Love it or hate it, Family Guy has cemented its place as a long-lasting animated sitcom, either gracing or defiling screens since its debut. Created by Seth MacFarlane, this irreverent show chronicles the hilarious and often bizarre lives of the Griffin family. At the helm is the quintessential family guy, Peter, alongside his dissenting wife Lois, their socially awkward teenagers Meg and Chris, and the iconic duo of a talking dog, Brian, and an evil genius baby, Stewie.
With its finger firmly on the pulse of pop culture and a satirical take on pretty much everything, Family Guy has remained a cultural touchstone across hundreds of episodes since 1999. But with such a vast catalog, which episodes truly stand out as the funniest? If you’re ready for a laughter-filled binge with the wacky residents of Quahog, here’s a guide to the best and funniest Family Guy episodes, ranked for your viewing pleasure. Get ready to discover some truly funny Family Guy moments!
25. “McStroke” (season 6, episode 8)
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As the title suggests, a significant portion of this episode revolves around Peter Griffin suffering a stroke induced by excessive burger consumption. He then hilariously attempts to sue the fast-food chain responsible for his greasy indulgence. While Peter’s storyline is undeniably funny, particularly the mustache-related incident that triggers the stroke, the true comedic gold lies in Stewie’s plot. Stewie embarks on a mission to prove to Brian that he, a mere baby, can achieve popularity as a high school student in under a week. Despite Seth MacFarlane’s absence from the writing room due to the 2007–2008 WGA strike, “McStroke” quickly became recognized as one of Family Guy‘s funniest episodes.
24. “Stewie Loves Lois” (season 5, episode 1)
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Despite the episode’s title, Stewie’s heartwarming realization of his mother’s genuine care takes a backseat in “Stewie Loves Lois.” Instead, the spotlight shines on a bizarre narrative where Peter rallies the town against a local doctor. Peter’s outrage stems from his belief that a recent prostate exam constituted sexual assault, leading to typically outrageous and funny Family Guy scenarios. Both storylines are comedic triumphs. Parents will find themselves empathizing with Lois as Stewie becomes intensely fixated on monopolizing her attention. Simultaneously, many aging men will chuckle empathetically at Peter’s medical discomfort. These two seemingly unrelated plots create a comedic synergy, amplifying each other’s humor and ensuring both arcs shine brightly, even when venturing into joke territory where the sun doesn’t typically shine.
23. “FOX-y Lady” (season 7, episode 10)
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From the very beginning of Family Guy, the tension between Seth MacFarlane’s liberal and often raunchy sensibilities and the conservative leanings of the Fox network has been palpable. “FOX-y Lady” directly addresses this dynamic as Lois gets an opportunity to become a reporter for Fox News. She quickly learns that her journalistic freedom is curtailed when she’s forbidden from reporting anything unflattering about prominent right-wing figures like Rush Limbaugh. This episode is particularly funny and sharp, enhanced by guest appearances from Seth Rogen, Fred Savage, and even Fox executive Peter Chernin, all willing to playfully mock themselves and the network. As if that weren’t enough comedic firepower, the subplot featuring Peter’s attempts to pitch a cartoon called Handi-Quacks is guaranteed to lift spirits and provide some extra laughs.
22. “To Love and Die in Dixie” (season 3, episode 12)
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“To Love and Die in Dixie” is an episode that’s designed to elicit laughs from a broad audience. Anyone who has spent time in the American South will recognize the pointed accuracy of many of its jokes. In this funny Family Guy episode, Chris witnesses a crime, leading the Griffin family to be placed in witness protection and relocated to the heart of Dixie. What ensues is a rapid-fire barrage of jokes targeting everything from Civil War history to the nuances of same-sex relationships. Rather than simply resorting to stereotypical redneck humor, the story manages to contribute to the characters’ development and the overall narrative depth of Family Guy.
21. “Petarded” (season 4, episode 6)
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Season four marked Family Guy‘s triumphant return after a previous cancellation, and “Petarded” serves as a testament to the show’s undiminished capacity to playfully push the boundaries of good taste. The episode’s premise revolves around Peter receiving a diagnosis of intellectual disability. While the concept might understandably offend some, the humor in “Petarded” doesn’t directly mock individuals with genuine developmental issues. Instead, it cleverly satirizes Peter’s personality, portraying him as the kind of person who would twist such a diagnosis into a warped sense of superiority over others. This approach makes “Petarded” a particularly funny and cleverly controversial episode.
