date=May 21, 2013 |access-date=April 9, 2013 |publisher=Ovguide.com}}</ref><ref name="washingtonpost1">{{Cite news |last=McEwen |first=Lauren |date=October 8, 2012 |title='American Dad': One of the most sophisticated mainstream shows on African American culture – The Root DC Live |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/therootdc/post/american-dad-one-of-the-most-sophisticated-mainstream-shows-on-african-american-culture/2012/10/08/e8374cba-051d-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_blog.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018224056/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/therootdc/post/american-dad-one-of-the-most-sophisticated-mainstream-shows-on-african-american-culture/2012/10/08/e8374cba-051d-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_blog.html |archive-date=October 18, 2012 |access-date=April 1, 2013 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> Stan's boss [[Avery Bullock]], the [[Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency]], is a recurring character.

===Main characters===
{{main|List of American Dad! characters}}
''American Dad!'' centers on the absurd circumstances, adventures and domestic life of its [[title role|title character]]
[[Stan Smith (American Dad!)|Stan Smith]], his [[immediate family]], and their four housemates. Adding to all the ridiculousness and absurdity are the various [[Trait theory#List of personality traits|personality traits]] of all the show's eccentric main characters, listed as follows:
* [[Seth MacFarlane]] voices [[Stan Smith (American Dad!)|Stan Smith]] (husband/father and CIA agent) and [[Roger (American Dad!)|Roger Smith]] (Alien which Stan saved at Area 51, who wears costumes to disguise himself from Stan’s boss, Avery Bullock)
* [[Wendy Schaal]] voices [[Francine Smith]] (wife/mother)
* [[Scott Grimes]] voices [[Steve Smith (American Dad!)|Steve Smith]] (Stan and Francine's son who is shown as a nerd with a heart of gold)
* [[Rachael MacFarlane]] voices [[Hayley Smith (American Dad!)|Hayley D. Smith-Fischer]] (Stan and Francine's Rebellious teenage daughter)
* [[Dee Bradley Baker]] voices [[Klaus Heisler]] (the Smiths'pet fish which had the brain of a man implanted after the fictional 1986 Winter Olympics) and [[List of American Dad! characters#Rogu Smith|Rogu]] (Roger's ex-tumor son)
* [[Jeff Fischer (actor)|Jeff Fischer]],   voices the character of [[List of American Dad! characters#Jeff Fischer|Jeff Fischer]] (Hayley's eccentric stoner boyfriend later turned husband)

==Production==

===Origins and comparison with ''Family Guy'' and ''All in the Family''===
[[Seth MacFarlane]] was inspired by the 2000 [[2000 United States presidential election|election]] for the show, noting: "me and co-creator Matt Weitzman were so frustrated with the [[Presidency of George W. Bush|Bush administration]] that we would just spend days bitching and complaining, and we figured we should channel this into something creative and hopefully profitable."<ref name="doorly1">{{Cite web |last=Sean Doorly |title=Seth MacFarlane Interview |url=http://www.doorly.com/writing/seth-macfarlane.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524025552/http://www.doorly.com/writing/seth-macfarlane.htm |archive-date=May 24, 2013 |access-date=May 13, 2013 |publisher=Doorly.com}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated8">{{Cite web |date=September 13, 2013 |title=Seth MacFarlane's TV History |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/09/13/seth-macfarlanes-tv-history?page=2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927083819/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/09/13/seth-macfarlanes-tv-history?page=2 |archive-date=September 27, 2013 |access-date=September 25, 2013 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> In early February 2005, Barker stated, "About a year and a half ago, Seth called and asked if Matt and I would be interested in working on a show about a right-wing CIA agent and his liberal daughter. It was right up our alley, and everything just fell into place."<ref name="autogenerated3a">{{Cite web |last=AWN |date=February 4, 2005 |title='American Dad' Touchdown |url=https://www.awn.com/animationworld/american-dad-touchdown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929163154/http://www.awn.com/articles/people/iamerican-dadi-touchdown/page/3%2C1 |archive-date=September 29, 2013 |access-date=December 9, 2021 |website=Animation World Network}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated8" /><ref name="autogenerated3b" /> On September 14, 2003, ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' reported that Fox Broadcasting had ordered a pilot presentation of the then tentatively titled ''American Dad!'' and "If greenlit, ''American Dad!'' could launch as early as fall 2004." At the time, Fox was aiming to develop a new lineup of adult animated sitcoms.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dore |first=Shalini |date=September 14, 2003 |title=Fox hankering for a homer with 'Dad' |url=https://variety.com/2003/scene/news/fox-hankering-for-a-homer-with-dad-1117892445/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928233332/http://variety.com/2003/scene/news/fox-hankering-for-a-homer-with-dad-1117892445/ |archive-date=September 28, 2013 |access-date=June 8, 2013 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>
[[File:Mike Barker by Gage Skidmore 2.jpg|160px|left|thumb|[[Mike Barker (producer)|Mike Barker]]: co-creator and co-showrunner from seasons 1 through 10]]
''American Dad!'' had a [[Mid-season replacement|mid-season]] debut. Its first episode, titled "[[Pilot (American Dad!)|Pilot]]", was originally shown directly following [[Super Bowl XXXIX]] on February 6, 2005. The rest of the [[American Dad! (season 1)|first season]], however, would not launch until May 1, 2005, as part of the debut of Fox's Animation Domination lineup.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite web |title=''American Dad'': Series Overview |url=http://tv.msn.com/tv/series/american-dad/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214121130/http://tv.msn.com/tv/series/American-Dad |archive-date=December 14, 2007 |access-date=December 22, 2007 |website=MSN |publisher=Microsoft}}</ref><ref name="avclub4" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Goodman |first=Tim |date=February 4, 2005 |title=Fox isn't sly. 'American Dad' is a wannabe. |url=https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Fox-isn-t-sly-American-Dad-is-a-wannabe-2733584.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105060926/http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Fox-isn-t-sly-American-Dad-is-a-wannabe-2733584.php |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |access-date=December 22, 2007 |work=San Francisco Chronicle}}</ref> Initially, it was a replacement for the originally failed series ''[[Family Guy]]'' (1999–2002). ''American Dad!'' was originally intended to be [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]]'s answer to the hordes of fans left behind from the original failure of MacFarlane's previous [[animation|animated]] venture.<ref name="autogenerated2006">{{Cite web |date=April 24, 2006 |title=Interview: The Creators of American Dad |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/04/24/interview-the-creators-of-american-dad |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927083811/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/04/24/interview-the-creators-of-american-dad |archive-date=September 27, 2013 |access-date=May 4, 2013 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> Just three short months after ''American Dad!''{{'}}s debut however, ''Family Guy'' was revived, leaving ''American Dad!'' with a formidable expectation: whether the series could distinguish itself from its counterpart and succeed on its own merits.<ref name="autogenerated2006" /> Instead of taking over [[creative director|creative direction]] of the series, MacFarlane left the job largely in the hands of Barker and Weitzman so as to distinguish ''American Dad!''<ref name="doorly1" />

In its early going, ''American Dad!'' brought in strong ratings but fought an uphill battle in gaining widespread acceptance and approval from viewers and critics alike.<ref name="autogenerated8" /> The popularity of MacFarlane and his involvement with ''Family Guy'' had led to foregone conclusions and [[prejudice]]s against ''American Dad!'' as a [[ripoff#Overview|rip-off]] of the predecessor<ref name="autogenerated8" /> and some critics had already written off ''American Dad!'' prior to its birth as nothing more than a pale imitation of ''Family Guy'' and MacFarlane's attempts to get his old show back on the air.<ref name="avclub4" /> One example, prior to the ''American Dad!'' series debut, a writer of ''[[The Washington Post]]'' published a piece that reads "But those same executives have also given MacFarlane a whole new animated half-hour to play with in the disappointing ''American Dad!'' The new series officially premieres in May but has a sneak preview tomorrow night in the coveted post-Super Bowl time period&nbsp;... The look and pace of ''American Dad!'' is the same as ''Family Guy''."<ref name="washingtonpost2">{{Cite news |last=Maynard |first=John |date=February 5, 2005 |title='American Dad': Dysfunctional Comedy |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2005/02/05/american-dad-dysfunctional-comedy/726ccf53-aac7-4092-9909-198a41a44f2c/ |access-date=December 9, 2021 |work=washingtonpost.com}}</ref> [[File:Matt Weitzman by Gage Skidmore 2.jpg|160px|right|thumb|Co-creator and sole showrunner [[Matt Weitzman]]]]

In actuality, however, the program's beginnings take cues from the TV series ''[[All in the Family]],'' almost a farcical animated version of the [[live action]] sitcom.<ref name="autogenerated4" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mushy |date=April 24, 2006 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Mike Barker and Matt Weitzman Talk American Dad |url=http://www.movieweb.com/news/exclusive-mike-barker-and-matt-weitzman-talk-american-dad |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930171531/http://www.movieweb.com/news/exclusive-mike-barker-and-matt-weitzman-talk-american-dad |archive-date=September 30, 2013 |access-date=May 4, 2013 |publisher=MovieWeb.com}}</ref> Both shows make use of political satire, [[bigotry]], ludicrous expressions of conservatism from their paternal main character (Stan likened to [[Archie Bunker]]), and equally ludicrous expressions of liberalism from their daughter character (Hayley likened to [[Gloria Stivic]]). Moreover, the daughter in both series each have a liberal hippie boyfriend turned husband (Jeff likened to [[Michael Stivic]]) to whom the daughter's conservative father is antagonistic. Also in both, the daughter lives in her parents' home with her boyfriend turned husband as a housemate. ''American Dad!'' in its original form was even said to have been inspired by ''All in the Family''.<ref name="autogenerated4" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rose |first=Lacey |date=October 3, 2012 |title=Showrunners 2012: 'American Dad's' Seth MacFarlane & Matt Weitzman, 'Family Guy's' Mark Hentemann & Steve Callaghan, 'Cleveland Show's' Rich Appel |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/showrunners-2012-seth-macfarlane-family-guy%3Damerican-dad-cleveland-show-375974 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130428165101/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/showrunners-2012-seth-macfarlane-family-guy%3Damerican-dad-cleveland-show-375974 |archive-date=April 28, 2013 |access-date=May 4, 2013 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref>

===Development of ''American Dad!''{{'}}s individuality===
In ''American Dad!''{{'}}s initial seasons MacFarlane was described as focusing more attention on his coexisting obligation of ''Family Guy.'' This was to the extent that ''American Dad!'' was completely secondary to him, and he did not understand the show. Because he was not getting the show at the time, he was described as "just going along for the ride". Likewise, the rest of the show's creators Mike Barker and Matt Weitzman were also trying to figure out the show and where it was going.<ref name="avclub4" /><ref name="autogenerated8" /> [[File:Seth MacFarlane at Fox Fall Eco-Casino Party - 8 September 2008 crop.jpg|150px|left|thumb|Co-creator [[Seth MacFarlane]]]]

After ''American Dad!''{{'}}s initial couple of seasons and as it progressed, the show began to increasingly develop its very own distinct approach and identity, becoming more and more distinguished from all other programs on the air. Standing out from its counterparts increasingly with each passing season, the series has been described as eventually becoming the weirdest show in network [[prime time]]. It has been characterized as serving up distinguishing blasts of surrealism.<ref name="avclub4" /> As the series progressed, MacFarlane realized that Mike Barker and Matt Weitzman were on to something uniquely appealing; moreover, he realized they were on to something that sharply contrasted from ''Family Guy'', which audiences appreciated.<ref name="avclub4" /><ref name="autogenerated8" />

After the show's first several seasons, MacFarlane not only came to fully understand and appreciate ''American Dad!''{{'}}s value but also came to consider himself a huge fan of the series. Taking note of his [[Twitter]] followers' increased [[fanaticism]] and excitement over ''American Dad!'' and the "Roger" character, MacFarlane began putting considerable amounts of his time and efforts into the series, more so in the last several seasons than ever before (this observation made in fall 2012).<ref name="avclub4" /> In describing ''American Dad!'' comedy styles, Barker noted that it is not as reference-laden as ''Family Guy'' or ''[[South Park]]''. He added that ''American Dad!''{{'}}s humor more frequently derives from "the human condition and emotions that everyone can relate to: ego, the feds, etc. And for that reason, I think our humor is a little more [[evergreen#Metaphorical use|evergreen]]."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mushy |date=April 24, 2006 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Mike Barker and Matt Weitzman Talk American Dad |url=http://www.movieweb.com/news/exclusive-mike-barker-and-matt-weitzman-talk-american-dad/lists |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930171528/http://www.movieweb.com/news/exclusive-mike-barker-and-matt-weitzman-talk-american-dad/lists |archive-date=September 30, 2013 |access-date=May 4, 2013 |website=MovieWeb |publisher=MovieWeb.com}}</ref>

===Developing plot lines and scripts===
On developing scripts for ''American Dad!'' episodes, co-creator [[Mike Barker (producer)|Mike Barker]] revealed that he and the rest of the show's staff never know when and from where plot line ideas will emerge. "Just as an example," Barker explained, "[[American Dad! (season 2)|All About Steve]]" is an episode where Stan wants his son to be more of a jock and more like he was when he was his age. That whole episode came about from one of our writers [[David Hemingson|Dave Hemingson]] coming into our office, telling us he just visited the dentist and he may need to get braces. And the idea of a grown man with braces appealed to us, and we just decided what if we put Stan in braces, and he understands for the first time what it's like to feel like a geek."<ref name="movieweb1">{{Cite web |last=Mushy |date=April 24, 2006 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Mike Barker and Matt Weitzman Talk American Dad |url=http://www.movieweb.com/news/exclusive-mike-barker-and-matt-weitzman-talk-american-dad |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930171531/http://www.movieweb.com/news/exclusive-mike-barker-and-matt-weitzman-talk-american-dad |archive-date=September 30, 2013 |access-date=May 2, 2013 |publisher=MovieWeb.com}}</ref>

During the [[American Dad! (season 9)|2012–13 season]], Barker revealed that much of his [[wikt: inspiration|inspiration]] for ''American Dad!'' plots came through listening to music. Barker's revelation to use music as a muse for his ''American Dad!'' writing came from attending the 2008 [[Bonnaroo Music Festival|Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival]]. During that event, he watched the [[rock band]] [[My Morning Jacket]] perform a four-hour set in the rain and realized from the experience that he could generate ideas for ''American Dad!'' by tapping into music: "From that point on, I realized that music should be playing a bigger role in my writing", Barker told the ''[[The Courier-Journal|Louisville Courier-Journal]]''. "Writing is hard for me, and when you hear music that inspires good ideas, you're really grateful."<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 6, 2013 |title=150th Episode of 'American Dad' Inspired by Indie Rockers Wax Fang &#124; The New Now (NEW) – Yahoo! Music |url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/the-new-now/150th-episode-american-dad-inspired-indie-rockers-wax-163730696.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518004915/http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/the-new-now/150th-episode-american-dad-inspired-indie-rockers-wax-163730696.html |archive-date=May 18, 2013 |access-date=May 23, 2013 |publisher=Music.yahoo.com}}</ref> The beginning of the show's theme song, "Good Morning USA", uses the introduction to "[[Stars and Stripes Forever]]".

