There are several remarkable animated sitcoms around, but nothing compares to “Family Guy.”
This beloved show by the Fox Broadcasting Company tells the story of the Griffin family, which lives in Quahog, a fictional city in Rhode Island. Peter, an endearingly ignorant father, and Lois, his wife, head the family.
They have three problematic kids. The eldest, Meg, considers herself a social outcast. Then, there’s Chris, an awkward and a clueless teenager regarding the opposite sex. The youngest, Stewie, is a baby born genius, but is bent on killing his mom and destroying the world. And who wouldn’t forget their talking pet dog, who keeps Stewie in check while sipping martinis and, guess what? He is sorting through his life issues, too.
“Family Guy” features the voices of Seth MacFarlane, Alex Borstein, Seth Green, Mila Kunis, and Arif Zahir, among other talents.
Since its first airing in 1999, the show has produced a whopping 424 episodes, making it the second-longest-running Fox program, trailing behind “The Simpsons.” Of these episodes, some made an indelible mark on the viewers’ lives. Here they are.
The Best Episode Ever: ‘Back To The Pilot’ – Season 10, Episode 5
The best “Family Guy” episode wasn’t seen until the 10th season. “Back to the Pilot” is a buffet of several stuff. It’s an odd homage to “Star Trek,” a cheesy take on “Back to the Future,” and a spiritual sequel to “Road to the Multiverse.”
Its story is, of course, why it’s the best of the best. Here, Brian and Stewie journey back to 1999. Yes, the year when “Family Guy” first premiered! But Brian can’t resist thinking about the impending World Trade Center attack to happen in 2001. This eventually transforms the world of the show’s characters into a post-nuclear conundrum. You got to watch this episode.
The Rest Of The Best
‘PTV’ – Season 4, Episode 14
Meanwhile, “PTV” is a prime example of a show embracing meta-humor only to disrupt it altogether. Here, Peter is seen reacting to the new Federal Communications Commission censorship by starting his own TV network, “PTV.” Hey, the show’s comedy, right?
As his new TV network grows into an enormous success, his wife becomes concerned about the concern of his programming on kids. This episode isn’t just a comedic mediation of the correlation between entertainment and censorship but also parodies the FCC changes made in the walk of the infamous “wardrobe malfunction” of singer Janet Jackson.
‘Da Boom’ – Season 2, Episode 3
This episode from the earlier seasons of “Family Guy” is also unforgettable. Here, Peter gets warned about how Y2K (the shorthand term for the year 2000) will be the end of the world. So, he does the most uncanny to protect himself from this apocalypse, forcing his family to wear hazmat suits and hide in the basement. But things start to go in a different direction when Peter becomes hailed as the new mayor of New Quahog. On a side note, this was also the episode when “Black Swan” star Mila Kunis debuted in the show.
‘Road To The Multiverse’ – Season 8, Episode 1
Before Marvel trended with its concept of the Multiverse, this was already introduced in “Family Guy.” Here, Stewie and Brian embark on an adventure to alternate universes, only to realize they cannot return home. This episode also introduced viewers to how the quirky residents of Peter’s neighborhood would look when they were in other dimensions. It’s funny that you’ll forget you’re cooking something in the kitchen.
‘And Then There Were Fewer’ – Season 9, Episode 1
The ninth season kicked off with what’s considered one of the show’s best episodes. What’s great about “Family Guy” is that the scenes don’t just happen in Quahog, but in other dimensions and even at a dinner party in the cliffside mansion of renowned actor James Woods.
But what’s eerie is that his mansion reminds his guests of a murder mystery plot, but this is countered by the presence of other celebrities such as Drew Barrymore, Ashley Tisdale, and Patrick Stewart. It’s an ode to and a mockery, at the same time, of Woods’ Hollywood reputation that will leave viewers giggling ‘til the end.
‘The Simpsons Guy’ – Season 13, Episode 1
You have been waiting for this. Of course, the creators of “Family Guy” won’t let it loose not to guest the stars of “The Simpsons.” This episode wastes no time bringing the Griffin family to the turf of the Simpsons ever since Peter’s offensive comic strip has turned Quahog against him. They need a safer place and end up in Springfield after their automobile breaks down nearby.
They started bonding well, but things turned rough when Homer and Peter had a dispute over beer. You have to watch this episode to see the iconic magic unfold for yourself.
‘Stewie Kills Lois’ – Season 6, Episode 4
This is the episode of Stewie’s most glorious moment. The psychopathic baby has finally achieved what he wants, shooting and seemingly killing his mom, which launches a series of events that eventually make everybody else think it was Peter who murdered his wife for insurance money. But, spoiler alert, Lois manages to survive.
‘Lois Kills Stewie ‘ – Season 6, Episode 5
Then, it’s time for Lois’ revenge. The very next episode following “Stewie Kills Lois” has the supermom telling the world about how her son tried to kill her. So, Stewie starts to live the life of a fugitive, ready to murder anybody who stands in his way, of course, without forgetting his other goal – to take over the nation. You’ll also love this episode as there are some funny cameos from “American Dad” and hilarious character interactions.
The Historic ‘Family Guy’
“Family Guy” always gets tons of viewers and high ratings each time a brand-new episode airs. If you haven’t joined the bandwagon yet, it’s high time you start tuning in to this show. Believe us, you will never regret it. It’s a roller coaster ride.