20. “Emmy-Winning Episode” (season 16, episode 1)
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Over its run, Family Guy has received numerous Emmy nominations, primarily recognizing its exceptional voice acting and inventive animation. In “Emmy-Winning Episode,” Seth MacFarlane channels his frustration over the show’s lack of wins in major comedy categories through Peter. The entire episode is structured as a series of Emmy-baiting scenarios. Peter and the family become increasingly desperate, comically mimicking the qualities of award-winning shows in a bid to finally secure the coveted golden statuette. While the premise might seem like a platform for MacFarlane’s grievances, the writing consistently delivers laughs. It also subtly prompts viewers to consider what kind of comedy is deemed worthy of significant accolades and what is often overlooked, making it a funny and thought-provoking episode.
19. “Leggo My Meg-O” (season 10, episode 20)
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Given enough time, no major franchise is immune to a Family Guy parody, and “Leggo My Meg-O” delivers a hilarious send-up of the Taken film series. Peter Griffin channels his inner Liam Neeson when Meg is kidnapped from the streets of Paris. The episode is a loving homage to Taken, but beyond being a funny parody, it offers witty commentary on the revenge genre itself. Despite the long-running gag of “Meg is the worst,” this episode puts Meg center stage, allowing Mila Kunis to truly shine in the role. This makes “Leggo My Meg-O” a funny and refreshing episode within the Family Guy universe.
18. “The Thin White Line” (season 3, episode 1)
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“The Thin White Line” stands out as a rare example of a precursor to a two-part episode that is notably funnier than its follow-up. The plot centers on Brian attempting to overcome emotional and psychological stagnation by volunteering as a drug-sniffing dog for the local police department. However, his foray into community service takes a dark turn when he becomes addicted to some of the substances he’s meant to detect, threatening to derail his life. While this Family Guy episode predictably and effectively parodies classic police movie tropes, the true comedic highlights come from Peter’s attempt to infiltrate a rehab facility. Peter’s misguided belief that rehab will be as fun and glamorous as a cruise sets the stage for hilarious misunderstandings and situations.
17. “The D in Apartment 23” (season 16, episode 6)
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As one of the more recent episodes on this list, “The D in Apartment 23” proves that Family Guy can still deliver comedic hits even in later seasons. In this episode, Brian’s pursuit of online attention on Twitter backfires spectacularly when he gets “canceled” for a poorly judged, racially insensitive joke. The subject matter feels acutely relevant to contemporary online culture, culminating in Brian’s desperate attempts to convince a literal mob of his progressive credentials. This funny Family Guy episode, though brief, effectively satirizes the extreme aspects of identity politics, where public shaming and accusations for online missteps are commonplace.
16. “Death Is a Bitch” (season 2, episode 6)
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“Death Is a Bitch” is a conceptually simple yet expertly executed Family Guy episode that is consistently funny. When the personification of Death injures himself due to Peter’s characteristic antics, he is forced to recuperate at the Griffin household. This leaves Peter to try his hand at the grim reaping of souls. While the writing is top-tier, the true comedic brilliance of this episode is the voice acting of the late, great Norm Macdonald as Death. His line delivery and comedic timing are as sharp and lethal as any scythe, perfectly capturing Macdonald’s unique comedic genius at its finest.
15. “Blue Harvest” (season 6, episode 1)
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As anyone familiar with The Orville knows, Seth MacFarlane is a dedicated Star Trek enthusiast. However, he seized the opportunity to create “Blue Harvest,” a loving and hilarious parody of the other major science fiction franchise, Star Wars. This episode was a resounding success, featuring shot-for-shot spoofs of iconic scenes from A New Hope. It playfully answers the question: How would Peter Griffin handle situations differently than Han Solo? Whether you’re more partial to Quahog or the galaxy far, far away, “Blue Harvest” offers plenty to enjoy in its ambitious and funny reimagining.
14. “Road to the North Pole” (season 9, episode 7)
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“Road to the North Pole”—with affection—feels like a comedic blend of previous Family Guy Christmas and “Road To” episodes. It’s another Brian and Stewie adventure, this time with Stewie initially setting out to assassinate Santa Claus. Their journey evolves as they learn about the joys of helping others and the pitfalls of human greed. Surprisingly, “Road to the North Pole” is an uplifting Family Guy episode. It manages to convey a unique message of holiday cheer without sacrificing any of the show’s signature raunchy humor, making it both funny and heartwarming.
