On TV’s animated juggernaut Family Guy, there’s a running story line that Lois Griffin dated KISS bassist/certified ladies’ man Gene Simmons before marrying the show’s KISS-loving protagonist, Peter. With the band appearing in animated form on the show three times, Simmons and co. were in on the joke, with Simmons even reminiscing about his close relationship with “loose Lois.”
Now, with a new licensing partnership, Family Guy and KISS are about to embark on a close relationship of their own. The band and the Fox show are teaming up for a co-branded line of merchandise to launch this fall, reports the Hollywood Reporter. Fox will work with Live Nation Merchandise, KISS’s presumably busy licensing agency, to develop the products, which could include everything from bobblehead dolls and plush toys to apparel and fine art. This deal is apparently just the beginning for Fox’s new product series, which will look for opportunities to create Family Guy merch with other notable guests on the show.
“KISS and Family Guy coming together for a line of products is a great mash-up of two iconic brands that speaks directly to fans who will be able to enjoy something a little different and special with what we have in store,” said Jeffrey Godsick, president of Fox Consumer Products.
KISS remain the masters of merch, engaging in more licensing deals of their likeness as a brand than pretty much any other bands. This includes the famed KISS coffin (spelled with a “k”), KISS beer and cereal, KISS-ified Mr. Potato Head Dolls, KISS cologne, and of course, all the standard fare. According to the band’s Paul Stanley, they “are focusing more and more on the upper-tier, blue-chip opportunities for prestige partnerships. Family Guy’s track record and consistent success with its demographic makes this match-up ideal.”
- Jillian Mapes, CBS Local
