Well, no one ever said that the programmers over at Fox were the sharpest tools in the shed – they are the same folks who cancelled "Family Guy" twice only to see it rise to cult status on Cartoon Network. Today "Family Guy" is Fox's highest rated comedy - which makes the protracted battle to keep Macfarlane in house seem like a no-brainer. The new deal includes re-ups for both "Family Guy" and "American Dad" as well as the new "Family" spin-off "The Cleveland Show." Also included is another attempt at a MacFarlane-created, live-action comedy (remember that didn't work out so hot for "The Winner") as well as new media, DVD sales and merchandising. Although neither side would place a definitive figure on the pact, the deal would seem to be more than the 60 million Paramount paid for JJ Abrams.

"I get a lot of pleasure out of making shows," MacFarlane said. "It's a bonus to be getting paid well for it, and it's a double bonus to be getting paid exorbitantly for it."

Although MacFarlane considered moving to another network when contract negotiations were stalled during last year's writer's strike, he said nothing seemed worth leaving "Family Guy." For his part, Fox's TV chairman Gary Newman said he would "rather lose a limb" than see Seth leave.

Losing Macfarlane would be like losing a limb for Fox, they have had no luck with any of their non-animated comedies of late: "24" is destined for the 'remember when it was good' file and even ratings champ "American Idol" has lost its luster this season. Fox's Sunday animated block is the one night that the execs seem to leave alone and let the creative types have (relatively) free reign. Fox may be an evil corporation, but at least they had enough sense to appease Seth MacFarlane with gobs and gobs of money – maybe they're a little sharper than I gave them credit for.

Go from "a colossal dick move" to cashing Fox's giant check here.