In particular, Barker has credited music from [[Wax Fang]] for his inspiration in writing certain ''American Dad!'' plots. Said Barker, "There's just something so inherently [[filmmaking|cinematic]] about Wax Fang's music. [Scott] Carney's voice is stunningly clear and dramatic. And his lyrics are specific enough to build stories around while staying flexible enough for different [[interpretation (philosophy)|interpretations]]." Barker added that through listening to the Wax Fang track ''Majestic'', he was able to come up with major plot elements for the episode "[[Lost in Space (American Dad!)|Lost in Space]]" (this episode features the Wax Fang songs ''Majestic'' and ''At Sea'').<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 1, 2013 |title=Exclusive: Rockers Wax Fang inspire 'American Dad' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/popcandy/2013/05/01/american-dad-wax-fang/2126243/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518004917/http://www.usatoday.com/story/popcandy/2013/05/01/american-dad-wax-fang/2126243/ |archive-date=May 18, 2013 |access-date=May 21, 2013 |work=USA Today}}</ref>

Barker has stated that once he and the rest of the show's staff get the idea for the [[plot (narrative)|plot line]], they spend a couple of weeks in a room with all the [[screenwriter]]s. There, they break the story and make sure that each act of the two [[act structure|act breaks]] are strong. As another procedure, Barker stated that they make a point of twisting the story in such a way so as to make audiences come back for more after the commercial break.<ref name="movieweb1" />

"The final process," Barker explained, "is sending a screenwriter out to write the script. The screenwriter gets two weeks to write the script. The script then comes back." Barker explained that they then all edit and rewrite it, "hopefully keeping as much of the first draft as we can and punching the jokes and making sure all the motivations are there, and then we take it to the table and read it."<ref name="movieweb1" />

In February 2005, Barker stated that as creative directors, all decisions made about the plot line and direction of the series go through himself and Weitzman. He explained that the show had reflected their point of view since the beginning. Barker has also credited the program's other staff beyond himself, Weitzman, and MacFarlane, remarking "We couldn't have made it all happen without them." At the time, it was noted that the series had a staff of 17 writers, which was described as "a big undertaking".<ref name="autogenerated4">{{Cite web |last=AWN |date=February 4, 2005 |title=American Dad Touchdown &#124; AWN &#124; Animation World Network |url=http://www.awn.com/articles/people/iamerican-dadi-touchdown/page/2%2C1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020095901/http://www.awn.com/articles/people/iamerican-dadi-touchdown/page/2%2C1 |archive-date=October 20, 2013 |access-date=June 8, 2013 |publisher=AWN}}</ref>

When Barker was asked what his favorite part was of the ''American Dad!'' pre-production process, he answered, "I like the story breaking process, personally—coming up with the stories. To me, that's the most gratifying."<ref name="movieweb1" />

Barker and Matt Weitzman have stated that they are accustomed to feeling scruples with adding certain material into the plots, but always follow this up by going ahead with incorporating the material anyway. They added that their goal is to create laughs combined with groans and going over the line.<ref name="youtube1">{{Cite web |title='American Dad' Producers Talk Season Premiere |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AHzYxnmAA8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921064903/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AHzYxnmAA8 |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |access-date=May 25, 2013 |publisher=YouTube}}</ref>

===Animated scenes===
MacFarlane played a lead role in the animated character designs for ''American Dad!''.<ref name="autogenerated4" />

In describing the characters' appearances, Weitzman remarked "It's all very bright, very easy on the eyes."<ref name="autogenerated3a" /><ref name="autogenerated3b" />

In explaining the animated side of the job, Barker stated, "Fifty or so animators from the Fox animation group are involved. A lot is done in-house: poses, models, props, all storyboards and timing."<ref name="autogenerated4" />

Also as reported in February 2005, animation for ''American Dad!'' is colored and detailed overseas. [[Yearim|Yearim Productions Co., Ltd.]] of Korea are said to handle that end of the pre-production process.<ref name="autogenerated4" />

===Editing, completion, and deadlines===
Barker has explained that because ''American Dad!'' creators are working in [[animation]] as opposed to [[live action]], they have the ability to redraw and rewrite up until the show is aired.

However, Barker has also stated, "It's really hard to accept anything less than perfect when you start to get wrapped up in this process of being able to constantly make changes. Eventually you have to kind of bring down the hammer at the color stage and live with what you've got."

Barker has explained that, ultimately, the creation process of an ''American Dad!'' episode is completed upon the producers' say-so, not anyone else's.<ref name="movieweb1" />

When ''American Dad!'' co-creator Matt Weitzman was asked what his favorite part was of the show's pre-production process, he answered, "I probably enjoy the [[film editing|editing]] process a lot. I think I like the fine tuning of things and making things happen just so. Making the episode just kind of pop in its own subtle ways."<ref name="movieweb1" />

''American Dad!'' creators have revealed to working significantly in advance of newly broadcast episodes. As many as 20 to 42 unaired episodes are typically ready for finishing touches. Barker explained that a key to this system is making sure that the writing is timeless, as opposed to topical and contemporary. He added that if any material within the script deals with contemporary issues, the creators have to hope that they're also contemporary issues two years down the line. When asked whether or not this method has ever brought on difficulties, Barker answered in the affirmative and explained:

::[[Harriet Miers]] was, like, the [[White House Press Secretary]], I think, and we had a joke about her. (Miers was a former [[White House Counsel]], who was briefly nominated for the [[Supreme Court of the United States|Supreme Court]] by President [[George W. Bush]].) And I remember watching on air and having to [[Google]] who our own joke was, because it had been so long since the joke was pitched. But in terms of stories, we're less likely to be burned by a current-event issue no longer being current.<ref name="avclub4" />

In discussing the creation of ''American Dad!'' and animated sitcoms in general, MacFarlane has stated:

::It's an enormous amount of work. What goes into putting together an animated show, it's just staggering&nbsp;... I always knew there was a lot of work that went into making an animated show. Doing a traditional [[sitcom]], process-wise it feels like a breeze compared to doing an animated show. You can get it all done in a couple of months as opposed to a year. Doing an animated show, it's like putting together a little [[film|movie]] every week. Everything is [[storyboard]]ed with the intricacy of a [[feature film]] action sequence. You have to edit with a [[sheet music|musical score]] in mind. And of course, we use an [[orchestra]] for each episode. So it's really like putting together a little feature each week and I was just shocked at how much—not to underplay all the work that goes into live-action sitcoms—but my God, it's definitely a much more difficult medium to me.<ref name="doorly1" />

Conversely, Barker has stated:

::Working on animated shows like ''American Dad!'' is such a breath of fresh air. You don't have to worry about sets and such that you have to worry about for live-action. Animation can give you more freedom.<ref name="autogenerated4" />

===Setting===
The Smith family and their housemates reside on Cherry Street in the fictional [[suburb]] of Langley Falls, Virginia, which is based on the real life towns of Langley and Great falls.<ref name="yahoo1">{{Cite web |date=June 25, 2007 |title=American Dad Gets Another 22 Episodes – Yahoo! Voices |url=http://voices.yahoo.com/american-dad-gets-another-22-episodes-412027.html?cat=2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927214938/http://voices.yahoo.com/american-dad-gets-another-22-episodes-412027.html?cat=2 |archive-date=September 27, 2013 |access-date=March 28, 2013 |publisher=voices.yahoo.com}}</ref> in a large two-story residence with a basement and an attic. In addition, the Smith house is apparently enhanced with numerous secret rooms, facilities, and large [[habitat]]s, these unorthodox attachments usually only seen once apiece (i.e., the episodes "[[American Dad! (season 3)|Of Ice and Men]]", "Bush Comes to Dinner", "[[American Dad (season 9)|The Missing Kink]]", "[[American Dad! (season 9)|The Full Cognitive Redaction of Avery Bullock by the Coward Stan Smith]]", etc.).<ref>{{Cite web |title=American Dad Scripts |url=http://www.americandadscripts.com/S02E07_Of-Ice-and-Men.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216042405/http://www.americandadscripts.com/S02E07_Of-Ice-and-Men.php |archive-date=February 16, 2013 |access-date=March 28, 2013 |publisher=American Dad Scripts}}</ref> [[Greg Corbin|Greg and Terry]] are a [[Same-sex relationship|gay couple]] that live across the street from the Smiths. Within the neighborhood, they are portrayed as running a neater and tidier home than the Smiths. Greg and Terry are also the [[local news]] [[news presenter|anchor]] for W-ANG-TV. Also in the area is the high school attended by Steve, [[Barry Robinson (American Dad!)|Pearl Bailey High School]].<ref name="google1">{{Cite book |last=Terrace |first=Vincent |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YX_daEhlnbsC&q=American+Dad!+series&pg=PT220 |title=Encyclopedia of Television Shows, 1925 Through 2010 – Vincent Terrace – Google Books |publisher=McFarland |year=2011 |isbn=9780786486410 |access-date=May 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117171005/https://books.google.com/books?id=YX_daEhlnbsC&q=American+Dad%21+series&pg=PT220 |archive-date=January 17, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Voice cast===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="margin: 0 auto; text-align:center;"
|+ Cast members of ''American Dad!''
|-
| [[File:Seth MacFarlane 2012 cropped and retouched.jpg|110x110px]]
| [[File:Wendy Schaal by Gage Skidmore 3.jpg|110x110px]]
| [[File:Scott Grimes by Gage Skidmore 2.jpg|110x110px]]
| [[File:Rachael MacFarlane by Gage Skidmore 2.jpg|110x110px]]
| [[File:Dee Bradley Baker by Gage Skidmore 2.jpg|110x110px]]
|
|- 
!scope="row"| [[Seth MacFarlane]]
!scope="row"| [[Wendy Schaal]]
!scope="row"| [[Scott Grimes]]
!scope="row"| [[Rachael MacFarlane]]
!scope="row"| [[Dee Bradley Baker]]
!scope="row"| [[Jeff Fischer (actor)|Jeff Fischer]]
|-
| [[Stan Smith (American Dad!)|Stan Smith]], [[Roger (American Dad!)|Roger Smith]]
| [[Francine Smith]]
| [[Steve Smith (American Dad!)|Steve Smith]]
| [[Hayley Smith (American Dad!)|Hayley Smith]]
| [[Klaus Heisler]], [[List of American Dad! characters#Rogu Smith|Rogu]]
| [[List of American Dad! characters#Jeff Fischer|Jeff Fischer]]
|}

The [[voice acting|voice actors]] are not assembled as a group when performing the lines of their characters; rather, each of the voice actors perform their lines privately. The voice actors have stated that because of their personalities and tendency to goof off when together as a group, they would never get anything completed if they performed their lines collectively.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 5, 2012 |title=American Dad! – Seth on Paul Lynde and Sir Patrick Stewart |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RycYlI3-7DU |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522213214/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RycYlI3-7DU |archive-date=May 22, 2015 |access-date=May 29, 2013 |publisher=YouTube}}</ref>

==Plot techniques==

===Farces===
''American Dad!'' has commonly made use of [[farce]] as most of the predicaments that befall the main characters have escalated into the extremes, to the point of getting outrageously out of hand.<ref name="avclub4" /><ref name="avclub1">{{Cite web |last=McFarland |first=Kevin |date=January 7, 2013 |title=American Dad: "Finger Lenting Good" |url=https://www.avclub.com/american-dad-finger-lenting-good-1798175404 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130329152140/http://www.avclub.com/articles/finger-lenting-good%2C90011/ |archive-date=March 29, 2013 |access-date=December 9, 2021 |website=The A.V. Club}}</ref><ref name="collegehumor1">{{Cite web |date=April 9, 2008 |title=American Dad Volume Three – CollegeHumor Video |url=http://www.collegehumor.com/video/3361684/american-dad-volume-three |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927115426/http://www.collegehumor.com/video/3361684/american-dad-volume-three |archive-date=September 27, 2013 |access-date=April 1, 2013 |publisher=Collegehumor.com}}</ref> For example, in the episode "[[Home Wrecker]]", Stan and Francine's marital harmony breaks down from a difference of opinion on remodeling the house. It gets to the point where they divide the house in two, each decorating their half of the house in their desired fashion. Still not satisfied with this, they both attempt to drive the other out of the home and eventually erect a colossal block wall, dividing the two halves of the house. The rest of the family members are forced to spend one holiday after the next alternating between Fran's and Stan's place (the sides of the house treated as distinct homes). As another example, in the episode "[[Stan's Food Restaurant]]", Stan asks for Roger's help in starting a restaurant. As things progress, Roger makes heavy changes in the layout, eventually kicking Stan out of the project. Stan retaliates by opening another restaurant next door, which becomes a smashing success. Roger responds by blowing up Stan's restaurant but destroying his own in the process. Stan threatens to kill Roger, but backs down after Roger pulls a [[gun]] on him and tells him to relax.<ref name="collegehumor1" />

===Surreal humor===
''American Dad!'' [[plot (narrative)|plots]] are generally teeming with [[surreal humor|surrealism]] and [[nonsense|nonsensical elements]].<ref name="avclub5">{{Cite web |last=McFarland |first=Kevin |date=April 15, 2013 |title=American Dad: "The Missing Kink" |url=https://www.avclub.com/american-dad-the-missing-kink-1798176490 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209071703/https://www.avclub.com/american-dad-the-missing-kink-1798176490 |archive-date=December 9, 2021 |access-date=December 9, 2021 |publisher=The A.V. Club}}</ref> Many of the occurrences, circumstances, and behaviors are unrestrainedly preposterous, senseless, and illogical.<ref name="avclub4" />

As further examples of surrealism on ''American Dad!''—in the episode "[[Hurricane! (American Dad!)|Hurricane!]]", a ferocious bear pauses in his attack, lowers his eyelids halfway, and repeatedly shakes his head horizontally, shaming Stan for missing him in a [[harpoon]] shot and instead spearing Francine into a wall; in the episode "[[List of American Dad! episodes#Season 9: 2012–13|Why Can't We Be Friends?]]", the hallways of the Smith house transform into dark and dangerous [[alley]]ways every time Roger pays Jeff then [[ambush]]es him (in disguise) to steal the money back. He even tries to forcibly rape Jeff;<ref name="avclub2">{{Cite web |last=McFarland |first=Kevin |date=December 3, 2012 |title=American Dad: "Why Can't We Be Friends?" |url=https://www.avclub.com/american-dad-why-can-t-we-be-friends-1798175155 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209071704/https://www.avclub.com/american-dad-why-can-t-we-be-friends-1798175155 |archive-date=December 9, 2021 |access-date=December 9, 2021 |publisher=The A.V. Club}}</ref> in the episode "[[American Dad! (season 9)|The Missing Kink]]", Steve and family fish Klaus are shown competing in a one-on-one [[basketball]] game between each other, the score nearly tied at 11 to 10; also in the "Missing Kink" episode, the Smith house is shown to consist of a never-before-seen underworld to which various friends and acquaintances of the Smiths party and frolic; in the episode "[[American Dad! (season 9)|The Full Cognitive Redaction of Avery Bullock by the Coward Stan Smith]]", Stan has a never-before-seen secret [[control room]] hidden underground just beside the house. The control room door's exterior side is camouflaged with the grass surrounding it. The room is filled with highly advanced, [[state of the art|state-of-the-art]] equipment. Access to the control room is achieved through a handprint reading device that extends from the ground when Stan extends his arm/hand at it; etc.<ref name="avclub5" />

