On August 9, 2020, MacFarlane teased on his Instagram that a sixth album was coming soon.[3] It was later announced that MacFarlane would release his new album at the end of the month. He recorded a majority of the songs at Abbey Road Studios. However, much of the album's post-production work was done at home due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.[4] MacFarlane described the songs as having been soothing the souls through the decades, saying, "Great songwriting presented with great orchestration is always uplifting. Hopefully these tunes offer, if nothing else, a little mood boost during a dark time."[5] He explained his decision on picking the songs as, "It's just a selection of songs that I wish would be sung more. So you know, instead of 'Oklahoma' by Rodgers and Hammerstein, we do 'All Er Nuthin'.'" He called the album's tone more light than his previous album. He would describe it as more of a repertoire style record.[6] MacFarlane collaborated with composer Bruce Broughton, who he works with on The Orville, to arrange and conduct the album. In explaining his decision on bringing Broughton on board, MacFarlane said, "The album is masterfully arranged by composer Bruce Broughton, whose signature vibrance and sophisticated orchestral texturing is a perfect match for this collection of show-centric swing arrangements and ballads."[7] In addition, MacFarlane brought in members of the John Wilson Orchestra.[8]
Great Songs from Stage & Screen received mostly positive reviews from music critics. AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine wrote: "Six albums into his recording career, Seth MacFarlane lands upon an idea to demonstrate his extensive knowledge and love of the Great American Songbook. Instead of concentrating on the standards he and his audience know by heart, he's digging a little deeper into the catalog, using musicals as his divining rod. It's a good idea, and with the help of longtime producer Joel McNeely and arranger Bruce Broughton, MacFarlane sounds at ease in a way he hasn't on record in the past. He's still leaning on his love of Sinatra, but he's reined in some of his affectations, a move that's as welcome as the largely offbeat selections here. When combined, it amounts to a handsome collection that serves as a testament to MacFarlane's good taste in vocal pop."[9] Francine Brokaw from Family Choice Awards praised the album, writing, "Listening to his recordings I have decided that even though I have enjoyed Seth MacFarlane in his other roles, I really love his singing the most. Although his acting/writing/producing is pretty good too! His recordings are delightful and rich. I do have some favorite tracks on this CD however all of the songs are delightful. There are several ballads as well as a few upbeat tunes. The collection is the perfect blend of songs personally selected by MacFarlane." She continued to write, "Seth MacFarlane is among my top male vocalists and with this new release he has moved up many notches. The bottom line is this is a fantastic collection of songs sung by a great singer. This is his sixth studio album and definitely a treasure."[10] Deanna Costa from The Arts Fuse lauded MacFarlane's cover of "Once Upon a Dream", saying it's "filled with happy nostalgia" and did "wonderful justice to this Disney classic."[11]
