i didn't think the simpsons was really too off from where it's usually been for the last few years. at the very least there was one plot that carried through the entire episode, something that was a huge problem from 2001-2008 or so. the ratings for the season premiere were higher than last season's premiere, and it usually does about as well as family guy and sometimes leads the night. if they decide not to end the series with the season with the 500th episode, they'll probably wind up taking it to 25 seasons and calling it quits there. either way, i think its time on tv is (finally) very limited.
american dad was great though. cee-lo did an awesome job, and i loved how that ending just fucked with what was supposed to happen.