For over two decades, Family Guy has held its ground as a cornerstone of adult animation, delivering a potent mix of sharp wit, pop culture parodies, and the often absurd misadventures of the Griffin family in Quahog, Rhode Island. Led by the well-meaning but utterly clueless Peter Griffin, voiced by the show’s creator Seth MacFarlane, alongside his insightful wife Lois, their socially awkward daughter Meg, son Chris navigating teenage hormones, the diabolically intelligent baby Stewie, and Brian, the family’s sophisticated, martini-loving dog, Family Guy has carved a unique space in television history.
Debuting in 1999, the show has consistently pushed comedic boundaries, amassing a staggering 22 seasons in the US, with 21 currently available for streaming in the UK on Disney Plus. Throughout its impressive run, Family Guy has garnered 37 awards, including Primetime Emmys and Teen Choice Awards, marking its 400th episode milestone in the last season. But with such a vast catalog of episodes, a burning question arises for both longtime fans and newcomers: Which season of Family Guy truly reigns supreme? Which collection of episodes captures the show at its comedic zenith?
Join us as we delve into the world of Quahog and rank the first 20 seasons of Family Guy, from the seasons that perhaps missed the mark to the absolute best that the show has to offer. Prepare for a trip down memory lane, filled with laughs, maybe a few groans, and ultimately, a guide to finding your own best season of Family Guy.
Family Guy Seasons: Ranked from Good to Best
20) Season 17 (2018-2019)
Peter Griffin looking confused in front of a news screen
Season 17 attempted to shake up the Family Guy formula, experimenting with multi-episode arcs, but unfortunately, this shift didn’t consistently deliver comedic gold. The season features a two-part story where Brian finds himself in a surprising marriage with a terminally ill woman, and another two-parter diving into political satire with Peter becoming a fear-mongering news personality, which bizarrely leads to him becoming President Trump’s press secretary.
While ambitious in its structure, Season 17 lacks the consistent comedic punch of earlier seasons. Standout moments are few and far between, resulting in a season that feels like it’s struggling to recapture the show’s former glory. It’s a season where the misses unfortunately outweigh the hits for Family Guy.
Watch Season 17 on Disney Plus
19) Season 12 (2013-2014)
Brian Griffin sadly looks out of a car window
Season 12 is perhaps best remembered for the uproar it caused among fans when a central Griffin family member was seemingly killed off. The episode “Life of Brian” saw Brian tragically hit by a car, sparking intense fan reaction and an online petition demanding his immediate return, gathering over 127,000 signatures.
While the outcry demonstrated the deep connection fans had with the characters, the season overall is considered one of the weaker entries in the Family Guy canon. Although the “death of Brian” storyline was a bold move to try something different, even if temporary, the season’s comedic consistency suffered, making it a less memorable chapter for many viewers.
Watch Season 12 on Disney Plus
18) Season 16 (2017-2018)
Peter Griffin dressed in millennial clothing at a brewery
Season 16 of Family Guy is characterized by its inconsistency, with flashes of brilliance interspersed with episodes that fall flat. There are moments of classic Family Guy humor, such as “HTTPete,” where Peter hilariously attempts to appeal to millennials and embrace their lifestyle to boost brewery business, and “Dog Bites Bear,” which explores the complexities of Stewie and Brian’s unique friendship.
However, these highlights are surrounded by episodes that don’t quite reach the same comedic heights, leading to a somewhat uneven viewing experience. Notably, Season 16 also marks the final appearances of the beloved Adam West and Carrie Fisher, adding a touch of poignancy to the season.
Watch Season 16 on Disney Plus
17) Season 10 (2011-2012)
Glenn Quagmire looking concerned with his sister Brenda
Season 10 ventured into more sensitive territory with the controversial episode “Screams of Silence: The Story of Brenda Q,” where Quagmire rescues his sister Brenda from an abusive relationship. While aiming to address a serious issue, the episode drew criticism for its portrayal of violence and perceived insensitive handling of a delicate subject.