===Non sequitur/story within a story===
Among the many forms of surreal humor and nonsense elements that have been used by ''American Dad!'' is the [[non sequitur (literary device)|non sequitur]]/[[story within a story]] technique. This arises when the show's focus becomes sidetracked by entirely unknown and unrelated characters in circumstances that are irrelevant to the episode's main plot. Typically when this happens, it is after the show has maintained focus on its main characters for much of the episode; following this, the scenes randomly lose focus and become deeply wrapped up into the lives of never-before-seen characters who are non-central to the plot. A prime example of this is in the episode "[[American Dad! (season 1)|Homeland Insecurity]]". As opposed to scenes focusing on main characters, attention is redirected deep into the lives of unknown characters who gain possession of Roger's gem-encrusted [[gold]]en [[feces]] – this storyline of the dramas resulting from "The Golden Turd" continues in later episodes. As another example, in the episode "[[The Missing Kink]]", the show's focus is sporadically sidetracked with brief scenes revolving around the life of a [[drug abuse|drug abusing]] bird and Francine's inexplicable ability to both understand and communicate with the bird's chirping.<ref name="avclub5" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 8, 2012 |title=Watch American Dad! – The Wrestler Season 7 Episode 12 |url=http://lynnpatt.com/watch-american-dad-the-wrestler-season-7-episode-12.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927171615/http://lynnpatt.com/watch-american-dad-the-wrestler-season-7-episode-12.html |archive-date=September 27, 2013 |access-date=April 1, 2013 |publisher=Lynnpatt.com}}</ref>

===Plot twists and unexpected elements===
The series has abounded with random, unexpected occurrences and surprise [[plot twist]]s as result of the characters and the very makeup of the program.<ref name="avclub6">{{Cite web |last=McFarland |first=Kevin |date=April 29, 2013 |title=American Dad: "The Full Cognitive Redaction Of Avery Bullock By The Coward Stan Smith" |url=https://www.avclub.com/american-dad-the-full-cognitive-redaction-of-avery-bu-1798176625 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209071703/https://www.avclub.com/american-dad-the-full-cognitive-redaction-of-avery-bu-1798176625 |archive-date=December 9, 2021 |access-date=December 9, 2021 |publisher=The A.V. Club}}</ref> For example, in the episode "[[American Dad! (season 9)|The Full Cognitive Redaction of Avery Bullock by the Coward Stan Smith]]", Steve refers to Roger for help in dealing with a school bully, Luiz. Because Steve is able to correctly predict Roger's original game plan of handling the situation himself under an alter ego, Roger [[wikt: throw somebody a curve|throws him a curveball]]: he not only hires Stelio Kontos (from the episode "[[Bully for Steve]]") who was Stan's bully, to handle the matter, but hires him to bully Steve so Steve's original bully Luiz won't want another bully's sloppy seconds. Then Luiz, encouraged by Steve, goes to beat up the guy that beat him up yet learns that it is Stelio Kontos and the two bullies team up along with Roger to target Steve. The Stelio Kontos's song sounds, revamped by Roger adding "''and Luiz'' ". As another example, in the episode "[[The Vacation Goo]]", Francine becomes frustrated that she cannot get the family together for Sunday night dinner. For family time, Stan suggests a vacation, and the Smiths have a great time in [[Maui]] as a family. This is up until Roger shuts down the mechanism Francine and the kids are all attached to so as to believe they are all on vacation. Francine and the kids then learn that Stan has been programming a pseudo-vacation every year in a contraption dubbed "the goo chambers". After learning of this, Francine demands they go on a real vacation. Twice they appear to do so, first [[skiing]], then to [[Italy]], until it is ultimately revealed that they are in the "goo chambers" all along, with Steve and then Hayley having programmed the vacations, respectively. In the episode "[[Spelling Bee My Baby]]", Steve deliberately misspells his words in a [[spelling bee]] so as to express his love for [[Barry Robinson (American Dad!)|Akiko]] (who is also competing), instead spelling random [[Tyler Perry]]/[[Madea (Mabel Simmons)|Madea]] films.<ref name="avclub6" />

===Story arc use===
Another technique used by ''American Dad!'' is the [[story arc]]. On several occasions, a circumstance expands and progresses across a collection of episodes.<ref name="avclub4" /><ref name="autogenerated3b">{{Cite web |last=McFarland |first=Kevin |date=March 25, 2013 |title=American Dad: "Spelling Bee My Baby" |url=https://www.avclub.com/american-dad-spelling-bee-my-baby-1798176224 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118213541/https://www.avclub.com/american-dad-spelling-bee-my-baby-1798176224 |archive-date=January 18, 2022 |access-date=December 9, 2021 |publisher=The A.V. Club}}</ref> As an example, one of Hayley's temporary breakups with Jeff expanded across a string of episodes, in which she instead temporarily dated a black man in a [[koala]] body, [[Reginald the Koala|Reginald Koala]]—known for his very [[urban culture|urban]] mannerisms and behaviors. As another example, since the [[American Dad! (season 9)|9th season]] episode "[[List of American Dad! episodes#Season 9: 2012–13|Naked to the Limit, One More Time]]", Jeff Fischer has been absent from the Smith house and planet Earth altogether. In that episode, Jeff is [[wikt: blindside|blindsided]] when Roger hurls him into a spaceship. This spacecraft belongs to Roger's race of aliens and was intended to return him back to his birth planet; Roger remains behind after casting Jeff into the spaceship. The spaceship immediately takes off and Jeff is not seen until several episodes later, the episode "[[Lost in Space (American Dad!)|Lost in Space]]". During episodes that aired between the two aforementioned episodes, allusions to the ongoing plot line are made. For example, in the episode "[[American Dad! (season 9)|Spelling Bee My Baby]]", Hayley is shown holding out hope for Jeff's return. In the episode, Roger and Stan attempt to rush Hayley through her [[grieving process]] so she will be willing to be their [[Official (tennis)|tennis official]].<ref name="avclub4" /><ref name="avclub1" /> In the episode "[[American Dad! (season 10)#ep172|The Longest Distance Relationship]]" Jeff gets in touch with Hayley via a radio and ultimately tells her not to wait for him and to move on with her life. This story arc is finally resolved in the episode "[[American Dad! (season 12)#ep188|Holy Shit, Jeff's Back!]]"; Jeff supposedly returns to Earth but turns out to be an alien called Zebleer masquerading as Jeff and the real Jeff has been dissected. Jeff's brain is transplanted into Zebleer's body allowing the real Jeff to live, after which Stan and Hayley's memories are wiped, leaving them unaware that Jeff is no longer entirely human. This plot point is continued at the end of "[[American Dad! (season 14)#ep217|Bahama Mama]]", where Roger mentions Jeff cannot get Hayley pregnant because he has an alien body, so he agrees to rebirth Jeff in "[[American Dad! (season 14)#ep218|Roger's Baby]]". By the end of the episode, Jeff is human again and with Hayley on Earth. Another example of the usage of story arcs are the Christmas Specials, starting with the [[American Dad! (season 7)|Season 7]] episode "[[For Whom the Sleigh Bell Tolls]]", [[Santa Claus]] became the main antagonist of the arc, vowing to get revenge on The Smiths after nearly being killed by Steve in the aforementioned episode.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 13, 2010 |title="Donnie Fatso"/"The Road To The North Pole"/"For Whom The Sleigh Bell Tolls" |url=https://www.avclub.com/donnie-fatso-the-road-to-the-north-pole-for-whom-t-1798166772 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810144154/https://www.avclub.com/donnie-fatso-the-road-to-the-north-pole-for-whom-t-1798166772 |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |website=The A.V. Club |language=en-us}}</ref> The storyline expands in the [[American Dad! (season 10)|Season 10]] episode "[[Minstrel Krampus]]", the episode concludes with a small change to the status quo, Stan's Father Jack fuses with Krampus' soul and becomes the new Krampus, up until his death in [[American Dad! (season 17)|Season 17]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 16, 2013 |title=American Dad: "Minstrel Krampus" |url=https://www.avclub.com/american-dad-minstrel-krampus-1798179016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822230409/https://www.avclub.com/american-dad-minstrel-krampus-1798179016 |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |website=The A.V. Club |language=en-us}}</ref> Santa returns in the [[American Dad! (season 14)|Season 14]] episode "[[American Dad! (season 14)|Ninety North, Zero West]]", where Santa kidnaps Steve to take over the world by unleashing an ancient god in the [[North Pole]]. He is seemingly killed off by falling off a cliff and breaking his neck.<ref>{{Cite web |last=jbindeck2015 |date=December 20, 2016 |title=American Dad! Season 13 Episode 7 Review: Ninety North, Zero West |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/american-dad-season-13-episode-7-review-ninety-north-zero-west/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822230409/https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/american-dad-season-13-episode-7-review-ninety-north-zero-west/ |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |website=Den of Geek |language=en-US}}</ref> The storyline continues in the following [[American Dad! (season 15)|Season 15]] episode "[[American Dad! (season 15)|Santa, Schmanta]]", albeit not directly related to the story arc, it does explain Santa's death and reveals be was revived at the end of the episode.<ref>{{Cite web |last=jbindeck2015 |date=December 26, 2017 |title=American Dad Season 15 Episode 1 Review: Santa, Schmanta |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/american-dad-season-15-episode-1-review-santa-schmanta/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822230409/https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/american-dad-season-15-episode-1-review-santa-schmanta/ |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |website=Den of Geek |language=en-US}}</ref> Santa Claus returned in the [[American Dad! season 20|Season 20]] episode "Into the Jingleverse" where he gives Stan virtual reality goggles in order to be King of Presents forever.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kurland |first=Daniel |date=December 19, 2023 |title=Review: American Dad "Into the Jingleverse" |url=https://www.bubbleblabber.com/2023/12/review-american-dad-into-the-jingleverse/ |access-date=October 10, 2024 |website=Bubbleblabber |language=en-US}}</ref> The story continued the following year in the [[American Dad! season 21|Season 21]] episode "Nasty Christmas" where Santa tries to get back with [[Mrs. Claus]], although Santa in this episode is not portrayed as an antagonist.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bedard |first=Mike |date=2024-11-22 |title=Every Christmas Episode Of American Dad, Ranked |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/1720701/american-dad-christmas-episodes-ranked/ |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=SlashFilm |language=en-US}}</ref>

In discussing the cartoon's distinguishing story arc element, co-creator Mike Barker explained:

::We just try to obey basic rules of continuity. We try to avoid stories where a character is taking a big step like marriage and then not going back to it. I think by doing that, then in the future when we have big changes, the audience knows that they're going to be living with those changes for a while. So it's not just a thrown-away bit. It kind of endows that story beat with more power because it's going to last. It's not just going to be a [[Reset button technique|reset button]].<ref name="avclub4" />

===Black comedy===
Much of the wit used in ''American Dad!'' has come in the form of [[black comedy]] as many of the predicaments and circumstances have made fun of the characters in life-threatening, disastrous, terrifying, and traumatic situations.<ref name="avclub2" /> As an example, the episode "[[A Ward Show]]" contains scenes of [[suicide]] and [[murder]]: Roger became Steve's [[legal guardian]] and responded to him getting picked on at school by rigging the teachers' cars with [[explosive material|explosives]] and killing them all. Later on in the episode while [[Barry Robinson (American Dad!)|Principal Lewis]] was driving his vehicle with Steve as the passenger, he informed Steve that he was about to drive off the [[Grand Canyon]] in a [[murder-suicide]]. This culminated in Roger saving the day, his love supernaturally allowing the car to fly once Principal Lewis drove off the Canyon; another vehicle with a random white man and a black boy in it (opposite of Principal Lewis, a black man and Steve, a white boy) had also, coincidentally enough, driven off the opposite side of the Grand Canyon in a murder-suicide attempt. This resulted in a [[mid-air collision|midair collision]] between the car with Principal Lewis and Steve in it and the car with the white man and black boy in it.<ref name="avclub2" /> Another example, in the episode "[[Da Flippity Flop]]", Roger leaves a long series of [[harassment|harassing]] [[answering machine]] messages for Steve, trying to get him to sign up for his gym. In these messages, Roger is also heard snapping on various people, killing three individuals from [[reckless driving]], landing himself in [[court]], and subsequently becoming irate and shooting up numerous people at the city courthouse for being scolded to turn off his [[mobile phone]].<ref name="Flip">{{Cite web |last=McFarland |first=Kevin |date=May 13, 2013 |title=American Dad: "Da Flippity Flop" |url=https://www.avclub.com/american-dad-da-flippity-flop-1798176791 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209071701/https://www.avclub.com/american-dad-da-flippity-flop-1798176791 |archive-date=December 9, 2021 |access-date=December 9, 2021 |publisher=The A.V. Club}}</ref>

==Episodes==
{{main|List of American Dad! episodes}}
{{:List of American Dad! episodes}}

===Season number discrepancies===

There are multiple conflicting reports and models of the number of seasons ''American Dad!'' has had.<ref name="autogenerated8" />

* One of the reports upholds a one-season-fewer numbering model: Under this arrangement, season 1 is a combination of both the first 7 episodes and the following 16 episodes, despite the separation of these two episode collections by a summer hiatus. Under this arrangement, season 1 consists of 23 episodes.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McEwen |first=Lauren |date=October 8, 2012 |title='American Dad': One of the most sophisticated mainstream shows on African American culture – The Root DC Live |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/therootdc/post/american-dad-one-of-the-most-sophisticated-mainstream-shows-on-african-american-culture/2012/10/08/e8374cba-051d-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_blog.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018224056/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/therootdc/post/american-dad-one-of-the-most-sophisticated-mainstream-shows-on-african-american-culture/2012/10/08/e8374cba-051d-11e2-91e7-2962c74e7738_blog.html |archive-date=October 18, 2012 |access-date=May 21, 2013 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref><ref name="Flip" />
* The other report upholds a one-season-more numbering model: Under this arrangement, season 1 ended after the program's first 7 episodes leading into the summer hiatus. Season 2 then picked up when the following 16 episodes began that fall. Under this arrangement, season 1 is uncharacteristically shorter in contrast to the rest of the show's seasons, consisting of only 7 episodes, just like MacFarlane's other show, ''[[Family Guy]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=American Dad! – Season 9 Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/american-dad!/season-9 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230081859/http://www.metacritic.com/tv/american-dad!/season-9 |archive-date=December 30, 2012 |access-date=May 21, 2013 |publisher=Metacritic}}</ref>
* [[Hulu]] combines episodes 1–23 into season 1, and combines episodes 173–190 into season 10.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Watch American Dad! Streaming Online |url=https://www.hulu.com/series/american-dad-977c8e25-cde0-41b7-80ce-e746f2d2093f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214061545/https://www.hulu.com/series/american-dad-977c8e25-cde0-41b7-80ce-e746f2d2093f |archive-date=February 14, 2019 |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=Hulu}}</ref> The same can be said for its sister streaming service [[Disney+]].

