Love it or hate it, Family Guy is a landmark animated sitcom that has been both loved and criticized since its inception. Seth MacFarlane’s creation centers around the Griffin family’s outrageous and often bizarre lives. The family includes Peter, the quintessential “family guy” himself, his more rational wife Lois, their socially awkward teenagers Meg and Chris, and the iconic duo of Brian, the talking dog, and Stewie, the evil genius baby.
Known for its sharp wit, pop culture references, and satirical take on society, Family Guy has maintained its relevance since 1999, spanning hundreds of episodes. But with such a vast catalog, which episodes are truly the best? For those looking to dive into the chaotic world of Quahog, here’s our guide to the top Family Guy episodes, ranked for your viewing pleasure.
25. “McStroke” (Season 6, Episode 8)
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As the title suggests, “McStroke” heavily features Peter Griffin’s burger-induced stroke and his subsequent lawsuit against the fast-food chain. While Peter’s storyline, particularly his mustache obsession, is inherently funny, the true comedic gold lies in Stewie’s subplot. Stewie attempts to prove to Brian that a baby can become popular in high school within a week. Despite Seth MacFarlane’s absence as a writer due to the 2007-2008 WGA strike, this episode quickly became a fan favorite, showcasing the show’s ability to deliver humor even under different creative circumstances.
24. “Stewie Loves Lois” (Season 5, Episode 1)
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“Stewie Loves Lois” might suggest a focus on Stewie’s maternal affections, but the episode’s heart is equally divided with Peter’s storyline. Peter, convinced his prostate exam was a sexual assault, rallies the town against the doctor. Both narratives are brilliantly executed. Parents will easily empathize with Lois as Stewie becomes overly attached, while many men might chuckle at Peter’s medical discomfort. The unexpected synergy between these two separate plots enhances the humor of each, making “Stewie Loves Lois” a standout episode even when tackling sensitive and uncomfortable topics.
23. “FOX-y Lady” (Season 7, Episode 10)
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The long-standing tension between Seth MacFarlane’s liberal views and the conservative Fox network takes center stage in “FOX-y Lady.” Lois becomes a Fox News reporter and quickly discovers the network’s censorship when she’s barred from reporting anything negative about right-wing figures like Rush Limbaugh. The episode’s brilliance is amplified by guest appearances from Seth Rogen, Fred Savage, and even Fox executive Peter Chernin, all willing to make fun of themselves and the network. Adding to the comedic value, Peter’s subplot of trying to pitch a cartoon called Handi-Quacks provides guaranteed laughs if you need a mood lift.
22. “To Love and Die in Dixie” (Season 3, Episode 12)
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“To Love and Die in Dixie” is crafted to elicit laughter from a broad audience, especially those familiar with the nuances of the American South. After Chris witnesses a crime, the Griffin family enters witness protection, relocating them to the Deep South. The episode is a barrage of jokes targeting Southern culture, from Civil War references to the complexities of same-sex relationships in the region. Beyond just poking fun at stereotypes, the episode contributes to character development and the overall narrative evolution of Family Guy, showcasing its capacity for social commentary wrapped in humor.
21. “Petarded” (Season 4, Episode 6)
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Season 4 marked Family Guy‘s successful comeback after cancellation, and “Petarded” exemplifies its bold and often controversial humor. Peter is diagnosed as intellectually disabled, a premise that is inherently risky. However, the episode’s humor doesn’t target individuals with developmental disabilities. Instead, it satirizes Peter’s character, portraying him as someone who would exploit such a diagnosis to inflate his ego and feel superior to others, navigating sensitive territory with signature Family Guy irreverence.
20. “Emmy-Winning Episode” (Season 16, Episode 1)
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Family Guy has received numerous Emmy nominations, primarily for its voice acting and animation. “Emmy-Winning Episode” is Seth MacFarlane’s humorous outlet for his frustration over the show’s lack of wins in the Best Comedy category. Structured as a series of Emmy-baiting scenarios, Peter and the family desperately imitate award-winning shows to finally win an Emmy. While seemingly MacFarlane airing grievances, the episode is consistently funny and prompts viewers to consider what kind of comedy is deemed “worthy” of critical acclaim, blending self-awareness with classic Family Guy humor.
19. “Leggo My Meg-O” (Season 10, Episode 20)
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No franchise is safe from a Family Guy parody, and “Leggo My Meg-O” delivers with Peter Griffin channeling Liam Neeson from Taken when Meg is kidnapped in Paris. This episode is a loving spoof of the Taken film series, but it also cleverly comments on the revenge genre itself. While the running gag of “Meg is the worst” is a staple, giving Meg a central role, even as a kidnap victim, allows Mila Kunis to shine. The episode balances parody with character focus, making it a memorable entry.
