Seth MacFarlane to Host Oscars: Why He's a Smart Choice

The 2013 Oscars have a host, and it's a name you might not have expected. "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane has been tapped to host the biggest ceremony in Hollywood. This might come as a surprise given the fact that he hasn't hosted a major awards show in the past.

Additionally,his first real venture into film only happened earlier this year with the release of comedy, "Ted." Seth is a complete departure from recent hosts like Billy Crystal or Jon Stewart. The Oscars generally don't fare well when they take hosting risks, but this one may come at the perfect time. Here are three reasons why Seth McFarlane is the perfect host for the Oscars.

He'll draw young audiences

Given the success he's had with "Family Guy" and his other shows, it's clear that Seth is in tune with younger audiences. While Crystal and Stewart appeal to veteran Oscar fans, Seth has the potential to really boost the number of young viewers. That's huge for an awards show that often gives its biggest prizes to movies that the average viewer hasn't seen. In addition, his popularity boost from "Ted" ensures that he is as hot as he has ever been right now. That should enable him to retain the usual Oscar audience as well as build a new one.

He offers something different

While there is no doubt that Seth will have to tone things down a little, he is still going to be more unique than any host the show has had in a long time. Everyone knows he can do some great voices, but he has also shown more traditional comedy chops on several of the Comedy Central roast shows. There's no reason to think he will use the same formula that other hosts have used, so viewers can expect something they haven't seen before. Of course, you shouldn't be surprised if he breaks out a musical number. He's had some creative songs on his shows, and he was recently nominated for a couple of Grammys.

He's not part of the Hollywood elite

The Oscars often come across as a celebrity love affair, and that rubs some people the wrong way. The idea of bringing Seth into that scene is interesting. Many of the stars that will be in the audience have been lampooned over the last decade on "Family Guy," and it will be interesting to see how they react to his jokes. Viewers shouldn't expect him to be cruel, but it's safe to assume that he won't be kissing up to anyone in the audience either.