Commentary from ''American Dad!'' co-creators Matt Weitzman and Mike Barker has largely been consistent with (A): on September 28, 2012, the two were interviewed and reported that they had 20 episodes completed for the then imminent "eighth season", and were "developing our ninth season".<ref name="avclub4" /> During the show's life on Fox, however, the network contradicted that arrangement, presenting information on the show's then website that followed (B): in listing all episodes from the 2012–13 season, Fox reported each as existing as part of the show's "ninth season".<ref>{{Cite web |title=FOX Broadcasting Company – American Dad TV Show – American Dad TV Series – American Dad Episode Guide |url=http://www.fox.com/americandad/recaps/season-9/episode-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513053906/http://www.fox.com/americandad/recaps/season-9/episode-19 |archive-date=May 13, 2013 |access-date=May 21, 2013 |publisher=Fox.com}}</ref> In addition, Fox contradicted its own ''American Dad!'' website, also supporting the one-season-fewer numbering scheme: FoxFlash, which is the publicity center for Fox, labeled the 2012–13 broadcasts as the "eighth season".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Foxflash – FOX Publicity Online – American Dad TV Show |url=http://www.foxflash.com/div.php/main/page?aID=1z2z2z28z5z5 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615114154/http://www.foxflash.com/div.php/main/page?aID=1z2z2z28z5z5 |archive-date=June 15, 2013 |access-date=May 27, 2013 |publisher=Foxflash.com}}</ref> Websites releasing the show's season-based ratings [[#Nielsen ratings|have also used the one-season-fewer numbering method]].

===Episode misreporting===
Fox [[advertisement]]s for the episode "[[Lost in Space (American Dad!)|Lost in Space]]" promoted the episode as ''American Dad!''{{'}}s 150th. Subsequently, numerous [[mainstream media]] reports also labeled the episode as the 150th.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yahoo! Music |date=May 6, 2013 |title=150th Episode of 'American Dad' Inspired by Indie Rockers Wax Fang &#124; The New Now (NEW) – Yahoo! Music |url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/the-new-now/150th-episode-american-dad-inspired-indie-rockers-wax-163730696.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518004915/http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/the-new-now/150th-episode-american-dad-inspired-indie-rockers-wax-163730696.html |archive-date=May 18, 2013 |access-date=May 28, 2013 |publisher=Music.yahoo.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Framke |first=Caroline |date=May 5, 2013 |title=American Dad is our latest reminder of the relentless march of time as it hits 150 episodes |url=https://www.avclub.com/american-dad-is-our-latest-reminder-of-the-relentless-m-1798237887 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920212015/https://www.avclub.com/american-dad-is-our-latest-reminder-of-the-relentless-m-1798237887 |archive-date=September 20, 2021 |access-date=December 9, 2021 |publisher=The A.V. Club}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 4, 2013 |title=American Dad Reaches 150th Episode – And It's All About Jeff! |url=http://eclipsemagazine.com/television/38379/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202231707/http://eclipsemagazine.com/television/38379/ |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |access-date=May 28, 2013 |publisher=Eclipsemagazine.com}}</ref> In actuality, it was the show's [[List of American Dad! episodes|151st episode]], while the episode "[[American Dad! (season 9)|The Full Cognitive Redaction of Avery Bullock by the Coward Stan Smith]]" was the series actual 150th episode. In addition, Fox promoted the episode's plot as the revealing of Roger's birth planet. While the setting of this episode is a spaceship owned by members of Roger's alien race, to date, Roger's birth planet has yet to be revealed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=American Dad on FOX – Official Site |url=http://www.fox.com/americandad/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130913112907/http://www.fox.com/americandad/ |archive-date=September 13, 2013 |access-date=September 18, 2013 |publisher=Fox.com}}</ref>

In 2020, after airing the first episode of the [[American Dad! (season 17)|seventeenth season]], TBS aired two episodes that had originally been scheduled to air at the end of the [[American Dad! (season 16)|previous season]] before being pulled from the schedule.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shows A-Z - american dad on tbs &#124; TheFutonCritic.com |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/showatch/american-dad/listings/ |website=www.thefutoncritic.com}}</ref> While TBS' official website lists these two episodes, "Downtown" and "Cheek to Cheek: A Stripper's Story", as season 14 (Wikipedia's [[American Dad! (season 16)|season 16]]) episodes 21 and 22, the official [[YouTube]] playlist includes them in season 15 (Wikipedia's [[American Dad! (season 17)|season 17]]) as episodes 2 and 3.<ref>{{Cite web |title=American Dad: Season 15 – YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=ELM4dIVKYglBraW5d7ZeHTYw |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605173234/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=ELM4dIVKYglBraW5d7ZeHTYw |archive-date=June 5, 2020 |access-date=April 29, 2020 |website=www.youtube.com}}</ref> TBS also promoted the 299th episode, titled "300", as the series' three hundredth episode which was in fact the 300th produced, but aired as the 299th episode as the episode "Yule. Tide. Repeat." which was produced prior to "300" was not scheduled to air before the broadcast of "300".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Listings - AMERICAN DAD on TBS &#124; TheFutonCritic.com |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/listings/20200828tbs01/ |website=www.thefutoncritic.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=WebVoyage |url=https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=PAu003959451&Search_Code=DOCN |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809201118/https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=PAu003959451&Search_Code=DOCN |archive-date=August 9, 2021 |access-date=September 5, 2020 |website=cocatalog.loc.gov}}</ref>

==Adjustments in on-air presentation, production, and broadcasts==

===The unaired precursory pilot===
While the series premiere of ''American Dad!'' is titled "Pilot", "Pilot" is not the show's actual [[television pilot|pilot]] presentation. The actual pilot is a 6-minute version of the first 6 minutes in the series premiere. This precursory pilot was used by MacFarlane, Barker, and Weitzman to sell ''American Dad!'' to Fox and was never aired along with the rest of the series.

While much of the [[dialogue]] and general [[scenery]] were simply redone between the precursory pilot and the following series premiere, there are sharp distinctions between the two. Differences also exist between the precursory pilot and the official series as a whole. Most of these are in the [[image|pictorial]] technique. For example, scenes from the pilot are drawn in a rougher, more cursory fashion with weaker coloration than scenes from the official series. Most prominently, Steve's physical design and outfit in the predecessor greatly contrast from his official design and outfit. In addition, Steve is voiced by [[Ricky Blitt]] in the precursory pilot but by Scott Grimes in the official series. There are also variations in Steve's personality.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Riggs |first=Thomas |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L-VkAAAAMAAJ&q=American+Dad+unaired+pilot |title=Contemporary Theatre, Film and Television – Thomas Riggs – Google Boeken |date=August 2007 |publisher=Cengage Gale |isbn=9780787690502 |access-date=September 17, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=TV.com |title=American Dad! – Season 1, Episode 0: Unaired Pilot Presentation |url=http://www.tv.com/shows/american-dad/unaired-pilot-presentation-1125249/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921130753/http://www.tv.com/shows/american-dad/unaired-pilot-presentation-1125249/ |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |access-date=September 17, 2013 |publisher=TV.com}}</ref>

===Characterization===
Early episodes of the series featured political banter between the conservative Stan and liberal Hayley. However, the creators learned quickly that this had only "a limited shelf life" and did not provide them as much as they originally thought it would. Said co-creator Matt Weitzman, "There are times when we still have that kind of dynamic between them, but not nearly what it was in the first season. And I think the show, honestly, has grown and benefited from it, because that would have gotten boring after a while."<ref name="avclub4" />

Roger was enhanced by being provided with a [[running gag]] of alternate disguises and freedom to exist outside of the Smith house. The show's original concept basically portrayed him as being similar to [[ALF (TV series)#ALF|ALF]], having him sit in the house all day while commenting on life. The creators, however, have stated that the character was far too much fun to keep restricted to the house, and having him interact with different people provided for much material. The creators have further appreciated the direction of Roger for the fact that he almost serves as a different [[guest appearance|guest star]] for each episode what with [[Roger (American Dad!)#Disguises and alter egos|his many alter egos]]. The show's staff believe this element of the show highlights MacFarlane's versatility as he voices Roger and his countless alter egos.<ref name="avclub4" />

There have been three versions of the "Steve" character, the creators having twice made considerable adjustments to his design. Steve's initial design ended up being a one-off execution limited to the unaired precursory pilot (not to be confused with the series premiere, titled "Pilot"). By the season premiere, [[Scott Grimes]] had begun voicing Steve, and his design was made taller, more filled out, and less geeky. After early seasons of the series, Steve was remodeled again. This time he was made softer, more emotional, cuter and more endearing, creating a sharper contrast to his father Stan's ruggedness and machismo.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Animation |date=March 23, 2013 |title=American Dad! |url=http://tv-facts.net/movie-review/american-dad/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923001639/http://tv-facts.net/movie-review/american-dad/ |archive-date=September 23, 2013 |access-date=May 4, 2013 |publisher=TV Facts}}</ref>

Between the eighth and ninth seasons, there were significant changes in the show's writing staff. Mike Barker mentions (with one-season-less numbering) "We lost some animators, and we lost a lot of writers. Season eight, our writing staff is about 65–70 percent new."<ref name="avclub4" />

===Network relocation from Fox to TBS===
On July 16, 2013, it was announced that ''American Dad!'' had been cancelled by Fox. Shortly thereafter, however, cable channel [[TBS (American TV channel)|TBS]] picked up the show for a 15-episode eleventh season, which premiered on October 20, 2014.<ref name="zap2it2">{{Cite web |date=May 14, 2014 |title=TNT & TBS Announce New Series Including 'Transporter: The Series', 'The Librarians', 'Angie Tribeca' & More |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/05/14/tnt-tbs-announce-new-series-including-transporter-the-series-the-librarians-angie-tribeca-more/264223/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515040712/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/05/14/tnt-tbs-announce-new-series-including-transporter-the-series-the-librarians-angie-tribeca-more/264223/ |archive-date=May 15, 2014 |access-date=May 25, 2014 |publisher=TVbytheNumbers}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated6">{{Cite web |date=November 13, 2012 |title=Fox to air Seth MacFarlane's "Bordertown" animated series next year |url=http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/TV/2013/11/09/Seth-MacFarlanes-Bordertown-picked-up-by-Fox/UPI-96291384015624/?spt=rln&or=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109181127/http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/TV/2013/11/09/Seth-MacFarlanes-Bordertown-picked-up-by-Fox/UPI-96291384015624/?spt=rln&or=1 |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |access-date=November 10, 2013 |publisher=UPI.com}}</ref> Along with airing original episodes, TBS also airs reruns of ''American Dad!'' in syndication.<ref name="TBSrevival">{{Cite news |last=Hinckley |first=David |date=July 18, 2013 |title=Seth MacFarlane's 'American Dad' picked up by TBS |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/american-dad-picked-tbs-article-1.1400187 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130721043422/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/american-dad-picked-tbs-article-1.1400187 |archive-date=July 21, 2013 |access-date=July 21, 2013 |work=New York Daily News}}</ref> The tenth season was initially to be the final one on Fox; however, on July 20, 2014, it was announced that Fox had three unaired episodes left for broadcast. Two of the three aired back-to-back on September 14, 2014, and the final one aired on September 21, 2014. Reports from Fox seemed to imply that these three episodes constituted a season of their own, season 10. Among [[American Dad! (season 11)#Network move and season number discrepancies|multiple discrepant reports from TBS]] however, one indicated that the three episodes were the beginning of the 11th season to resume on their network.<ref name="tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com">{{Cite web |title=FOX Announces Guest Voices for 'The Simpsons', 'Family Guy' & 'Bob's Burgers' - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.zap2it.com |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/07/20/fox-announces-guest-voices-for-the-simpsons-family-guy-bobs-burgers/284387/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029184033/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/07/20/fox-announces-guest-voices-for-the-simpsons-family-guy-bobs-burgers/284387/ |archive-date=October 29, 2014 |access-date=October 30, 2014 |website=TVbytheNumbers}}</ref> TBS actually debuted their first episode through social media websites [[YouTube]] and [[Facebook]] on October 13, 2014; the October 20, 2014, date applies to the linear television debut.<ref name="techtimes">{{Cite web |last=Schneider |first=Steven |date=October 13, 2014 |title=TBS quietly debuts 'American Dad!' on YouTube a week early |url=http://www.techtimes.com/articles/17783/20141013/tbs-quietly-debuts-american-dad-on-youtube-a-week-early.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015035044/http://www.techtimes.com/articles/17783/20141013/tbs-quietly-debuts-american-dad-on-youtube-a-week-early.htm |archive-date=October 15, 2014 |access-date=October 15, 2014 |publisher=Techtimes}}</ref>

On the show's network relocation, Mike Barker has stated, "It's going to be the same ''American Dad!'', just in a different place." Barker also joked that the network relocation was to execute a [[Tyler Perry]] crossover Barker and ''American Dad!'' production staff had long aspired to.<ref name="zap2it1">{{Cite web |last=+ data.results.personName + |date=July 20, 2013 |title=Comic-Con 2013: 'American Dad' Season 10 guest stars include Zooey Deschanel, Alison Brie and Mariah Carey – Zap2it |url=http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2013/07/comic-con-2013-american-dad-season-10-guest-stars-include-zooey-deschanel-alison-brie-and-mariah-car.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822112804/http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2013/07/comic-con-2013-american-dad-season-10-guest-stars-include-zooey-deschanel-alison-brie-and-mariah-car.html |archive-date=August 22, 2013 |access-date=August 17, 2013 |publisher=Zap2it}}</ref>

===Mike Barker's exit===
On November 4, 2013, it was announced that Mike Barker had departed ''American Dad!''<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 4, 2013 |title='American Dad' Co-Showrunner Mike Barker Exits Ahead of TBS Move |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/american-dad-showrunner-mike-barker-652973 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109210617/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/american-dad-showrunner-mike-barker-652973 |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |access-date=November 10, 2013 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> Barker had served for ten seasons as the show's co-creator/executive and producer/co-[[showrunner]]. Matt Weitzman is now serving as the show's sole showrunner. The news came as early production for season 11 commenced. {{as of|2013|November|}}, the show's production crew was developing its first four episodes for season 11, slated to begin airing on October 20, 2014, when ''American Dad!'' moved to TBS. Barker remained under an overall contract with [[20th Century Fox Television]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=October 30, 2013 |title='American Dad' Executive Producer/Co-Showrunner Mike Barker Exits |url=https://deadline.com/2013/11/american-dad-executive-producerco-showrunner-mike-barker-exits-626426/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105032825/http://www.deadline.com/2013/11/american-dad-executive-producerco-showrunner-mike-barker-exits/ |archive-date=November 5, 2013 |access-date=November 5, 2013 |publisher=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=November 1, 2013 |title='American Dad' Shakeup: Co-Creator Leaving Before TBS Move |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/05/american-dad-shakeup_n_4218021.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107204110/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/05/american-dad-shakeup_n_4218021.html |archive-date=November 7, 2013 |access-date=November 5, 2013 |publisher=Huffingtonpost.com}}</ref>

Following Mike Barker's exit, Brian Boyle replaced him as the showrunner for the television series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wickline |first=Dan |date=November 19, 2014 |title=American Dad Is Coming Back For More |url=http://www.bleedingcool.com/2014/11/19/american-dad-is-coming-back-for-more/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141122072532/http://www.bleedingcool.com/2014/11/19/american-dad-is-coming-back-for-more |archive-date=November 22, 2014 |access-date=November 22, 2014 |publisher=Bleedingcool.com}}</ref>

