the cleveland show behind the scenes

It seems like a no-brainer that television and Comic-Con would go together like peanut butter and jelly. But TV has actually been a bit slow to the game and viewed their presence at Comic-Con as something that goes together like peanut butter and regular butter (trust me, I've tried peanut butter and butter, and it's not good).

This year, studios have recognized the importance of the annual geek con-fab and are presenting more shows and panels than ever before. There is going to be more TV at the Con than you can shake a stick at, so don't forgot your shaking sticks.

Why so many? Variety reports that studios and networks are recognizing the buzz they can generate at the convention through electronic social networking and good ol' word-of-mouth by showcasing and premiering exclusive screenings of their shows.

When it comes to Family Guy, I really tried. I honestly gave it my best shot. I watched the Sunday episodes, the late night reruns on Adult Swim, and even some of the DVDs from my college-aged brother's collection, including the famed feature-length Star Wars parody. I watched until my eyes started planning a prison break from my skull.

I wanted to like it. It's goofy, occasionally satirical and completely unafraid to be silly and bat#*$& crazy. Alas, I couldn't take it. I didn't find it funny or entertaining. The jumps to the pop culture flashbacks made the whole thing disjointed and screwed up the continuity. The characters are as two-dimensional as the paper the Korean sweatshop animators draw on for each episode. The way the show just drags on certain jokes is downright irritating. We get it. Peter hurt his knee jumping out of The A-Team van. A prom night dumpster baby musical number would be hilariously tragic. It's the one and only time I ever rooted for Cartman in an episode of South Park.

That doesn't mean the show's creator deserves the same contempt.

'Family Guy' fans have probably already heard that one of Quahog's funniest residents is moving. This fall, Cleveland Brown is packing up his stuff, closing up shop at the deli, taking Cleveland Jr. back from Loretta and starting a new life ... and his own show.

Reunited with his high school sweetheart Donna -- and her two sassy kids -- Cleveland heads back to his hometown in Virginia for some new adventures. It's like a wholesome family comedy, only animated ... and not really that wholesome. And, as the theme song reveals, "there's old friends and new friends and even a bear." Sounds good to us.

AOL TV got a very early exclusive sneak peek at 'The Cleveland Show' when we were treated to a table read of one hilarious episode. Curious about the show? Wondering about Cleveland's new family and friends? Just want to promote anything that gives that sweet, slow-talking teddy bear more airtime? Keep reading to get the full scoop. -- By Maggie Furlong

Also, don't forget to check back in a few months for an exclusive video interview with creators Mike Henry (the voice of Cleveland, and so many others) and Rich Appel.