13. “Three Kings” (season 7, episode 15)
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Even with Family Guy‘s well-established and successful formula, it’s always refreshing to see the show experiment with something different, as they did in “Three Kings.” With the blessing of renowned horror author Stephen King, MacFarlane used this episode to put a Family Guy spin on three famous adaptations of King’s works: Stand by Me, Misery, and The Shawshank Redemption. High-profile cameos from Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider enhance these parodies, maintaining the essence of the original stories while injecting Family Guy‘s humor. Rumor has it that Stephen King himself praised the episode, a testament to its quality. If it’s good enough for the King of Horror, it’s definitely funny enough for Family Guy fans.
12. “Road to Rhode Island” (season 2, episode 13)
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In retrospect, “Road to Rhode Island” was a groundbreaking episode for Family Guy, marking Brian and Stewie’s first of many epic “Road To” adventures. Their journey involves Brian confronting his past by visiting the puppy mill where he was born to find closure. Despite the potentially somber premise, the writing is packed with classic Family Guy gags, including a musical number that’s likely to be stuck in your head for days. This makes it a fan favorite and a funny Family Guy classic. Furthermore, by establishing the recurring “Road to” format, this episode is a significant piece of Family Guy history.
11. “Yug Ylimaf” (season 11, episode 4)
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The unusually titled “Yug Ylimaf” is another standout episode that sends Brian and Stewie on a memorable adventure. The chaos begins when Stewie discovers Brian has been misusing a time machine to impress women at bars for casual encounters. However, Brian’s irresponsible time-traveling antics threaten the very fabric of spacetime, forcing the duo to team up and save the world. Longtime Family Guy viewers will appreciate the clever references to past episodes. The entire episode is a humorous homage to the Star Trek-style storytelling that Seth MacFarlane clearly admires, making it a funny and engaging watch.
10. “Airport 07” (season 5, episode 12)
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The comedic strength of “Airport 07” lies in placing Quagmire in an unfamiliar career drama scenario. After Peter inadvertently gets Quagmire fired from his job as an airline pilot, he tries to help his friend find a new career path. Peter’s well-intentioned but disastrous plan sets off a chain of events that endangers countless lives. This episode is quintessential Family Guy, featuring a memorable cameo from Playboy icon Hugh Hefner, a generous helping of cutaway gags, and a plethora of cultural references that guarantee laughs. It’s a funny and classic Family Guy episode.
9. “Meet The Quagmires” (season 5, episode 18)
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While “Back to the Pilot” might be considered Family Guy‘s ultimate Back to the Future parody, “Meet the Quagmires” is a strong contender for second place. In this episode, Peter, lamenting his early marriage, wishes to relive his single days and travels back in time. However, his time-meddling inadvertently leads to Quagmire marrying Lois in the present timeline. Peter must then race against time to restore the original timeline and reclaim his marriage. “Meet The Quagmires” delivers the show’s trademark lowbrow humor, but it also includes surprisingly tender moments as Peter begins to appreciate how fortunate he is to have Lois as his wife. This blend of crude and heartwarming comedy makes it a particularly funny and memorable episode.
8. “Lois Kills Stewie” (season 6, episode 5)
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In “Lois Kills Stewie,” the follow-up to “Stewie Kills Lois,” Lois has revealed Stewie’s attempted murder to the world. Stewie becomes a fugitive, prepared to eliminate anyone who stands in his way, ultimately aiming for world domination. The episode features amusing cameos from American Dad characters and hilarious interactions (particularly Brian and Stewie debating audience reactions to fake-out endings). The real comedic payoff is witnessing the extent of Stewie’s chilling and bizarre ambition to take over the world, finally realizing the evil he has often threatened, making it a funny and over-the-top episode.
7. “Stewie Kills Lois” (season 6, episode 4)
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While the provocative title “Stewie Kills Lois” might raise eyebrows, the episode’s content is hardly surprising given Family Guy‘s penchant for pushing boundaries. After Stewie is called out for never acting on his numerous threats against Lois, the psychopathic baby takes drastic action. He seemingly shoots and kills his mother, triggering a chain of events that leads everyone to suspect Peter of murdering his wife for insurance money. “Stewie Kills Lois” is packed with incredible character moments, particularly for Stewie, and it’s fascinating to see how achieving his long-held ambition threatens to unravel his identity by the episode’s end. It’s a dark but undeniably funny Family Guy episode.