===2023 showrunners strike===
On May 12, 2023, it was announced that the showrunners of ''American Dad'', including Seth MacFarlane, would temporarily leave the show as a result of the [[2023 Writers Guild of America strike|2023 Writers Guild of America Strike]]. They returned to the show on September 27, 2023, once the strike was declared to be over.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patten |first=Dominic |date=May 12, 2023 |title=Seth MacFarlane & Showrunners Exit 'Family Guy' & 'American Dad' Until Striking WGA Gets New Contract |url=https://deadline.com/2023/05/writers-strike-seth-macfarlane-exits-family-guy-american-dad-wga-showrunners-1235365362/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512210742/https://deadline.com/2023/05/writers-strike-seth-macfarlane-exits-family-guy-american-dad-wga-showrunners-1235365362/ |archive-date=May 12, 2023 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Return to Fox===
On March 21, 2025, it was announced that TBS had declined to order new episodes after the season 21 finale, which aired on March 24. It was later announced that same day that contract negotiations are underway that could see the show return to Fox, after having left the network in September 2014. Re-runs will continue to air on TBS, Adult Swim and TruTV through 2030.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Ryan |date=March 21, 2025 |title=American Dad!'s Future TBD as TBS' Run of Originals Nears Its End |url=https://tvline.com/news/american-dad-tbs-leaving-new-network-1235421255/ |access-date=March 21, 2025 |website=TVLine |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=March 21, 2025 |title='American Dad!' Eyes Return To Fox For Season 20 & Beyond |url=https://deadline.com/2025/03/american-dad-return-fox-renewed-season-20-1236346483/#:~:text=EXCLUSIVE:%20American%20Dad!%20is%20coming,did%20it%20two%20decades%20ago. |access-date=March 21, 2025 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> In April 2025, it was announced the series would return to Fox with its twenty-second season, following a four-season pickup order from the network; this renewal will take the show through the 2028–2029 television season.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |title=Fox Picks Up Four Seasons of ''The Simpsons'', ''Family Guy'', ''Bob{{'s}} Burgers'' & Returning ''American Dad!'' In Mega Deal With Disney TV Studios |url=https://deadline.com/2025/04/the-simpsons-family-guy-bobs-burgers-american-dad-renewed-1236356360/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]] |access-date=April 2, 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250402180943/https://deadline.com/2025/04/the-simpsons-family-guy-bobs-burgers-american-dad-renewed-1236356360/ |archive-date=April 2, 2025 |location=United States |date=April 2, 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception==
===Critical reception===
The show has received critical acclaim. In the [[Common Sense Media]] article, author Tony Nigro gave it a positive review stating, "Issues like patriotism, generational divide, political activism, and traditional gender roles are addressed here, all with more fantasy than reality, but enough of the latter to touch a nerve with some grown-ups."<ref name="commonsense">{{cite web|url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/american-dad/|title=Parents' Guide to American Dad!|publisher=[[Common Sense Media]]}}</ref> In 2016, a study by ''[[The New York Times]]'' of the 50 TV shows with the most [[Facebook Like]]s found that ''American Dad!'' is popular in the [[Northeastern United States]] and the [[Mid-Atlantic (United States)|Mid-Atlantic]] states, as well as the [[Great Lakes Region]]; however, it "is not popular in Utah or much of the South".<ref name="katz20161227">{{Cite news |last=Katz |first=Josh |date=December 27, 2016 |title='Duck Dynasty' vs. 'Modern Family': 50 Maps of the U.S. Cultural Divide |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/12/26/upshot/duck-dynasty-vs-modern-family-television-maps.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105091502/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/12/26/upshot/duck-dynasty-vs-modern-family-television-maps.html |archive-date=January 5, 2018 |access-date=February 5, 2017 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>

===Ratings===
Until [[American Dad! (season 12)|season 12]], when ''American Dad!'' moved to TBS, all but one episode originally aired on Animation Domination. The program's series premiere is the only episode that pre-dates the Animation Domination lineup. In addition, ''American Dad!''{{'}}s series premiere predated the rest of the first season by roughly three months. The series premiere episode, "[[Pilot (American Dad!)|Pilot]]", aired directly following Fox's broadcast of [[Super Bowl XXXIX]] on February 6, 2005. The episode aired alongside ''[[The Simpsons]]'' and pulled in 15 million viewers,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Breaking News – FOX Salutes 'American Dad' by Moving Up Its Timeslot Beginning Sunday, May 1, on Fox |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2005/02/09/fox-salutes-american-dad-by-moving-up-its-timeslot-beginning-sunday-may-1-on-fox-17815/20050209fox01 |access-date=November 1, 2012 |publisher=TheFutonCritic.com}}</ref> with 23 million viewers overall.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Best & Worst: Post-Super Bowl TV |url=http://www.zap2it.com/news/custom/photogallery/tv/la-et-post-super-bowl-tv-shows-pg,0,1005134,showall.photogallery |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925220310/http://www.zap2it.com/news/custom/photogallery/tv/la-et-post-super-bowl-tv-shows-pg%2C0%2C1005134%2Cshowall.photogallery |archive-date=September 25, 2012 |access-date=November 1, 2012 |publisher=Zap2it}}</ref> Both Animation Domination and the rest of the show's first season commenced on May 1, 2005. The show returned with the episode "[[American Dad! (season 1)|Threat Levels]]", obtaining 9.47 million viewers, after the season premiere/revival of ''[[Family Guy]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Arthur |first=Kate |date=May 3, 2005 |title=Arts, Briefly; A Sweeping Weekend |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/03/arts/arts-briefly-a-sweeping-weekend.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801031756/https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9507EED71F31F930A35756C0A9639C8B63 |archive-date=August 1, 2017 |access-date=July 27, 2018 |work=The New York Times}}</ref>

On November 18, 2014, it was reported that the show's outstanding performance in cable had quickly moved TBS to order another season of the series, bringing the show to thirteen seasons.<ref name="tvline">{{Cite web |last=Mitovich |first=Matt |date=November 18, 2014 |title=American Dad! Renewed by TBS |url=http://tvline.com/2014/11/18/american-dad-renewed-by-tbs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141121111216/http://tvline.com/2014/11/18/american-dad-renewed-by-tbs/ |archive-date=November 21, 2014 |access-date=November 18, 2014 |publisher=TvLine}}</ref><ref name="cinemablend">{{Cite web |last=Venable |first=Nick |date=November 19, 2014 |title=American Dad Gets More Episodes On TBS |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/American-Dad-Gets-More-Episodes-TBS-68500.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141122160928/http://www.cinemablend.com/television/American-Dad-Gets-More-Episodes-TBS-68500.html |archive-date=November 22, 2014 |access-date=November 19, 2014 |publisher=Cinemablend}}</ref>