On a lighter note, the season also featured a crossover event with American Dad and The Cleveland Show centered around hurricane-themed episodes, offering some lighter, crossover fun. Guest appearances from Ricky Gervais and Ryan Reynolds added star power. Despite these elements, for some fans, Season 10 marks a turning point, signaling a decline in the consistent quality of humor that defined earlier Family Guy seasons.
Watch Season 10 on Disney Plus
16) Season 14 (2015-2016)
Stewie Griffin wearing sunglasses and a suit in a peanut butter commercial
Season 14 holds the distinction of featuring the show’s 250th episode, a significant milestone celebrated in the season premiere. The season boasted an impressive lineup of guest stars, including Glenn Close, Anil Kapoor, and many others, adding to its star-studded appeal.
While Season 14 may not be packed with universally acclaimed classic episodes, it offers a collection of enjoyable moments. Episodes explore Quagmire’s unexpected romantic feelings for Lois, Stewie’s brief stint as a commercial star, Chris’s run for homecoming king, and a Brian and Stewie adventure in India. The season also touched upon relevant social issues, addressing prescription drug dependency in children with ADHD in the episode “Pilling Them Softly”.
Watch Season 14 on Disney Plus
15) Season 19 (2020-2021)
Peter Griffin dressed as an Italian mob boss with a plate of spaghetti
Season 19, consisting of 20 episodes, delivered some notable and quirky storylines. Highlights include Stewie uttering his first word, Peter’s humorous transformation into an Italian mob boss, and Peter’s emotional discovery that his nemesis, Ernie the Giant Chicken, is nearing his end. Brian and Stewie’s escapades continued with a Terminator-esque adventure to safeguard Stewie’s life.
However, Season 19 faced criticism for its increased fourth-wall breaks and attempts at political commentary, which some viewers felt detracted from the show’s core comedic strength: the eccentric and often bizarre happenings within Quahog and the Griffin family’s lives.
Watch Season 19 on Disney Plus
14) Season 15 (2016-2017)
Chris Griffin awkwardly smiles while on a date with Taylor Swift
Despite a dip in ratings, Season 15 showed a return to form with self-contained episodes that cleverly reflected contemporary pop culture. “Chris Has Got a Date, Date, Date, Date, Date” parodied the viral trend of asking celebrities to prom, with Chris inviting Taylor Swift.
Season 15 also benefited from a diverse range of guest stars, including Flea, Sean Penn, and David Tennant. A particularly special cameo came from the late Tony Sirico, reprising his role as Vinny, the dog who temporarily replaced Brian in Season 12, offering a nod to the show’s history and fan-favorite moments.
Watch Season 15 on Disney Plus
13) Season 13 (2014-2015)
The Griffin family meeting The Simpsons family in Springfield
Season 13 kicked off with a highly anticipated crossover event, “The Simpsons Guy,” where the Griffins met the Simpsons in Springfield. This crossover was a major highlight, with fans particularly enjoying the interactions between Meg and Lisa, and Stewie and Bart.
Beyond the crossover, Season 13 delivered other entertaining episodes. “Breaking Bad” was humorously homaged with Lois and Peter opening a cookie shop, and other memorable storylines included Stewie impregnating himself with Brian’s DNA and Meg’s unexpected career as a foot model. These episodes showcase the season’s blend of pop culture references and classic Family Guy absurdity.
Watch Season 13 on Disney Plus
12) Season 18 (2019-2020)
Stewie Griffin as a rich older man in a futuristic setting
Season 18 saw Stewie taking center stage with some of the season’s most compelling episodes, offering genuine character development for the baby genius. “Rich Old Stewie” presented a future Stewie living a life of luxury, disrupted by news of Peter’s impending death. “Baby Stewie” explored Stewie’s fear of losing his intelligence at puberty, leading him to attempt altering his DNA.
Another highlight was a crossover with Beavis and Butt-Head, featuring Mike Judge reprising his iconic roles, blending the humor of two distinct animated worlds. Season 18 stands out for its focus on Stewie and its creative crossover episode.