6. “The Simpsons Guy” (season 13, episode 1)
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As Fox Network’s two most iconic animated sitcoms, a crossover between The Simpsons and Family Guy was practically inevitable. “The Simpsons Guy” wastes no time in bringing the Griffin family to Springfield. After Peter’s offensive comic strip causes outrage in Quahog, he seeks refuge for his family elsewhere, ending up in Springfield after their car breaks down nearby. The two families bond (in their own unique ways), and Homer and Peter predictably clash over beer preferences. Beyond the many comedic interactions between the two families, “The Simpsons Guy” is also notable for giving us one of the most enduring Simpsons memes: a terrified Ralph Wiggum chuckling before uttering “I’m in danger.” This crossover is a funny and landmark television event.
5. “And Then There Were Fewer” (season 9, episode 1)
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The ninth season premiere, “And Then There Were Fewer,” adopted a “go big or go home” approach, deviating from the usual Quahog setting. Most of the episode unfolds at a dinner party hosted at James Woods’ cliffside mansion. The new setting is perfect for the murder mystery plot, but the real highlight is the ensemble cast of guest stars. From Drew Barrymore and Ashley Tisdale to Patrick Stewart and James Woods himself, the episode is packed with talent. James Woods’ willingness to poke fun at his own prickly Hollywood persona adds a layer of comedic synergy. This elevates the hour-long episode beyond typical reference-based humor, making it a funny and cleverly structured Family Guy episode.
4. “Road to the Multiverse” (season 8, episode 1)
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Years before Marvel popularized the multiverse concept, Family Guy‘s “Road to the Multiverse” explored alternate realities. Stewie and Brian embark on a journey through various universes, only to find themselves unable to return home. The episode becomes a hilarious showcase of how Family Guy characters and Quahog might exist in different dimensions. If the reality where dogs rule the world doesn’t elicit laughter, perhaps a humor transplant is in order. “Road to the Multiverse” is a funny and imaginative episode that showcases the show’s creative potential.
3. “Da Boom” (season 2, episode 3)
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It’s easy to forget Family Guy‘s longevity until revisiting early episodes like “Da Boom.” In this episode, Peter is warned about the Y2K bug and its apocalyptic potential. True to character, he overreacts, forcing his family into hazmat suits and a basement bunker. Unlike reality, Y2K does trigger a nuclear apocalypse in the Family Guy universe, transforming the world into a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Things briefly improve, then drastically worsen when Peter becomes the mayor of New Quahog. “Da Boom” is a fan favorite for introducing long-running gags like Peter’s chicken suit nemesis. Notably, it also marks Mila Kunis’ debut as the voice of Meg, making it a historically funny and significant Family Guy episode.
2. “PTV” (season 4, episode 14)
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“PTV” is an early example of Family Guy effectively utilizing meta-humor. The episode sees Peter reacting to new FCC censorship mandates by launching his own television network, PTV. As PTV gains popularity, Lois grows concerned about the impact of Peter’s programming on children, even as censorship regulations become stricter. “PTV” allows Seth MacFarlane to satirize the FCC’s increased censorship following Janet Jackson’s “wardrobe malfunction” incident. It also serves as a funny and insightful commentary on the complex relationship between censorship and entertainment, delivered in Family Guy‘s signature style.
1. “Back to the Pilot” (season 10, episode 5)
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“Back to the Pilot” is a multi-layered Family Guy masterpiece: a playful take on Back to the Future, a quirky homage to Star Trek, and a spiritual successor to “Road to the Multiverse.” As the title suggests, Brian and Stewie travel back to 1999, the year Family Guy premiered. Brian, unable to resist, warns his past self about the impending 9/11 attacks. This well-intentioned interference creates a ripple effect, transforming their world into a post-nuclear dystopia. Things escalate hilariously before (sort of) improving. “Back to the Pilot” is packed with Easter eggs for longtime fans to discover. If you enjoy spotting references, this is the ultimate episode for you, making it the funniest and best Family Guy episode in this ranking.
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