18. “The Thin White Line” (Season 3, Episode 1)
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“The Thin White Line” stands out as a superior precursor to a two-part episode. Brian, seeking purpose, becomes a police drug-sniffing dog but develops an addiction. His community service experiment spirals into personal chaos. The episode effectively parodies police movie clichés, but the real comedic highlight is Peter’s attempt to infiltrate rehab, mistaking it for a luxurious cruise. This blend of Brian’s serious struggle and Peter’s absurd misunderstanding creates a classic Family Guy comedic dynamic.
17. “The D in Apartment 23” (Season 16, Episode 6)
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“The D in Apartment 23” is a more recent example proving Family Guy‘s continued ability to create top-tier episodes. Brian’s Twitter antics lead to cancellation after a racially insensitive joke. The episode taps into contemporary “cancel culture,” depicting Brian facing a mob demanding accountability for his online misstep. This brief but pointed commentary on the extremes of identity politics and online outrage is sharply relevant and humorously executed.
16. “Death Is a Bitch” (Season 2, Episode 6)
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“Death Is a Bitch” is conceptually straightforward yet brilliantly delivered. When Death, personified, is injured by Peter’s clumsiness, he recuperates at the Griffin house, leaving Peter to temporarily assume the role of the Grim Reaper. While the writing is excellent, the late Norm Macdonald’s voice acting as Death is the episode’s highlight. His delivery and comedic timing are as sharp as any scythe, showcasing Macdonald’s unique talent at its finest.
15. “Blue Harvest” (Season 6, Episode 1)
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Seth MacFarlane’s love for Star Trek is well-known, but “Blue Harvest” is his homage to Star Wars. This episode is a loving parody of A New Hope, featuring scene-for-scene spoofs and answering the humorous question: How would Peter Griffin handle situations as Han Solo? Whether you’re a Family Guy fan or a Star Wars enthusiast, “Blue Harvest” offers plenty to appreciate in its ambitious and comedic reimagining of a sci-fi classic.
14. “Road to the North Pole” (Season 9, Episode 7)
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“Road to the North Pole” is a blend of previous holiday and “Road To” episodes. It’s another Brian and Stewie adventure, this time with Stewie’s mission to kill Santa Claus. Their journey evolves into a discovery of both altruism and human greed during Christmas. Surprisingly uplifting for Family Guy, it maintains its signature raunchiness while delivering a unique, if twisted, message of holiday spirit to a wide audience.
13. “Three Kings” (Season 7, Episode 15)
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“Three Kings” is a departure from Family Guy‘s usual format, experimenting with something entirely different. With Stephen King’s blessing, the episode puts a Family Guy twist on three Stephen King adaptations: Stand by Me, Misery, and The Shawshank Redemption. Cameos from Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider enhance the parodies, capturing the essence of the original stories. Rumor has it King himself praised the episode, a high endorsement that speaks to its quality and comedic adaptation.
12. “Road to Rhode Island” (Season 2, Episode 13)
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“Road to Rhode Island” is a landmark episode, marking Brian and Stewie’s first “Road To” adventure. Their trip involves Brian confronting his past by visiting the puppy mill where he was born. Despite the somber premise, the episode is filled with classic Family Guy humor, including a catchy musical number. Its establishment of the recurring “Road To” format solidifies its importance in Family Guy history and fan appreciation.
11. “Yug Ylimaf” (Season 11, Episode 4)
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“Yug Ylimaf,” with its palindromic name, is another standout Brian and Stewie adventure. Stewie discovers Brian has been misusing a time machine for bar pickups. Brian’s casual time-traveling threatens the space-time continuum, forcing the duo to team up and fix his mess. Filled with references to past episodes, it’s a love letter to Star Trek-style narratives that Seth MacFarlane admires, blending sci-fi elements with classic Family Guy absurdity.
10. “Airport 07” (Season 5, Episode 12)
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“Airport 07” places Quagmire in an unusual career-centric plot. After Peter gets Quagmire fired from his pilot job, he tries to help him find new employment, inadvertently setting off a chain of events that endanger lives. This episode is quintessential Family Guy, featuring a cameo from Hugh Hefner, rapid-fire cutaway gags, and abundant pop culture references that keep the laughs coming.
