The beloved Netflix animated comedy, F is for Family, is getting a fifth and final season. During its past four seasons, the series has been more than well-liked by critics and fans. Each season, especially the fourth, only got better. It’s why it’s unfortunate comedian Bill Burr and co-creator Mike Price‘s show won’t last more seasons.
F is for Family was loosely inspired by Burr’s childhood. Set in the 1970s, Burr voiced Frank Murphy, a father with a big heart and a big temper. The rest of the Murphy family was every bit as dramatic and funny as Murphy. It’s a lovable group of characters, both ridiculous and real. It’s a shame we’ll only get to spend another season with them.
Still, we’re lucky to have gotten four seasons of this show to begin with. It’s an animated show that Netflix encouraged to go harder with its sense of humor, which ranged from sweet to mean. The creative freedom showed in the series. “Thank you to all the fans that watched this show,” co-creator and executive producer Bill Burr said in a statement. “Thanks to Vince Vaughn, Peter Billingsley Victoria Vaughn, Ted Sarandos and all the INCREDIBLE writers, performers, animators, editors and musicians that made this show happen. Special thanks to the Captain of the Ship: The great Mike Price! I love all you guys!”
Burr would always make sure to credit Price in interviews and whenever possible as being the mastermind behind the series. Price, who had worked on The Simpsons and other great programs, is an exceptional storyteller who brought heart and honesty to this very silly series. “Working on this show with the great Bill Burr, Vince Vaughn, and our amazing cast, writers, producers and crew has been the greatest joy of my life, and I’m thrilled that we get to do one more season with the Murphys. I’ll be forever grateful to everyone at Netflix, Gaumont and Wild West who let us share this stressed-out, foul-mouthed and loving family with the world.”
Actor and producer Vince Vaughn was a major force behind F is for Family. The show was meant to depict childhood in the ’70s, which had a very different style of parenting. Vaughn even appeared on the show as a fantastic villain, one who represented Frank’s ideas of a man, but in reality, a horrible man was behind the persona. “It has been so great to see Mike and Bill – two guys I admire and respect – create something like this and build it from the ground-up,” Vaughn said. “It has been a lot of fun getting to be a part of it, and I’m looking forward to continuing to support their vision, for the final season. A big thanks to Ted Sarandos and the whole Netflix team for being so supportive during this great journey.”
A great journey it has been, too. Each season got better. The laughs got louder. The characters grew deeper. Price, Burr, and the writers and animators kept the quality rising throughout the four seasons. Without question, the last season was the series’ best with new wounds opening up as Frank Murphy’s dad entered the picture. The show is a very entertaining watch and packed with lines and gags, but it was more than the average animated show because it’d often tell some uncomfortable truths about fatherhood, motherhood, and family. The silly show wasn’t afraid of being sincere and real. As much as we wish the Murphy family would be in our lives for a few more years, four — and possibly five — consistently quality seasons is an accomplishment.
