The Secret of Stan's Superiority Over Peter Griffin – Uncovered!

Stan Smith from American Dad! may not have the same level of fame as Peter Griffin from Family Guy, but he possesses a crucial element that sets him apart as a superior character. Family Guy served as Seth MacFarlane's initial venture into adult-oriented animated television, establishing his inclination towards darker, more explicit content within the formula popularized by The Simpsons. Upon its debut, American Dad! was criticized by many for being a mere copycat of Family Guy. Nevertheless, the show has since acquired its unique voice, finding humor in its characters and situations rather than relying on Family Guy's characteristic non-sequiturs and cutaway gags. Consequently, MacFarlane's second series is now widely regarded as superior.

While Family Guy deliberately employs inconsistent characterization to suit the needs of a joke, American Dad! prides itself on well-crafted characters with distinct personalities. For instance, Stan is a vocal conservative, Hayley is a vocal liberal, and Roger is a sociopathic alien. In Family Guy, particularly with Peter as the patriarch, a stereotypical portrayal of a working-class individual is often used, with the show frequently mocking his level of intelligence. However, as time has passed, the two shows have approached their father figures in distinct ways.

American Dad's Stan Actually Changes During The Show

Peter Griffin has remained unchanged throughout the entirety of Family Guy's run. He has always been reckless and unintelligent, often spending more time drinking with his friends than with his kids. This follows the tradition of many sitcom characters, such as Homer Simpson and Randy Marsh from South Park, who also have not developed or grown over time. However, the writers of American Dad! have taken a different approach with Stan Smith's character.

Unlike these stagnant TV dads, Stan has undergone significant changes and has become more likable and less toxic over the years. In its early seasons, American Dad! presented a more subtle form of political satire, dealing with various issues like abortion, immigration, and same-sex marriage in each episode. Much of the comedy came from the clash between Stan's conservative beliefs and his daughter Hayley's liberal perspective. By the end of each episode, Stan would eventually come to understand and accept Hayley's point of view, leading to personal growth and becoming a more open-minded individual. Even as the series moved away from its political focus, Stan's character development continued.

How Changing Stan Smith's Character Made American Dad Better

During the time of the Bush era, American Dad! premiered with Stan as the spokesperson for right-wing bigotry in the media. However, this satirical approach led to Stan expressing outdated views that audiences were tired of. By transforming Stan into a more accepting individual, American Dad! became a breath of fresh air, emphasizing the journey towards equality rather than the challenges it faced. Additionally, the show gained more variety by abandoning the idea of Hayley influencing Stan, enabling the protagonist to independently arrive at more open-minded perspectives.