Watch Season 18 on Disney Plus
11) Season 20 (2021-2022)
Peter Griffin and Quagmire reacting to a movie screen in a cinema
Season 20, the most recent full season at the time of this ranking, demonstrated a noticeable uptick in joke consistency and comedic delivery. The season cleverly satirized Hollywood’s trend of 1980s nostalgia, referencing the popularity of Stranger Things, and poked fun at HBO’s evolving content strategy in the episode “HBO-No.”
Addressing more serious themes, Season 20 tackled America’s opioid crisis in “Prescription Heroin,” focusing on Lois’s descent into prescription drug addiction. This blend of topical satire and classic Family Guy humor makes Season 20 a solid and entertaining entry in the series.
Watch Season 20 on Disney Plus
10) Season 1 (1999)
The Griffin family standing in their living room in the first season
The inaugural season of Family Guy, consisting of just seven episodes, served as the show’s initial introduction to the world. Considered a trial run by many, it established the show’s unique brand of humor and introduced the dysfunctional yet endearing Griffin family.
Despite its brevity, Season 1 delivered memorable episodes that set the stage for the series’ future. Episodes explored Peter’s struggles with television withdrawal, Brian’s unexpected foray into dog show competitions and advocating for canine rights, and Lois’s brief career as a singer in Peter’s basement bar. Season 1 laid the foundation for the Family Guy phenomenon.
Watch Season 1 on Disney Plus
9) Season 11 (2012-2013)
The Griffin family climbing Mount Everest in a humorous scene
Season 11 started with the Griffins’ ambitious (and predictably chaotic) attempt to climb Mount Everest, setting the tone for another season of outlandish plots. Throughout the season, Lois experiences a mid-life crisis, Meg finds herself in a complicated romantic situation, Peter hilariously retells the Nativity story, and Quagmire’s drunken escapades lead to marriage.
While Season 11 maintained the show’s signature cutaway gags, some viewers felt that character development was becoming less nuanced. However, the season boasted a star-studded voice cast, including JJ Abrams, Jon Hamm, and Johnny Depp, adding to its overall appeal and entertainment value.
Watch Season 11 on Disney Plus
8) Season 7 (2008-2009)
Stewie Griffin as a bodybuilder flexing his muscles
Season 7 is a standout season, featuring some of Family Guy‘s most iconic episodes and arguably the best “Road to…” episode in the series. It even earned a historic Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series, a rare feat for an animated show since The Flintstones in 1961.
The acclaimed “Road to Germany” sees Brian and Stewie hilariously transported to Nazi Germany, while “Stew-Roids,” featuring muscle-bound Stewie, became a meme-generating sensation. Other highlights include Lois’s stint as a FOX News broadcaster and Brian’s legalization of marijuana campaign, spawning the memorable song “Everything’s Better with a Bag 0f Weed.” “Three Kings” cleverly adapted Stephen King novels, and the season also delivered emotional depth in the episode exploring Brian’s lingering feelings for an ex-girlfriend.
Watch Season 7 on Disney Plus
7) Season 2 (1999-2000)
Brian Griffin looking lovingly at Lois Griffin in the kitchen
Season 2 marked the point where Family Guy‘s unique brand of witty and dark humor truly resonated with audiences. It features classic episodes where Brian’s affection for Lois becomes apparent, Peter briefly takes on the role of the Grim Reaper, Chris discovers his artistic talent, and Meg hilariously pretends Stewie is her child.
Season 2 also introduced the first “Road to…” episode, “Road to Rhode Island,” establishing the winning formula of pairing Stewie and Brian on adventurous journeys. This season solidified Family Guy‘s place as a comedic force to be reckoned with.
Watch Season 2 on Disney Plus
6) Season 8 (2009-2010)
Brian and Stewie Griffin in a bizarre multi-dimensional scene
While Season 8 began with mixed reception, it gained momentum and critical acclaim towards its latter half, praised for breaking from established norms and embracing more innovative and daring storytelling. Episodes like Brian and Stewie’s multiverse travel and Meg’s relationship with a felon boyfriend showcased a willingness to push boundaries.