====Nielsen ratings====
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Season
! rowspan="2" scope="col" | Timeslot ([[Eastern Time Zone (North America)|ET]])
! rowspan="2" scope="col" | {{Abbr|No.|Number}} of<br />episodes
! rowspan="2" scope="col" | Network
! colspan="2" scope="col" | First aired
! colspan="2" scope="col" | Last aired
! rowspan="2" scope="col" | TV Season
! scope="col" colspan="2" | Overall ratings
|-
! scope="col" | Date
! scope="col" | Premiere viewers<br />(in millions)
! scope="col" | Date
! scope="col" | Finale viewers<br />(in millions)
! scope="col" | Rank
! scope="col" | Viewers<br />(in millions)
|-
| scope="row" | [[American Dad! season 1|1]]
| Sunday 11:14 pm {{small|(Episode 1)}}<br />Sunday 9:30 pm {{small|(Episodes 2–7)}}
| 7
| rowspan="11" | [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]]
| February 6, 2005
| 15.15<ref>{{Cite web |title=Network Primetime Averages by Total Households: Week of 1/31/05 – 2/06/05 |url=http://tv.zap2it.com/tveditorial/tve_main/1,1002,272%7C%7C%7Cweekly,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050211033450/http://tv.zap2it.com/tveditorial/tve_main/1%2C1002%2C272%7C%7C%7Cweekly%2C00.html |archive-date=February 11, 2005 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website=Zap2it}}</ref>
| June 19, 2005
| 6.55<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 14, 2005 |title=Weekly Program Rankings |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=062105_05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714195914/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=062105_05 |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |access-date=December 8, 2014 |publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]}}</ref>
| [[2004–05 United States network television schedule|2004–05]]
| 67<ref name="0405season">{{Cite web |date=June 21, 2005 |title=Season Program Rankings from September 20, 2004 through May 19, 2005 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=062105_06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010224625/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=062105_06 |archive-date=October 10, 2014 |access-date=December 8, 2014 |publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet}}</ref>
| 8.49<ref name="0405season" />
|-
| scope="row" | [[American Dad! season 2|2]]
| Sunday 9:30 pm
| 16
| September 11, 2005
| 7.83<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 13, 2005 |title=Weekly Program Rankings |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=091305_04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105055054/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=091305_04 |archive-date=November 5, 2014 |access-date=December 8, 2014 |publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]}}</ref>
| May 14, 2006
| 6.86<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 16, 2006 |title=Weekly Program Rankings |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=051606_06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528005920/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=051606_06 |archive-date=May 28, 2010 |access-date=March 24, 2011 |publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]}}</ref>
| [[2005–06 United States network television schedule|2005–06]]
| 97<ref name="0506season">{{Cite web |date=May 31, 2006 |title=Season Program Rankings from September 15, 2005 through May 31, 2006 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=053106_05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011060406/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=053106_05 |archive-date=October 11, 2014 |access-date=December 8, 2014 |publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet}}</ref>
| 7.16<ref name="0506season" />
|-
| scope="row" | [[American Dad! season 3|3]]
| Sunday 8:30 pm {{small|(Episodes 1–10)}}<br />Sunday 9:30 pm {{small|(Episodes 11–19)}}
| 19
| September 10, 2006
| 8.93<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 12, 2006 |title=Weekly Program Ratings |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=091206_11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329105539/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=091206_11 |archive-date=March 29, 2012 |access-date=March 24, 2011 |publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]}}</ref>
| May 20, 2007
| 7.62<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 22, 2007 |title=Weekly Program Ratings |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052207_06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528010145/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052207_06 |archive-date=May 28, 2010 |access-date=March 24, 2011 |publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]}}</ref>
| [[2006–07 United States network television schedule|2006–07]]
| 79<ref name="0607season">{{Cite news |date=May 25, 2007 |title=2006–07 primetime wrap |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/features/e3ifbfdd1bcb53266ad8d9a71cad261604f?pn=2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120102063804/http://www1.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/features/e3ifbfdd1bcb53266ad8d9a71cad261604f |archive-date=January 2, 2012 |access-date=February 12, 2010 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |publisher=Nielsen Business Media}}</ref>
| 7.6<ref name="0607season" />
|-
| scope="row" | [[American Dad! season 4|4]]
| rowspan="2" | Sunday 9:30 pm
| 16
| September 30, 2007
| 6.07<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 2, 2007 |title=Weekly Program Ratings |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=100207_05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501042023/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=100207_05 |archive-date=May 1, 2011 |access-date=March 24, 2011 |publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]}}</ref>
| May 18, 2008
| 5.64<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 20, 2008 |title=Weekly Program Ratings |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052008_05 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501042031/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052008_05 |archive-date=May 1, 2011 |access-date=March 24, 2011 |publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]}}</ref>
| [[2007–08 United States network television schedule|2007–08]]
| 105<ref name="season3">{{Cite web |date=May 28, 2008 |title=Season Program Rankings from September 24, 2007 through May 25, 2008 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052808_06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413172935/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052808_06 |archive-date=April 13, 2010 |access-date=July 3, 2009 |publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet}}</ref>
| 6.6<ref name="season3" />
|-
| scope="row" | [[American Dad! season 5|5]]
| 20
| September 28, 2008
| 6.89<ref name="rat3">{{Cite web |last=Gorman |first=Bill |date=September 30, 2008 |title=Top Fox Primetime Shows, September 22–28 |url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/09/30/top-fox-primetime-shows-september-22-28/5421 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090915184608/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/09/30/top-fox-primetime-shows-september-22-28/5421 |archive-date=September 15, 2009 |access-date=March 25, 2011 |publisher=TV by the Numbers}}</ref>
| May 17, 2009
| 5.64<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=May 19, 2009 |title=Top Fox Primetime Shows, May 11–17, 2009 |url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/05/19/top-fox-primetime-shows-may-11-17-2009/19089 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229211413/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/05/19/top-fox-primetime-shows-may-11-17-2009/19089/ |archive-date=February 29, 2012 |access-date=March 25, 2011 |publisher=TVbytheNumbers.com}}</ref>
| [[2008–09 United States network television schedule|2008–09]]
| 96<ref name="season4">{{Cite web |date=May 19, 2009 |title=Season Program Rankings from September 22, 2008 through May 17, 2009 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=051909_05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090623063544/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=051909_05 |archive-date=June 23, 2009 |access-date=July 3, 2009 |publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet}}</ref>
| 5.5<ref name="season4" />
|-
| scope="row" | [[American Dad! season 6|6]]
|Sunday 9:30 pm {{small|(Episodes 1–4, 6–18)}}<br />Sunday 7:30 pm {{small|(Episode 5)}}
| 18
| September 27, 2009
| 7.14<ref>{{Cite web |last=Calabria |first=Rosario T. |date=October 5, 2009 |title=Broadcast TV Ratings for Sunday, October 4, 2009 |url=http://yourentertainmentnow.com/2009/10/05/broadcast-tv-ratings-for-sunday-october-4-2009/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110816144508/http://yourentertainmentnow.com/2009/10/05/broadcast-tv-ratings-for-sunday-october-4-2009/ |archive-date=August 16, 2011 |access-date=June 14, 2023 |website=Your Entertainment Now}}</ref>
| May 16, 2010
| 5.89<ref>{{Cite web |last=Calabria |first=Rosario T. |date=May 23, 2011 |title=Broadcast TV Ratings for Sunday, May 22, 2011 |url=http://yourentertainmentnow.com/2011/05/23/broadcast-tv-ratings-for-sunday-may-22-2011/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920082633/http://yourentertainmentnow.com/2011/05/23/broadcast-tv-ratings-for-sunday-may-22-2011/ |archive-date=September 20, 2020 |access-date=June 14, 2023 |website=Your Entertainment Now}}</ref>
| [[2009–10 United States network television schedule|2009–10]]
| 84<ref name="20092010ranking">{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=May 27, 2010 |title=Full Series Rankings for the 2009–10 Broadcast Season |url=https://deadline.com/2010/05/full-series-rankings-for-the-2009-10-broadcast-season-44277/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709180259/http://www.deadline.com/2010/05/full-series-rankings-for-the-2009-10-broadcast-season/ |archive-date=July 9, 2013 |access-date=February 18, 2020 |website=Deadline}}</ref>
| 5.9<ref name="20092010ranking" />
|-
| scope="row" | [[American Dad! season 7|7]]
| Sunday 9:30 pm {{small|(Episodes 1–8, 13)}}<br />Sunday 7:30 pm {{small|(Episodes 9–12, 14–15, 17–19)}}<br />Sunday 8:30 pm {{small|(Episode 16)}}
| 19
| October 3, 2010
| 6.16<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=October 5, 2010 |title=Sunday Finals: The Simpsons, Family Guy, American Dad, Amazing Race, Desperate Housewives Rise; Undercover Boss A Bit Less Bossy vs. Football |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/10/05/sunday-finals-the-simpsons-family-guy-american-dad-amazing-race-desperate-housewives-rise-undercover-boss-a-bit-less-bossy-vs-football/66787 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110909074343/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/10/05/sunday-finals-the-simpsons-family-guy-american-dad-amazing-race-desperate-housewives-rise-undercover-boss-a-bit-less-bossy-vs-football/66787/ |archive-date=September 9, 2011 |access-date=March 27, 2011 |website=TV by the Numbers}}</ref>
| May 22, 2011
| 3.57<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gorman |first=Bill |date=May 24, 2011 |title=Sunday Final Ratings: 'Billboard Music Awards,' 'Celebrity Apprentice,' 'Funniest Videos,' 'Family Guy,' 'American Dad,' '60 Minutes' Adjusted Up |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/05/24/sunday-final-ratings-billboard-music-awards-celebrity-apprentice-funniest-videos-family-guy-american-dad-60-minutes-adjusted-up/93754 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527163512/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/05/24/sunday-final-ratings-billboard-music-awards-celebrity-apprentice-funniest-videos-family-guy-american-dad-60-minutes-adjusted-up/93754/ |archive-date=May 27, 2011 |access-date=May 24, 2011 |website=TV By the Numbers}}</ref>
| [[2010–11 United States network television schedule|2010–11]]
| 111<ref name="20102011ranking">{{Cite web |last=Gorman |first=Bill |date=June 1, 2011 |title=2010–11 Season Broadcast Primetime Show Viewership Averages |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/06/01/2010-11-season-broadcast-primetime-show-viewership-averages/94407 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604160109/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/06/01/2010-11-season-broadcast-primetime-show-viewership-averages/94407/ |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |access-date=June 1, 2011 |website=TV by the Numbers}}</ref>
| 4.07<ref name="20102011ranking" />
|-
| scope="row" | [[American Dad! season 8|8]]
| Sunday 9:30 pm
| 18
| September 25, 2011
| 5.83<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gorman |first=Bill |date=September 27, 2011 |title=Sunday Final Ratings: 'Desperate Housewives,' 'CSI:Miami,' 'The Simpsons' Adjusted Up; '60 Minutes' Adjusted Down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/09/27/sunday-final-ratings-desperate-housewives-csimiami-the-simpsons-adjusted-up-60-minutes-adjusted-down/105018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929135811/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/09/27/sunday-final-ratings-desperate-housewives-csimiami-the-simpsons-adjusted-up-60-minutes-adjusted-down/105018/ |archive-date=September 29, 2011 |access-date=September 28, 2011 |website=TV by the Numbers}}</ref>
| May 13, 2012
| 4.13<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bibel |first=Sarah |date=May 15, 2012 |title=Sunday Final Ratings: 'Once Upon A Time', Family guy', 'Survivor' Adjusted Up; 'Survivor: Reunion', 'Dateline' Adjusted Down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/15/sunday-final-ratings-once-upon-a-time-family-guy-survivor-adjusted-up-survivor-reunion-dateline-adjusted-down/134077 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517010153/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/15/sunday-final-ratings-once-upon-a-time-family-guy-survivor-adjusted-up-survivor-reunion-dateline-adjusted-down/134077/ |archive-date=May 17, 2012 |access-date=May 15, 2012 |website=TV by the Numbers}}</ref>
| [[2011–12 United States network television schedule|2011–12]]
| 110<ref name="20112012ranking">{{Cite news |last=Gorman |first=Bill |date=May 24, 2012 |title=Complete List Of 2011–12 Season TV Show Viewership: 'Sunday Night Football' Tops, Followed By 'American Idol,' 'NCIS' & 'Dancing With The Stars' |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/24/complete-list-of-2011-12-season-tv-show-viewership-sunday-night-football-tops-followed-by-american-idol-ncis-dancing-with-the-stars/135785 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527223446/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/24/complete-list-of-2011-12-season-tv-show-viewership-sunday-night-football-tops-followed-by-american-idol-ncis-dancing-with-the-stars/135785/ |archive-date=May 27, 2012 |access-date=May 25, 2012 |work=TV by the Numbers}}</ref>
| 5.47<ref name="20112012ranking" />
|-
| scope="row" | [[American Dad! season 9|9]]
|Sunday 9:30 pm {{small|(Episodes 1–12, 14–19)}}<br />Sunday 7:30 pm {{small|(Episode 13)}}
| 19
| September 30, 2012
| 5.25<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bibel |first=Sara |date=October 2, 2012 |title=Sunday Final Ratings: 'Once Upon A Time', 'The Simpsons', 'Bob's Burgers' Adjusted Up; '666 Park Avenue', '60 Minutes' Adjusted Down & Final Football Numbers |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/10/02/sunday-final-ratings-once-upon-a-time-the-simpsons-bobs-burgers-adjusted-up-666-park-avenue-60-minutes-adjusted-down-final-football-numbers/150988 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004225412/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/10/02/sunday-final-ratings-once-upon-a-time-the-simpsons-bobs-burgers-adjusted-up-666-park-avenue-60-minutes-adjusted-down-final-football-numbers/150988/ |archive-date=October 4, 2012 |access-date=October 2, 2012 |website=TV by the Numbers}}</ref>
| May 12, 2013<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kondology |first=Amanda |date=February 28, 2013 |title=FOX Announces Finale Dates for 'Bones', 'The Following', 'New Girl' & More + Summer Premiere Dates Including 'So You Think You Can Dance' |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/02/28/fox-announces-finale-dates-for-bones-the-following-new-girl-more-announces-summer-premieres-including-so-you-think-you-can-dance/171375 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130303005354/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/02/28/fox-announces-finale-dates-for-bones-the-following-new-girl-more-announces-summer-premieres-including-so-you-think-you-can-dance/171375/ |archive-date=March 3, 2013 |access-date=March 1, 2013 |publisher=TV by the Numbers}}</ref>
| 4.01<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 15, 2012 |title=Sunday Final Ratings: 'Survivor', 'Once Upon a Time', 'The Simpsons' & 'Revenge' Adjusted Up – Ratings |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/05/14/sunday-final-ratings-survivor-once-upon-a-time-the-simpsons-revenge-adjusted-up/182603 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607114211/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/05/14/sunday-final-ratings-survivor-once-upon-a-time-the-simpsons-revenge-adjusted-up/182603/ |archive-date=June 7, 2013 |access-date=May 14, 2013 |publisher=Tvbythenumbers}}</ref>
| [[2012–13 United States network television schedule|2012–13]]
| 84<ref name="20122013ranking">{{Cite news |last=Patten |first=Dominic |date=May 23, 2013 |title=Full 2012–13 TV Season Rankings |url=https://deadline.com/2014/05/tv-season-series-rankings-2013-full-list-2-733762/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728030600/http://www.deadline.com/2013/05/tv-season-series-rankings-2013-full-list/ |archive-date=July 28, 2014 |access-date=May 25, 2013 |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>
| 5.24<ref name="20122013ranking" />
|-
| scope="row" | [[American Dad! season 10|10]]
| Sunday 9:30 pm {{small|(Episodes 1–11)}}<br />Sunday 7:30 pm {{small|(Episodes 12–20)}}
| 20
| September 29, 2013
| 4.32<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bibel |first=Sara |date=October 1, 2013 |title=Sunday Final Ratings: 'The Simpsons' & 'Bob's Burgers' Adjusted Up; 'Revenge' Adjusted Down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/10/01/sunday-final-ratings-the-simpsons-revenge-adjusted-down/206013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004055158/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/10/01/sunday-final-ratings-the-simpsons-revenge-adjusted-down/206013/ |archive-date=October 4, 2013 |access-date=October 1, 2013 |website=[[TV by the Numbers]]}}</ref>
| May 18, 2014
| 2.36
| [[2013–14 United States network television schedule|2013–14]]
| 89
| 5.14
|-
| scope="row" | [[American Dad! season 11|11]]
| Sunday 9:00 pm {{small|(Episode 1)}}<br />Sunday 9:30 pm {{small|(Episodes 2–3)}}
| 3<!--Do not change, Season 11 comprises the last 3 episodes on Fox-->
| September 14, 2014
| 2.62
| September 21, 2014
| 3.03
| rowspan="2" |[[2014–15 United States network television schedule|2014–15]]
| {{TableTBA}}
| 2.77
|-
| scope="row" | [[American Dad! season 12|12]]
| Monday 9:00 pm
| 15<!--Do not change, "Blonde Ambition" was the start of a new season, Season 11 ended with "Blagsnarst, a Love Story"-->
| rowspan="9" |[[TBS (American TV channel)|TBS]]
| October 20, 2014
| 1.09
| June 1, 2015
| 1.113<ref>{{Cite web |title=Monday Cable Ratings: 'Monday Night RAW' Tops Night + 'Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta', 'Street Outlaws', 'TI & Tiny' & More |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/06/02/monday-cable-ratings-monday-night-raw-tops-night-love-hip-hop-atlanta-street-outlaws-ti-tiny-more/411634/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150603131126/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/06/02/monday-cable-ratings-monday-night-raw-tops-night-love-hip-hop-atlanta-street-outlaws-ti-tiny-more/411634/ |archive-date=June 3, 2015 |website=TV By The Numbers by zap2it.com}}</ref>
| {{TableTBA}}
| 1.118
|-
| scope="row" | [[American Dad! season 13|13]]
| Monday 8:30 pm<ref name="Season 13 Premiere">{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/_VV9rmRolU/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/instagram/americandad/1140914678286158164 |archive-date=December 23, 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
| rowspan="8" | 22
| January 25, 2016<ref name="Season 13 Premiere" />
| 1.04
| June 27, 2016
| 0.98<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alex Welch |date=June 27, 2016 |title=Monday cable ratings: 'WWE Monday Night Raw' leads the night |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2016/06/28/monday-cable-ratings-june-27-2016/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629204646/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2016/06/28/monday-cable-ratings-june-27-2016/ |archive-date=June 29, 2016 |access-date=June 29, 2016 |publisher=Tvbythenumbers}}</ref>
| [[2015–16 United States network television schedule|2015–16]]
| {{TableTBA}}
| {{TableTBA}}
|-
| scope="row" | [[American Dad! season 14|14]]
| Monday 8:30 pm {{small|(Episodes 1–7)}}<br />Monday 10:00 pm {{small|(Episodes 8–22)}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=American Dad – The greatest trick American Dad! could ever pull is convincing America to love Mondays. &#124; Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/AmericanDad/photos/a.10150600357331610/10154170938936610/ |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/18957981609/10154170938936610 |archive-date=February 26, 2022 |website=www.facebook.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
| November 7, 2016<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chavez |first=Danette |date=September 12, 2016 |title=Exclusive: American Dad! returns with more slow jams this October |url=https://www.avclub.com/exclusive-american-dad-returns-with-more-slow-jams-th-1798251708 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209071704/https://www.avclub.com/exclusive-american-dad-returns-with-more-slow-jams-th-1798251708 |archive-date=December 9, 2021 |access-date=December 9, 2021 |publisher=The A. V. Club}}</ref>
| 1.00<ref>{{Cite web |last=Welch |first=Alex |date=November 8, 2016 |title=Monday cable ratings: Monday Night Football continues to rise |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/monday-cable-ratings-november-7-2016/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110110018/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/monday-cable-ratings-november-7-2016/ |archive-date=November 10, 2016 |publisher=Tvbythenumbers}}</ref>
| September 11, 2017
| 0.86
| [[2016–17 United States network television schedule|2016–17]]
| {{TableTBA}}
| {{TableTBA}}
|-
| scope="row" | [[American Dad! season 15|15]]
|Monday 8:00 pm {{small|(Episode 1)}}<br />Monday 10:00 pm {{small|(Episodes 2–22)}}
|December 25, 2017
|0.86
|April 8, 2019
|0.75<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rejent |first=Joseph |date=April 9, 2019 |title=Monday cable ratings: 'Monday Night Raw' demolishes competition, 'Vanderpump Rules' holds |url=https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/monday-cable-ratings-april-8-2019/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410184550/https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/monday-cable-ratings-april-8-2019/ |archive-date=April 10, 2019 |access-date=April 15, 2020 |publisher=Tvbythenumbers}}</ref>
|[[American Dad! (season 15)|2017–19]]
|TBA
|TBA
|-
| scope="row" | [[American Dad! season 16|16]]
| rowspan="2" |Monday 10:00 pm
|April 15, 2019
|0.77<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rejent |first=Joseph |date=April 16, 2019 |title=Monday cable ratings: NBA Playoffs dominate competition, WWE falls back |url=https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/monday-cable-ratings-nba-april-15-2019/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416215746/https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/monday-cable-ratings-nba-april-15-2019/ |archive-date=April 16, 2019 |access-date=April 15, 2020 |publisher=Tvbythenumbers}}</ref>
|April 27, 2020
|0.67<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 28, 2020 |title=UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Monday Cable Originals & Network Finals: April 27, 2020 |url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-monday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-27-2020.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429003108/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-monday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-27-2020.html |archive-date=April 29, 2020 |access-date=April 28, 2020 |newspaper=[[Showbuzz Daily]]}}</ref>
||[[American Dad! (season 16)|2019–20]]
|TBA
|TBA
|-
|scope="row" | [[American Dad! season 17|17]]
|April 13, 2020
|0.69<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 14, 2020 |title=UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Monday Cable Originals & Network Finals: April 13, 2020 |url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-monday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-13-2020.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200417083225/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-monday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-13-2020.html |archive-date=April 17, 2020 |access-date=April 17, 2020 |newspaper=Showbuzz Daily}}</ref>
|December 21, 2020
|0.55
||[[American Dad! (season 17)|2020]]
|TBA
|TBA
|-
|scope="row" | [[American Dad! season 18|18]]
|Monday 10:00 pm {{small|(Episodes 1–21)}}<br />Monday 9:30 pm {{small|(Episode 22)}}
|April 19, 2021
|0.56<ref name="18.01">{{Cite web |last=Metcalf |first=Mitch |date=April 20, 2021 |title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Monday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 4.19.2021 |url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-monday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-19-2021.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420201021/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-monday-cable-originals-network-finals-4-19-2021.html |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |access-date=April 20, 2021 |website=Showbuzz Daily}}</ref>
|October 25, 2021
|0.37<ref name="18.22">{{Cite web |last=Metcalf |first=Mitch |date=October 26, 2021 |title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Monday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 10.25.2021 |url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-monday-10-25-2021-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026201655/https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-monday-10-25-2021-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html |archive-date=October 26, 2021 |access-date=October 26, 2021 |website=Showbuzz Daily}}</ref>
||[[American Dad! (season 18)|2021]]
|TBA
|TBA
|-
|scope="row" | [[American Dad! season 19|19]]
| rowspan="2" |Monday 10:00 pm
|January 24, 2022
|TBA
|December 19, 2022
|TBA
||[[American Dad! (season 19)|2022]]
|TBA
|TBA
|-
|scope="row" | [[American Dad! season 20|20]]
|March 27, 2023
|TBA
|December 18, 2023
|TBA
||[[American Dad! (season 20)|2023]]
|TBA
|TBA
|}

