Family Guy is moving from BBC3 to ITV2

Move comes as BBC channel is dismantled

The Griffins might soon depart the BBC (Fox)

After years serving as 'something to fall asleep to' for BBC3 viewers, Family Guy and Seth MacFarlane's other cartoons are heading over to ITV2.

ITV bought the rights to the long-running, controversial comedy, along with American Dad! The Cleveland Show and new series Bordertown.

The move was inevitable, given that the BBC is migrating a lot of BBC3's content onto iPlayer ahead of its closure, but US carrier Fox banned it from being put online for free.

"Seth MacFarlane’s shows have firmly established him as the comedy voice of choice for an entire generation," ITV director of television Peter Fincham said.

"Seth is sharp, hugely irreverent and brilliantly funny, which is reflected in his fantastic shows. We are delighted to be welcoming him and his comic creations to ITV."

Family Guy was one of BBC3's most popular shows regularly bringing in half a million viewers, though there was criticism that its slot wasn't given to UK comic talent.

"Family Guy is satire with nothing off limits – it’s like spending half an hour with the funniest guy in the room and watching him freestyle." said ITV’s director of digital channels and acquisitions, Angela Jain.

"It is a joy to announce to all Seth MacFarlane fans that the new series premiere will be on ITV2 from this autumn. The acquisition of these brilliant and distinctive shows is totally in line with the strategy of strengthening ITV2 as a comprehensive entertainment channel destination for young viewers."