Introduction to the Ted Cinematic Universe
The Ted franchise, which includes two movies and a live-action TV series, is expanding into new territory with an animated series. Peacock has ordered Ted: The Animated Series, created by Seth MacFarlane, the mastermind behind Family Guy. This new series marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the Ted Cinematic Universe (TCU), a franchise that has captured the hearts of many with its unique blend of humor and heart.
The Animated Series: Cast and Crew
The animated series will feature the return of the original stars from the movies, including Mark Wahlberg as John, Ted’s best friend, Amanda Seyfried as Sam, a lawyer and John’s love interest, and Jessica Barth as Tami-Lynn, Ted’s wife. Seth MacFarlane will reprise his role as the voice of Ted, the foul-mouthed bear. Additional series regulars include Kyle Mooney as Apollo and Liz Richman as Ruth. MacFarlane will executive produce all episodes alongside Paul Corrigan and Brad Walsh, who were also executive producers on the live-action Peacock series.
The Franchise’s History
The first Ted movie, released in 2012, introduced audiences to John Bennett (Wahlberg) and his special friendship with his talking teddy bear, Ted (MacFarlane). The movie explored John’s childlike behavior with Ted and how it affected his personal life, particularly in his romantic relationships. The film was a massive success, grossing $549 million worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing comedy of the year. Ted even received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
The Sequel and Live-Action Series
The sequel, Ted 2, arrived in theaters three years later and, although it didn’t match the success of the first film, still grossed $215 million worldwide. The biggest surprise of the franchise came with the launch of the prequel live-action series, Ted, on Peacock in January 2024. The show became the streamer’s most-watched original title to date and Nielsen’s No. 1 Original Streaming Comedy in the United States for over two consecutive months. Peacock renewed the series for a second season.
Where to Watch
For fans who want to catch up on the Ted franchise, the movies Ted and Ted 2 are currently streaming on Netflix. The live-action TV series, Ted, is available to stream on Peacock.
Conclusion
The expansion of the Ted franchise into an animated series is an exciting development for fans of the lovable, foul-mouthed bear. With the return of the original cast and the creative genius of Seth MacFarlane, Ted: The Animated Series is sure to bring a fresh and hilarious perspective to the franchise. As the Ted Cinematic Universe continues to grow, it will be interesting to see where this new series takes the beloved characters and how it will appeal to both old and new fans alike.