===Awards and nominations===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="width:99%"
|+ 
|-
! scope="col" style="width:24%;"| Award
! scope="col" style="width:3%;" | Year
! scope="col" style="width:30%;"| Category
! scope="col" style="width:28%;"| Nominee(s)
! scope="col" style="width:6%;"| Result
! scope="col" class="unsortable" style="width:1%;"| {{refh}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=2 | [[Annie Awards]]
| style="text-align: center;" | [[34th Annie Awards|2007]]
| Best Writing in an Animated Television Production
| [[Dan Vebber]] <small>(for "[[The American Dad After School Special]]")</small>
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite web |title=34th Annual Annie Awards |url=https://annieawards.org/legacy/34th-annie-award |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230415163851/https://annieawards.org/legacy/34th-annie-award |archive-date=April 15, 2023 |access-date=April 15, 2023}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | [[37th Annie Awards|2010]]
| Directing in a Television Production
| Pam Cooke and Jansen Lee <small>(for "Brains, Brains & Automobiles")</small>
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite web |title=37th Annual Annie Awards |url=https://annieawards.org/legacy/37th-annie-awards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230415163330/https://annieawards.org/legacy/37th-annie-awards |archive-date=April 15, 2023 |access-date=April 15, 2023}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=6 | [[Casting Society of America|Artios Awards]]
| style="text-align: center;" | 2010
| Animation TV Programming
| rowspan=6 | Linda Lamontagne
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite web |title=2010 Artios Award Winners – November 1, 2010 |url=https://www.castingsociety.com/awards/artios/2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415182143/https://www.castingsociety.com/awards/artios/2010 |archive-date=April 15, 2023 |access-date=April 15, 2023 |website=[[Casting Society of America]]}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | 2013
| rowspan=5 | Television Animation
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 Artios Awards Winners – November 18, 2013 |url=https://www.castingsociety.com/awards/artios/2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415182102/https://www.castingsociety.com/awards/artios/2013 |archive-date=April 15, 2023 |access-date=April 15, 2023 |website=Casting Society of America}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | 2015
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite web |title=30th Artios Awards Winners – January 22, 2015 |url=https://www.castingsociety.com/awards/artios/2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415182118/https://www.castingsociety.com/awards/artios/2015 |archive-date=April 15, 2023 |access-date=April 15, 2023 |website=Casting Society of America}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | [[31st Artios Awards|2016]]
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite web |title=31st Artios Awards Winners – January 21, 2016 |url=https://www.castingsociety.com/awards/artios/2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415182125/https://www.castingsociety.com/awards/artios/2016 |archive-date=April 15, 2023 |access-date=April 15, 2023 |website=Casting Society of America}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | [[32nd Artios Awards|2017]]
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite web |title=32nd Artios Awards Winners – January 19, 2017 |url=https://www.castingsociety.com/awards/artios/2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415182140/https://www.castingsociety.com/awards/artios/2017 |archive-date=April 15, 2023 |access-date=April 15, 2023 |website=Casting Society of America}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | [[33rd Artios Awards|2018]]
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite web |title=33rd Artios Awards Winners – January 18, 2018 |url=https://www.castingsociety.com/awards/artios/2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415182152/https://www.castingsociety.com/awards/artios/2018 |archive-date=April 15, 2023 |access-date=April 15, 2023 |website=Casting Society of America}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers|ASCAP Awards]]
| style="text-align: center;" | 2013
| Top Television Series
| ''American Dad!''
| {{won}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite web |title=Top Television Series |url=http://www.ascap.com/eventsawards/awards/filmtv/2013/top-television-series.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102125604/http://www.ascap.com/eventsawards/awards/filmtv/2013/top-television-series.aspx |archive-date=November 2, 2013 |access-date=September 16, 2013 |publisher=Ascap.com}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[GLAAD Media Award]]
| style="text-align: center;" | [[18th GLAAD Media Awards|2007]]
| Outstanding Individual Episode
| ''American Dad!'' <small>(for "[[Lincoln Lover]]")</small>
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite web |date=April 14, 2007 |title=List of Winners: 18th Annual GLAAD Media Awards Presented in Los Angeles |url=http://www.glaad.org/media/release_detail.php?id=4005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081008183306/http://www.glaad.org/media/release_detail.php?id=4005 |archive-date=October 8, 2008 |access-date=October 8, 2008 |website=[[GLAAD Media Award]]}}<br />{{Cite web |date=January 21, 2007 |title=18th Annual Glaad Media Awards Nominees |url=http://www.glaad.org/publications/resource_doc_detail.php?id=3953 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123213204/http://www.glaad.org/publications/resource_doc_detail.php?id=3953 |archive-date=January 23, 2009 |access-date=January 23, 2009 |website=[[GLAAD Media Award]]}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | [[Penske Media Corporation#Other properties|Gold Derby Awards]]
| style="text-align: center;" | 2008
| rowspan="2" | Animated Series
| rowspan="2" | ''American Dad!'' 
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite web |date=March 7, 2016 |title=2008 GOLDDERBY TV AWARDS |url=https://www.goldderby.com/2008-goldderby-tv-awards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924185919/https://www.goldderby.com/2008-goldderby-tv-awards/ |archive-date=September 24, 2018 |access-date=September 22, 2023 |website=goldderby.com}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | 2009
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite web |date=March 7, 2016 |title=2009 GOLDDERBY TV AWARDS |url=https://www.goldderby.com/2009-goldderby-tv-awards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230922210329/https://www.goldderby.com/2009-goldderby-tv-awards/ |archive-date=September 22, 2023 |access-date=September 22, 2023 |website=goldderby.com}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | [[Motion Picture Sound Editors#Golden Reel Awards|Golden Reel Awards]]
| style="text-align: center;" | 2006
| rowspan="2" | Best Sound Editing in Television Animated
| ''American Dad!'' <small>(for "Homeland Insecurity")</small>
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite web |title=2006 Golden Reel Award Nominees & Recipients: Television |url=http://www.mpse.org/goldenreels/tvnominees.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061001071822/http://www.mpse.org/goldenreels/tvnominees.html |archive-date=October 1, 2006 |access-date=October 1, 2006 |website=[[Motion Picture Sound Editors]]}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | 2007
| ''American Dad!'' <small>(for "Dungeon and Wagons")</small>
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 Golden Reel Award Nominees: Television |url=http://www.mpse.org/goldenreels/2007awards/2007tvnominees.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070520165704/http://www.mpse.org/goldenreels/2007awards/2007tvnominees.html |archive-date=May 20, 2007 |access-date=May 20, 2007 |website=[[Motion Picture Sound Editors]]}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | It List Awards
| style="text-align: center;" | 2012
| Favourite International TV Show
| rowspan="4" | ''American Dad!''
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite web |title=IT LIST Awards nominees for 2012 Announced and public voting now open |url=http://www.poprepublic.tv/the-news/1-latest-news/1078-poprepublictv-it-list-awards-nominees-for-2012-announced-and-public-voting-now-open |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703195247/http://www.poprepublic.tv/the-news/1-latest-news/1078-poprepublictv-it-list-awards-nominees-for-2012-announced-and-public-voting-now-open |archive-date=July 3, 2013 |access-date=May 10, 2013 |publisher=POPrepublic.tv}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="3" | [[People's Choice Awards]]
| style="text-align: center;" | [[41st People's Choice Awards|2015]]
| rowspan="3" | Favorite Animated TV Show
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref name="pcha">{{Cite web |date=November 4, 2014 |title=People's Choice Awards 2015 hosts, nominees announced |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/peoples-choice-awards-2015-hosts-nominees-announced/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104221906/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/peoples-choice-awards-2015-hosts-nominees-announced/ |archive-date=November 4, 2014 |access-date=November 4, 2014 |website=[[CBS News]]}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | [[42nd People's Choice Awards|2016]]
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite web |title=People's Choice Awards – 2016 Nominations |url=http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/awards/nominees/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426072808/http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/awards/nominees/ |archive-date=April 26, 2015 |access-date=November 7, 2015}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | [[43rd People's Choice Awards|2017]]
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2016 |title=People's Choice Awards Nominees 2017 — Full List |url=https://deadline.com/2016/11/peoples-choice-awards-nominees-2016-full-list-captain-america-kevin-hart-1201854910/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170503235832/http://deadline.com/2016/11/peoples-choice-awards-nominees-2016-full-list-captain-america-kevin-hart-1201854910/ |archive-date=May 3, 2017 |access-date=November 15, 2016 |website=Deadline}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="4" | [[Primetime Emmy Awards]]
| style="text-align: center;" | [[61st Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards|2009]]
| rowspan="2" | [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program|Outstanding Animated Program]]
| ''American Dad!'' <small>(for "1600 Candles")</small>
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite news |title=2009 Emmy winners |url=http://theenvelope.latimes.com/news/breaking/newsletter/env-09-emmy-list16-2009jul16-html,0,671518.htmlstory |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204110705/http://www.theenvelope.latimes.com/news/breaking/newsletter/env-09-emmy-list16-2009jul16-html,0,671518.htmlstory |archive-date=December 4, 2013 |access-date=May 10, 2013 |publisher=theenvelope.latimes.com}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | [[64th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards|2012]]
| ''American Dad!'' <small>(for "[[Hot Water (American Dad!)|Hot Water]]")</small>
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite web |title=American Dad |url=http://www.emmys.com/shows/american-dad |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614223937/https://www.emmys.com/shows/american-dad |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |access-date=May 10, 2013 |publisher=Emmys.com}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | [[69th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards|2017]]
| rowspan="2" | [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance|Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance]]
| [[Dee Bradley Baker]] <small>(for "Fight and Flight")</small>
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite web |date=July 13, 2017 |title=Emmys 2017: Full List of Nominations |url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/2017-emmy-nominees-list-nominations-1202494465/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626194627/https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/2017-emmy-nominees-list-nominations-1202494465/ |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |access-date=July 13, 2017 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | [[70th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards|2018]]
| [[Seth MacFarlane]] <small>(for "The Talented Mr. Dingleberry")</small>
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite web |date=July 12, 2018 |title=70th Emmy Awards Complete Nominations List |url=https://www.emmys.com/sites/default/files/Downloads/70th-nominations-list-v2.pdf?2018= |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831152738/https://www.emmys.com/sites/default/files/Downloads/70th-nominations-list-v2.pdf?2018= |archive-date=August 31, 2018 |access-date=July 12, 2018}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | [[Entertainment Industries Council|Prism Award]]
| style="text-align: center;" | 2007
| Mental Health
| ''American Dad!''
| {{won}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite journal |last=Bender |first=Eve |date=June 1, 2007 |title='Boston Legal' and 'Ugly Betty' Among PRISM's Latest Picks |url=https://psychnews.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/pn.42.11.0010a |url-status=live |journal=[[American Psychiatric Association]] |volume=42 |issue=11 |page=10 |doi=10.1176/pn.42.11.0010a |issn=0033-2704 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415180242/https://psychnews.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/pn.42.11.0010a |archive-date=April 15, 2023 |access-date=April 15, 2023|url-access=subscription }}<br />{{Cite web |date=April 25, 2007 |title=Prism Awards Honor Addiction-Focused Films |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/prism-awards-honor-addiction-focused-films/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415180250/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/prism-awards-honor-addiction-focused-films/ |archive-date=April 15, 2023 |access-date=April 15, 2023 |website=[[CBS News]]}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | 2009
| Comedy Episode
| ''American Dad!'' <small>(for "Spring Break-Up")</small>
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 Prism Award Nominations |url=http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs057/1101507314005/archive/1102458524880.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221094115/http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs057/1101507314005/archive/1102458524880.html |archive-date=February 21, 2009 |access-date=February 21, 2009 |website=[[Entertainment Industries Council]]}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="7" | [[Teen Choice Awards]]
| style="text-align: center;" rowspan="2" | [[2005 Teen Choice Awards|2005]]
| [[Teen Choice Award for Choice Summer TV Series|Choice Summer Series]]
| rowspan="7" | ''American Dad!''
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="2" align="center" | <ref name="TCA">{{Cite web |title=The Teen Choice Awards |url=http://www.fox.com/tca2005/nominees.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060108193620/http://www.fox.com/tca2005/nominees.htm |archive-date=January 8, 2006 |access-date=October 31, 2014 |publisher=[[Fox Broadcasting Company|FOX]]}}</ref>
|-
| Choice V-Cast
| {{nom}}
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | [[2006 Teen Choice Awards|2006]]
|  rowspan="5" | [[Teen Choice Award for Choice Animated Series|Choice TV: Animated Show]]
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite web |date=June 15, 2006 |title=Teen Choice Awards Spread the Love |url=http://www.zap2it.com/tv/news/zap-teenchoicenominees%2C0%2C5591494.story?coll=zap-tv-headlines |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060619222755/http://www.zap2it.com/tv/news/zap-teenchoicenominees,0,5591494.story?coll=zap-tv-headlines |archive-date=June 19, 2006 |access-date=June 19, 2006 |website=[[Zap2it]]}}<br />{{Cite web |last=Moss |first=Corey |date=August 21, 2006 |title=Britney Introduces K-Fed, Nick Lachey Scores 'Awkward' Award At Teen Choice 2006 |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1538972/britney-introduces-k-fed-nick-lachey-scores-awkward-award-at-teen-choice-2006/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115064205/http://www.mtv.com/news/1538972/britney-introduces-k-fed-nick-lachey-scores-awkward-award-at-teen-choice-2006/ |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |access-date=June 27, 2016 |website=[[MTV|MTV News]]}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | [[2008 Teen Choice Awards|2008]]
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite web |date=June 17, 2008 |title=2008 Teen Choice Awards winners and nominees |url=http://theenvelope.latimes.com/env-2008-teen-choice-awards-scorecard17jun17,0,2603341.htmlstory |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080912051322/http://theenvelope.latimes.com/env-2008-teen-choice-awards-scorecard17jun17,0,2603341.htmlstory |archive-date=September 12, 2008 |access-date=August 6, 2013 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | [[2009 Teen Choice Awards|2009]]
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite news |date=June 15, 2009 |title=Teen Choice Awards 2009 nominees |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/awards/2009/06/teen-choice-awards-2009-nominees.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721013004/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/awards/2009/06/teen-choice-awards-2009-nominees.html |archive-date=July 21, 2012 |access-date=May 10, 2013 |publisher=Latimesblogs.latimes.com}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | [[2010 Teen Choice Awards|2010]]
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite web |last=Soll |first=Lindsay |date=June 14, 2010 |title=Teen Choice Awards 2010: First Round Of Nominees Announced |url=http://hollywoodcrush.mtv.com/2010/06/14/teen-choice-awards-2010-nominees/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100616211009/http://hollywoodcrush.mtv.com/2010/06/14/teen-choice-awards-2010-nominees/ |archive-date=June 16, 2010 |access-date=August 16, 2010 |website=Hollywood Crush |publisher=Viacom}}</ref><br /><ref name="winners">{{Cite web |title=Winners of Teen Choice 2010 announced |url=http://www.teenchoiceawards.com/pdf/TC10-Winners.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110329170414/http://www.teenchoiceawards.com/pdf/TC10-Winners.pdf |archive-date=March 29, 2011 |access-date=August 15, 2010 |website=TeenChoiceAwards.com}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | [[2011 Teen Choice Awards|2011]]
| {{nom}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{Cite web |date=August 7, 2011 |title=Blake Lively Wins Choice TV Drama Actress The Teen Choice Awards! Here Are More Winners! |url=http://hollywoodlife.com/2011/08/07/teen-choice-awards-2011-winners-list/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313224012/https://hollywoodlife.com/2011/08/07/teen-choice-awards-2011-winners-list/ |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=June 19, 2014 |publisher=[[Hollywood Life]]}}<br />{{Cite web |date=June 29, 2011 |title=Teen Choice Awards 2011 Nominees Announced: Harry Potter vs Twilight |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/teen-choice-awards-2011-nominees_n_887197 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408123945/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/teen-choice-awards-2011-nominees_n_887197 |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |access-date=April 8, 2023 |website=HuffPost}}</ref>
|-
|}

