The Griffins visit the Simpson family in a special crossover episode of “Family Guy”

'Family' like no other: It's been in the works for a long time, but TV's top two animated families are finally coming together.

Sunday, Sept. 28, will witness a hilarious new television event on Fox with a one-hour crossover special of "The Simpsons" and "Family Guy." When "Family Guy's" Griffin family ends up in Springfield (state unknown), the kindly Simpson family takes them in and shows them the lay of the land. The friendship between the two families, however, soon degenerates into animosity.

Fans of both shows have long noted the many similarities between the Griffin and Simpson families, but it's the little differences that will be bringing out the laughs. In a preview of the special that was shown earlier this year at San Diego Comic Con, Griffin patriarch Peter (Seth MacFarlane, "American Dad") and Simpson father Homer (Dan Castellaneta, "Super 8," 2011) remark on the differences in their skintone ("Simpsons" characters are famously drawn with yellow skin), bond over a love of delicious doughnuts and get into a heated disagreement over their beers of choice.

Meanwhile, Griffin toddler Stewie (MacFarlane) becomes a bit starstruck by "Simpsons" bad boy Bart (Nancy Cartwright, "Kim Possible"), but the little tyke may take Bart's pranks to an extreme that's too much for even the naughty Simpson son.

It's that extreme that "Simpsons" fans may want to be aware of. While the older show is no stranger to pushing the bounds of humor, "Family Guy" often seems to take a kind of joy in smashing through the wall the separates what's normally acceptable from what isn't. The crossover blends both styles of humor together, and families who enjoy "The Simpsons'" more family-friendly style may want to put the kids to bed before sneaking a peek at the Griffin family's visit to Springfield.

Regardless of the style differences, a coming together of the two biggest families in animated TV is an event to be excited for. Don't miss the one-hour special episode, airing Sunday, Sept. 28, on Fox.

A thorny affair: Looks like Lifetime isn't giving up on its "Flowers in the Attic" franchise.

The cable network's adaptation of the bestselling 1979 novel by V.C. Andrews drew 6.1 million viewers to the network, and despite the adaptation of the second book, "Petals on the Wind," drawing in significantly fewer eyes, that isn't stopping it from moving ahead with the third and fourth.

"If There Be Thorns," the third novel in the Dollanganger series, is being adapted into a TV movie with a planned 2015 release date. The fourth novel in the series, "Seeds of Yesterday," is also reportedly nearing a green light.

"If There Be Thorns" continues the story of the Dollanganger siblings that viewers have been following through the first two films. This time around, older brother Christopher is being played by Jason Lewis ("Sex and the City"), while Rachael Carpani ("McLeod's Daughters") is stepping into the role of younger sister Cathy.

It isn't the first time that the major roles have changed actors. The first film saw Mason Dye ("Secret Diary of an American Cheerleader") and Kiernan Shipka ("Mad Men") playing Christopher and Cathy, respectively, while "Petals on the Wind" starred Wyatt Nash ("Hollywood Heights") and Rose McIver ("Once Upon a Time"). Mason Cook ("The Lone Ranger," 2013) has also signed on to play Cathy's son Bart.

Great books often make for great movies, and Lifetime seems to be counting on the popularity of the Dollanganger novels to continue translating to the screen. "If There Be Thorns" will air some time in 2015.

Reality rules: Plenty of musical masterminds have made the transition from recording studio to actor's studio. Elvis did it. LL Cool J's done it. There have even been singers who've let cameras into their homes for months on end to record them and their families at their most raw and real; "The Osbournes" was a huge hit, even amongst people who didn't care for Ozzy Osbourne's distinct musical style.

Well, now we have a rapper-turned-actor-turned-reality-star. Ja Rule is turning the spotlight off of himself and onto his family as he invites MTV's cameras into his day-to-day life with his new reality show "Follow the Rules."

Due to premiere some time next year, the docuseries will feature the rapper and actor at home with his wife Aisha, their two sons, Jeffery Jr. and Jordan, along with his mother and mother-in-law, both of whom live with the family.

Best known for his rap music, the Queens, N.Y., native has starred in some big Hollywood flicks. "The Fast and the Furious" (2001), "Scary Movie 3" (2003), "Shall We Dance" (2004) and "I'm in Love with a Church Girl" (2013) are just a few of his big-screen credits, and he's shown up on TV, too, with cameos in "Ugly Betty" and "Single Ladies."

Taking a peek inside the lives of celebrities is always fascinating, and Ja Rule's life shouldn't disappoint. Watch for the rapper and his family on MTV later in 2015.