Fox unleashes new episodes during animated block

By Terry Morrow

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — For “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane, having all of Fox’s animated shows on one night works well for the brain.

“We’ve seen animated shows paired with live action and sitcoms, and it just doesn’t work,” he says. “It’s the hardest thing in the world. I do think it’s because your brain adjusts to a certain pace in that first half-hour.

“If you put an episode of ‘Seinfeld’ on after an episode of ‘The Simpsons,’ ‘Seinfeld’ would feel slow and sluggish because you’ve just come off of this really high-energy, fast-paced experience.”

On Sunday, Fox’s animated block is unleashing a full rush of new episodes.

Starting off at 8 p.m. EDT, “The Simpsons” kicks off its 20th season with Homer and Marge getting new jobs. Homer is a bounty hunter while Marge works at a bakery with adult themes.

“The Simpsons” is now one of the longest-running shows in prime-time history, with no plans to retire. “As long as Fox will have us, we want to keep doing it,” says creator Matt Groening.

The new season will also contain an episode written by movie star Seth Rogan (“Knocked Up,” “Superbad”).

At 8:30 p.m., “King of the Hill” is back for its 13th season. The opener follows Bill as he learns that his sweet tooth has led to diabetes, forcing him to change his bad eating habits.

For “Hill” creator Mike Judge, he’s just happy to be back again. The show has faced cancellation numerous times and time-slot changes, but it endures anyway. “We have been completely canceled and all different degrees of canceled,” he says.

Settling in at 9 p.m., “Family Guy,” which has been canceled twice but brought back due to popular demand, is back for a sixth season. The plot revolves around Brian and Cleveland vying for the eye of the same lady.

MacFarlane has ambitious plans for the new season. On the heels of last season’s acclaimed “Star Wars”-themed episode, “Guy” will spoof “The Empire Strikes Back” this time. The episode is done with the blessing of George Lucas and company, says MacFarlane.