The difference between them is that The Simpsons at it's best you could remember the whole episode because it's story lines and jokes were that great. I think the episode where Homer becomes leader of the union (Last Exit To Springfield) is easily the best episode of any tv series I have ever watched.
With Family Guy there is no emphasis on the story line so you only remember the jokes...most of which don't have anything to do with the story line. Still very funny though!
Family Guy now, Is what the Simpsons were. Cutting edge, satirical, anti establishment etc... I love the Simpsons and will always be a fan but, it has slowed down a lot and isnt as relevant today. I think shows like Family Guy and especially South Park push the boundaries more than Simpsons ever did.
As to the Family Guy storylines, I agree that the first 2 seasons were just cut away jokes and no real story line to follow. That changed starting around the 3rd season...They have a lot of story lines that weave through the episodes. Especially the Stewie and Brian episodes, the "Road To" episodes. Plus they dont do as many cut away scenes now and each episode is a pretty solid storyline or plot. The Star Wars episodes were excellent, and just about every show they make fun of themselves. They dont take themselves too serious and rightly so, its still just a cartoon, a damn funny one, but still a cartoon.
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