A   A   A

Posted: Wednesday, 27 February 2013 5:04AM

Seth MacFarlane says 'no way' he would host Oscars again



LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Comedian Seth MacFarlane said on Tuesday that he would not host the star-studded Academy Awards ceremony again, after TV critics panned Sunday's show.

"Family Guy" creator and star MacFarlane was asked on Twitter whether he would host the Oscars a second time after making his debut in Sunday's show, and replied: "No way. Lotta fun to have done it, though."

MacFarlane's response came after TV critics slammed the telecast, in which 40.3 million Americans saw Iran hostage thriller "Argo" take home the top prize for Best Picture.

In a night of risqué jokes about female nudity and zingers about gays and Jews, MacFarlane, 39, poked fun at himself in an opening sketch with William Shatner and the "Star Trek" star told him he was in danger of being deemed "the worst Oscar host ever."

While some critics lashed out at MacFarlane's hosting, others placed more blame on the overall song-and-dance-heavy show, produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, which ran for 3 1/2 hours.

MacFarlane's appeal among young people did though provide an 11 percent bump in the 18-49 demographic coveted by TV networks and advertisers. And overall viewer ratings were up, making for the largest Oscar audience in three years.

MacFarlane was also a hit on social media, where 13 percent of conversation across Facebook, Twitter and blogs rated him the "best host ever" according to social media research firm Fizziology.

MacFarlane, the creator and voice star of Fox network's animated shows "Family Guy," "American Dad" and "The Cleveland Show," made his directorial debut on the big screen with the R-rated comedy "Ted" last year.

He is currently working on his next project - writing and directing a live action comedy film "A Million Ways to Die in the West," starring Amanda Seyfried and Charlize Theron.

Story Copyright 2012, Reuters
Photo Copyright 2012, Getty Images

Beyonce is pregnant with second child: report


Beyonce and husband Jay-Z are indeed expecting, according to reports.

Troubled 'Terminator' star arrested again


Edward Furlong has been arrested again after allegedly breaking a restraining order.

Soul singer Candice Glover wins 'American Idol'


Candice Glover, a soul singer from rural South Carolina, was named "American Idol."

Steve Carell helps 'The Office' close its doors


The doors of Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch closed for the last time.

Sony to make 'Angry Birds' movie in 3D


The popular video game "Angry Birds" is jumping off smart phones and onto the big screen.

Shakira will leave NBC's 'The Voice' after season


Shakira will leave NBC's "The Voice" after only one season as a judge.

Country, soul singers battle in all-female 'American Idol' finale


Candice Glover vied with Kree Harrison in an all-female finale of "American Idol."

Christina Aguilera to return to 'The Voice?'


Christina Aguilera is in discussions to return as a judge on "The Voice."

Bill Hader to leave NBC's 'Saturday Night Live'


"Saturday Night Live" star Bill Hader will be leaving the show.

Pregnant? Beyonce cancels concert, fuels rumors


Beyonce has fuelled speculation she is pregnant again.

Mel Brooks: 'I'm finally getting recognized as a good director'


"Nobody ever, in the press or anywhere, said I was a good director."

Angelina Jolie undergoes double mastectomy


Angelina Jolie has had a double mastectomy to reduce her chances of getting breast cancer.

TV psychologist Joyce Brothers dies at age 85


TV psychologist Joyce Brothers has died, her publicist said. She was 85.

'24' to return to Fox for 12 episodes


Everyone's favorite counter-terrorist agent, Jack Bauer, will return.

Renewed or canceled? A fall TV preview


How did your shows fare? We've got the list of the renewed and canceled shows.