==Other media==

===Home media===
{{more citations needed section|date=July 2022}}
Internationally, ''American Dad!'' is available to stream with [[Star (Disney+)|Star on Disney+]] with the first 18 seasons.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Watch American Dad &#124; Full episodes &#124; Disney+ |url=https://www.disneyplus.com/en-gb/series/american-dad/oHyEHaC7nOF4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122004254/https://www.disneyplus.com/en-gb/series/american-dad/oHyEHaC7nOF4 |archive-date=November 22, 2021 |access-date=November 22, 2021 |website=www.disneyplus.com}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
|+''American Dad!'' home video releases
! colspan=3 rowspan=2|Season || rowspan=2|Episodes || colspan=3|Release dates
|-
! [[DVD region code#1|Region 1]] || [[DVD region code#2|Region 2]] || [[DVD region code#4|Region 4]]
|-
! style="background:#68B1DE| || [[American Dad! season 1|1]]
| style="text-align: center"|2005 || style="text-align: center"|7 || April 25, 2006 || April 24, 2006 || May 24, 2006
|-
! style="background:#2E516C| || [[American Dad! season 2|2]]
| style="text-align: center"|2005–2006 || style="text-align: center"|16 || April 25, 2006 <small>(1–6)</small><br>May 15, 2007 <small>(7–16)</small> || April 24, 2006 <small>(1–6)</small><br>May 28, 2007 <small>(7–16)</small> || May 24, 2006 <small>(1–6)</small><br>May 21, 2007 <small>(7–16)</small>
|-
! style="background:#A91B23| || [[American Dad! season 3|3]]
| style="text-align: center"|2006–2007 || style="text-align: center"|19 || May 15, 2007 <small>(1–9)</small><br>April 15, 2008 <small>(10–19)</small> || May 28, 2007 <small>(1–9)</small><br>May 12, 2008 <small>(10–19)</small> || May 21, 2007 <small>(1–9)</small><br>May 14, 2008 <small>(10–19)</small>
|-
! style="background:#F68D22| || [[American Dad! season 4|4]]
| style="text-align: center"|2007–2008 || style="text-align: center"|16 || April 15, 2008 <small>(1–7, 9)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=David |date=January 10, 2008 |title=American Dad&nbsp;— New Details for ''Dad'' DVDs Include Specs, Episode List & Some Extras |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/American-Dad-Volume-3/8761 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080112190735/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/American-Dad-Volume-3/8761 |archive-date=January 12, 2008 |website=TV Shows on DVD}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=David |date=January 18, 2008 |title=American Dad&nbsp;— Press Release for ''Volume 3'' DVD Set ***Updated: Package Art!*** |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/American-Dad-Volume-3/8810 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080120044247/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/American-Dad-Volume-3/8810 |archive-date=January 20, 2008 |website=TV Shows on DVD}}</ref></small><br>April 28, 2009 <small>(8, 10–16)</small> || May 12, 2008 <small>(1–7, 9)</small><br>April 20, 2009 <small>(8, 10–16)</small> || May 14, 2008 <small>(1–7, 9)</small><br>November 18, 2009 <small>(8, 10–16)</small>
|-
! style="background:#A9BE61| || [[American Dad! season 5|5]]
| style="text-align: center"|2008–2009 || style="text-align: center"|20 || April 28, 2009 <small>(1–6)</small><br>June 15, 2010 <small>(7–20)</small> || April 20, 2009 <small>(1–6)</small><br>June 14, 2010 <small>(7–20)</small> || November 18, 2009 <small>(1–6)</small><br>November 3, 2010 <small>(7–20)</small>
|-
! style="background:#B9E3F4| || [[American Dad! season 6|6]]
| style="text-align: center"|2009–2010 || style="text-align: center"|18 || April 19, 2011<ref>{{Cite web |title=American Dad DVD news: Announcement for American Dad – Volume 6 - TVShowsOnDVD.com |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/American-Dad-Volume-6/15055 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140711124549/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/American-Dad-Volume-6/15055 |archive-date=July 11, 2014 |access-date=October 30, 2014}}</ref> || June 27, 2011 || July 13, 2011
|-
! style="background:#6C3467| || [[American Dad! season 7|7]]
| style="text-align: center"|2010–2011 || style="text-align: center"|19 || April 17, 2012 || May 14, 2012 || May 16, 2012
|-
! style="background:#72000C| || [[American Dad! season 8|8]]
| style="text-align: center"|2011–2012 || style="text-align: center"|18 || September 24, 2013||August 5, 2013 || August 21, 2013
|-
! style="background:#454238| || [[American Dad! season 9|9]]
| style="text-align: center"|2012–2013 || style="text-align: center"|19 || July 1, 2014 || October 6, 2014 || September 3, 2014
|-
! style="background:#881780| || [[American Dad! season 10|10]]
| style="text-align: center"|2013–2014 || style="text-align: center"|20 || May 21, 2015||October 17, 2016 || January 6, 2016
|-
! style="background:#321B75| || [[American Dad! season 11|11]]
| style="text-align: center"|2014 || style="text-align: center"|3 || rowspan=2|December 13, 2016 || rowspan=2|November 14, 2016 || rowspan=2|November 30, 2016
|-
! style="background:#CC9900| || [[American Dad! season 12|12]]
| style="text-align: center"|2014–2015 || style="text-align: center"|15
|-
! style="background:#9cd298| || [[American Dad! season 13|13]]
| style="text-align: center"|2016 || style="text-align: center"|22 || November 7, 2017 || November 13, 2017 || November 8, 2017
|-
! style="background:#1DD9FC| || [[American Dad! season 14|14]]
| style="text-align: center"|2016–2017 || style="text-align: center"|22 || November 6, 2018 || November 12, 2018|| November 21, 2018
|-
|}

=== Soundtrack ===
To promote the [[American Dad! season 9|season 9]] episode "[[Love, AD Style]]", an album ''[[Hayley Sings]]'' by Hayley's voice actress Rachael MacFarlane was released by [[Concord Records]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.thejazznetworkworldwide.com/ | title=On September 25th, American Dad! Star Rachael MacFarlane Releases Debut Album "Hayley Sings" | publisher=The Jazz Network Worldwide Social Network | accessdate=October 1, 2012 | archive-date=October 3, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003024944/http://www.thejazznetworkworldwide.com/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> A soundtrack album, ''American Dad!: Greatest Hits'', was released on October 25, 2024 by [[Hollywood Records]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=TBS' "American Dad!" Returns Monday, October 28 at 10PM ET/PT {{!}} Pressroom |url=https://press.wbd.com/us/media-release/tbs-0/tbs-american-dad-returns-monday-october-28-10pm-etpt |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=press.wbd.com}}</ref> The soundtrack includes 19 different songs from the show's history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Catig |first=Gary |date=2024-10-25 |title='American Dad!: Greatest Hits' collects the iconic songs from the animated series |url=https://aiptcomics.com/2024/10/25/american-dad-greatest-hits-album-tbs/ |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=AIPT |language=en-us}}</ref>

===Video games===
In 2015, in celebration of the show's tenth anniversary, an ''American Dad!'' digital pinball table was released on [[Zen Studios]]' ''[[Zen Pinball 2]]'' and ''[[Pinball FX 2]]''.<ref name="Zen Pinball">{{Cite web |title=American Dad Pinball Table Coming From Zen Studios |url=https://www.pressthebuttons.com/2015/10/american-dad-pinball-table-coming-from-zen-studios.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822210855/https://www.pressthebuttons.com/2015/10/american-dad-pinball-table-coming-from-zen-studios.html |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |website=Press The Buttons}}</ref> The game features paper cutouts of the main cast in the background, and clips from past seasons of the show.<ref name="Zen Pinball" />

In September 2016, the characters appeared in a card game titled ''[[Animation Throwdown: The Quest for Cards]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 30, 2016 |title='Animation Throwdown' Review – Come for the Characters, Stay for the (Brief) Fun, Wait for the Energy Timers – TouchArcade |url=https://toucharcade.com/2016/09/30/animation-throwdown-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822210928/https://toucharcade.com/2016/09/30/animation-throwdown-review/ |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> The multiplatform card game features Stan Smith and Roger Smith from ''American Dad!'' alongside characters from ''Family Guy'', ''[[Futurama]]'', ''Bob's Burgers'', ''[[King of the Hill]]'', and ''[[Archer (2009 TV series)|Archer]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Franklin |first=Samuel |date=November 13, 2014 |title=Animation Throwdown: The Quest for Cards Review |url=https://gameslikefinder.com/review/animation-throwdown-the-quest-for-cards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822210855/https://gameslikefinder.com/review/animation-throwdown-the-quest-for-cards/ |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |website=Games Finder |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[Playtech]] licensed ''American Dad!'' for a range of online gambling products, which began operating in 2017.<ref>{{Cite news |title=New Playtech Slot: American Dad! |url=https://latestcasinobonuses.com/news/new-playtech-slot-american-dad |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117172027/https://lcb.org/news/new-playtech-slot-american-dad |archive-date=January 17, 2023 |access-date=May 8, 2017 |work=latestcasinobonuses.com}}</ref>

In 2019, [[Reliance Games]] released ''American Dad! Apocalypse Soon'', a mobile game which accumulated over 10 million downloads across the Android and Apple platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ghosh |first=Anurag |date=October 25, 2019 |title=American Dad! Apocalypse Soon Guide: Tips, Tricks And Strategies – Playoholic |url=https://www.playoholic.com/american-dad-apocalypse-soon-guide-tips-tricks-and-strategies/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822210857/https://www.playoholic.com/american-dad-apocalypse-soon-guide-tips-tricks-and-strategies/ |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2022, the Smiths appeared in the mobile racing game ''[[Warped Kart Racers]]'', along with characters from ''Family Guy'', ''King of the Hill'', and ''[[Solar Opposites]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Dalton |date=May 5, 2022 |title=Warped Kart Racers: All the Characters in the Game |url=https://gamerant.com/warped-kart-racers-characters/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811150622/https://gamerant.com/warped-kart-racers-characters/ |archive-date=August 11, 2022 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |website=Game Rant |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Crossovers with other animated sitcoms===
''American Dad!'' characters have appeared on other animated sitcoms and vice versa. Characters have appeared on several episodes of ''[[Family Guy]] ''and ''[[The Cleveland Show]]''; the three shows were part of the crossover event ''[[Night of the Hurricane]]'' in 2011. ''[[The Simpsons]]'' had also referenced ''American Dad!'' in the season 17 episode, "[[The Italian Bob]]", where a picture of Stan can be glimpsed. in an Italian sheriff's police book of criminal offenders. Peter Griffin is dubbed "Plagiarismo" (faux Italian for Plagiarism) and Stan is dubbed "Plagiarismo di Plagiarismo" (Plagiarism of Plagiarism). Also in the season 25 episode of ''The Simpsons'', "[[Homerland]]", the Smiths appear in the end credits to celebrate the twenty-fifth season of ''The Simpsons'', alongside the families from ''Family Guy'', ''The Cleveland Show'', and ''Bob's Burgers''. [[Bart Simpson]] makes a cameo appearance in the ''American Dad!'' season 10 episode, "Faking Bad".<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 9, 2013 |title=Bart Simpson Gets A Fake ID On An 'American Dad' That Channels 'Breaking Bad' |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/09/american-dad-bart-simpson-simpsons-breaking-bad-video_n_4411352.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230234947/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/09/american-dad-bart-simpson-simpsons-breaking-bad-video_n_4411352.html |archive-date=December 30, 2013 |access-date=December 29, 2013 |publisher=Huffingtonpost.com}}</ref> Stan makes a brief cameo as a background character in one panel of [[Futurama Comics]]' 2007 issue, "Futurama Returns".

At [[San Diego Comic-Con|Comic-Con 2022]], showrunner and co-creator Matt Weitzman discussed the possibility of a crossover with the live-action sci-fi series ''[[The Orville]]'', another series created by Seth MacFarlane.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patel |first=Tanavi |date=August 12, 2022 |title=American Dad bosses discuss possible The Orville crossover |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a40879529/american-dad-possible-crossover-the-orville/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813223535/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a40879529/american-dad-possible-crossover-the-orville/ |archive-date=August 13, 2022 |access-date=August 13, 2022 |website=Digital Spy |language=en-GB}}</ref>

===Cancelled film adaptation===
At [[San Diego Comic-Con International|Comic-Con 2013]] on July 20, Mike Barker hinted at plans for an ''American Dad!'' movie centering on Roger and set on his birth planet, but at [[San Diego Comic-Con|Comic-Con 2022]], Matt Weitzman revealed plans for a feature film were scrapped.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 9, 2022 |title=American Dad Showrunner Reveals Plans for Cancelled Movie |url=https://comicbook.com/anime/news/american-dad-cancelled-movie-plans-revealed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810164318/https://comicbook.com/anime/news/american-dad-cancelled-movie-plans-revealed/ |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |access-date=August 10, 2022 |website=Anime |language=en}}</ref><ref name="zap2it12">{{Cite web |last=+ data.results.personName + |date=July 20, 2013 |title=Comic-Con 2013: 'American Dad' Season 10 guest stars include Zooey Deschanel, Alison Brie and Mariah Carey – Zap2it |url=http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2013/07/comic-con-2013-american-dad-season-10-guest-stars-include-zooey-deschanel-alison-brie-and-mariah-car.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822112804/http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2013/07/comic-con-2013-american-dad-season-10-guest-stars-include-zooey-deschanel-alison-brie-and-mariah-car.html |archive-date=August 22, 2013 |access-date=August 17, 2013 |publisher=Zap2it}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Animation|Cartoon|Television|Comedy|United States|2000s
}}
*''[[Family Guy]]''
*''[[The Cleveland Show]]''

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{sister project links|d=Q210311|display=''American Dad!''|c=Category:American Dad!|n=no|b=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|wikt=no|s=no|f=no|species=no}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080711083321/http://www.fox.com/americandad/ Original FOX era website]
* {{Official website}}
*[https://www.adultswim.com/videos/american-dad ''American Dad!''] on Adult Swim
* {{Epguides}}
* {{Hulu series}}
* {{IMDb title}}

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[[Category:American Dad!| ]]
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