The season explored darker themes while maintaining its signature crude humor. However, “Quagmire’s Dad” faced criticism for its portrayal of transgender identity. The season finale, “Partial Terms of Endearment,” was notably banned by Fox due to its storyline involving Lois considering and ultimately having an abortion, highlighting the show’s willingness to tackle controversial topics head-on.
Watch Season 8 on Disney Plus
5) Season 5 (2006-2007)
Peter Griffin dressed as a pilot talking to Glenn Quagmire in an airport
Season 5 is characterized by its unapologetically politically incorrect humor and features some of the most celebrated episodes in the entire series. “Barely Legal” explores Meg’s awkward crush on Brian, “Airport ’07” sees Quagmire’s pilot dreams comically thwarted and then revived, and “No Chris Left Behind” satirizes class differences and education.
This season also marked a significant development in the dynamic between Stewie and Brian, delving deeper into their individual personalities and their complex relationship. Season 5’s strong writing and character focus contributed to the show winning an Emmy for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation.
Watch Season 5 on Disney Plus
4) Season 9 (2010-2011)
A group of Family Guy characters in a spooky, mysterious setting
Season 9 was packed with original storylines, consistently funny jokes, and episodes that resonated strongly with fans. A standout episode is “And Then There Were Fewer,” a clever murder mystery inspired by Agatha Christie, where a group of Quahog residents are mysteriously killed off one by one.
The season also includes the final installment of the Star Wars parody trilogy, and other notable episodes explore Brian’s writing career, Lois’s foray into professional boxing, Brian’s kidney donation to Peter, and the holiday-themed “Road to the North Pole” with Stewie and Brian. Season 9 is a testament to the show’s enduring creativity.
Watch Season 9 on Disney Plus
3) Season 6 (2007-2008)
Peter Griffin dressed as Han Solo in a Star Wars themed episode
Season 6 truly embraced the unique quirks of Quahog’s inhabitants and incorporated pop culture references seamlessly, starting with the legendary Star Wars-themed episode. Standout episodes include Joe Swanson considering a leg transplant, Brian discovering he has a son, Stewie shockingly shooting Lois, Brian’s heartfelt confession of love for Lois, and Peter’s pirate transformation.
Despite being shortened to 12 episodes due to the Writers Guild of America strike, Season 6 maintained an incredibly high level of comedic quality. Each episode is packed with memorable moments, making it a fan favorite and a strong contender for the best season of Family Guy.
Watch Season 6 on Disney Plus
2) Season 3 (2001-2002)
The Griffin family sitting on their couch in an early season style
Season 3 showcases the Griffin family at their comedic peak, delivering a perfect balance of eccentricity and adult humor without crossing into gratuitous offensiveness. Storylines include Peter’s near-death experience, Brian’s foray into directing pornography, and Peter’s attempt to convert Chris to Judaism. And, of course, Stewie’s infamous contemplation of shrinking himself to eliminate Peter’s sperm. The episode “Brian Wallows and Peter’s Swallows” even won an Emmy for Best Song.
Following the show’s initial cancellation, Season 3 marked its return and cemented its popularity before another brief cancellation and triumphant comeback with Season 4. Season 3 represents Family Guy in its prime.
Watch Season 3 on Disney Plus
1) Season 4 (2005-2006)
Peter Griffin looking surprised and holding a certificate of mental retardation
Season 4 is widely considered the best season of Family Guy by fans. It marked the show’s glorious return after cancellation, bursting back onto screens with consistently hilarious and original storylines. Revived due to strong ratings in Adult Swim reruns, Season 4 capitalized on this renewed popularity.
Memorable episodes are abundant: Peter discovering he’s legally mentally challenged, Brian’s appearance on The Bachelorette, Lois’s sudden kleptomania, and Peter’s unexpected career as an erotic novelist. This season is Family Guy at its absolute peak, firing on all cylinders with sharp writing and unforgettable comedic moments. Comprising 30 episodes, Season 4 is also the longest in the show’s history, providing an unparalleled run of top-tier Family Guy entertainment, making it the undeniable best season.
Watch Season 4 on Disney Plus
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