9. “Meet The Quagmires” (Season 5, Episode 18)
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While “Back to the Pilot” is arguably the best Back to the Future parody in Family Guy, “Meet The Quagmires” is a close second. Peter, regretting marrying young, wishes to relive his single days and travels back in time. His actions unintentionally lead to Quagmire marrying Lois in the present, and Peter must fix the timeline to reclaim his marriage. Balancing crude humor with surprisingly tender moments, Peter realizes his appreciation for Lois, making it both funny and touching.
8. “Lois Kills Stewie” (Season 6, Episode 5)
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In “Lois Kills Stewie,” the aftermath of “Stewie Kills Lois” unfolds. Lois has exposed Stewie’s attempted murder, making him a fugitive who escalates to national domination. Featuring American Dad cameos and witty character interactions, particularly Brian and Stewie’s meta-commentary on fake-out endings, the episode’s highlight is the portrayal of Stewie’s chillingly effective world takeover, realizing his long-threatened evil ambitions.
7. “Stewie Kills Lois” (Season 6, Episode 4)
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“Stewie Kills Lois” lives up to its controversial title. After being challenged on his constant threats against Lois, Stewie seemingly murders her, setting off a chain of events that implicates Peter in her supposed death for insurance money. The episode is rich in character moments, especially for Stewie, exploring how achieving his dark desires paradoxically threatens his identity, a compelling arc that unfolds by the episode’s end.
6. “The Simpsons Guy” (Season 13, Episode 1)
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A crossover between The Simpsons and Family Guy was inevitable as Fox’s two animation giants. “The Simpsons Guy” quickly brings the Griffins to Springfield after Peter’s offensive comic strip causes trouble. The families initially bond – Stewie and Bart, Lisa and Meg, and predictably, Homer and Peter clash over beer. Beyond the family interactions, the episode gifted internet culture with the enduring Simpsons meme of Ralph Wiggum cheerfully saying “I’m in danger.”
5. “And Then There Were Fewer” (Season 9, Episode 1)
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“And Then There Were Fewer” takes a departure by setting the season 9 premiere at James Woods’ mansion for a murder mystery dinner party, away from Quahog. The setting is perfect for the Agatha Christie-esque plot, enhanced by a star-studded guest cast including Drew Barrymore, Ashley Tisdale, Patrick Stewart, and James Woods himself. Woods’ self-deprecating humor about his public persona elevates this hour-long episode beyond typical reference-based comedy, creating a unique and engaging comedic synergy.
4. “Road to the Multiverse” (Season 8, Episode 1)
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Predating the MCU’s multiverse craze, “Road to the Multiverse” sends Stewie and Brian through alternate realities, eventually stranded away from their own. The episode uses the multiverse concept to explore bizarre alternate versions of Family Guy characters and settings. The sheer creativity of these alternate universes, especially the dog-dominated world, makes this episode a laugh riot and a testament to the show’s imaginative potential.
3. “Da Boom” (Season 2, Episode 3)
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“Da Boom” is a reminder of Family Guy‘s early era, tackling the Y2K panic. Peter, convinced of Y2K apocalypse, forces his family into hazmat suits in the basement. In a twist, Y2K does bring about a nuclear apocalypse, leading to the establishment of New Quahog, which becomes even more chaotic under Mayor Peter. This episode is significant for introducing running gags like Peter’s chicken fight nemesis and for marking Mila Kunis’ debut as Meg’s voice, making it a cornerstone in Family Guy history.
2. “PTV” (Season 4, Episode 14)
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“PTV” is an early instance of Family Guy‘s effective meta-humor. Peter responds to FCC censorship by creating his own uncensored TV network, PTV. Its rapid success concerns Lois about its impact on children, even as censorship rules tighten further. The episode satirizes FCC regulations post-Janet Jackson’s “wardrobe malfunction” and humorously examines the dynamic between censorship and entertainment, a commentary only Family Guy could deliver with such biting wit.
1. “Back to the Pilot” (Season 10, Episode 5)
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“Back to the Pilot” is a multifaceted episode: a Back to the Future parody, a Star Trek homage, and a sequel to “Road to the Multiverse.” Brian and Stewie travel back to 1999, Family Guy‘s debut year. Brian’s attempt to prevent 9/11 creates a dystopian timeline. The episode escalates in absurdity, packed with Easter eggs for long-time fans. Its blend of time-travel paradoxes and in-jokes makes it a top Family Guy episode and a rewarding watch for dedicated viewers who enjoy reference spotting.
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