Family Guy, the animated sitcom known for its irreverent humor and pop culture references, frequently employs the concept of time travel, largely thanks to the genius and mischievous Stewie Griffin and his incredible time machine. This list dives into some of the most memorable Family Guy episodes where time travel takes center stage, offering fans a guide to revisit these hilarious and often chaotic adventures through time.
Time Machine Origins and Teething Troubles
The time-traveling antics in Family Guy began surprisingly early in the series. In Season 1, Episode 4, “Mind Over Murder”, Stewie, in a bid to escape the discomfort of teething, invents the time machine. This episode marks the genesis of a recurring plot device that would lead to numerous comedic scenarios across the show’s run.
Stewie’s Excellent Time-Traveling Escapades
Stewie’s time machine is often central to the plot, and Season 4, Episode 30, “Stu & Stewie’s Excellent Adventure”, showcases exactly that. Stewie travels back in time to prevent a past mishap – being crushed by a lifeguard chair – an incident he believes made him “disgusting.” This episode highlights Stewie’s vanity and his willingness to manipulate time for personal reasons, no matter how trivial.
Brian and Stewie’s Temporal Road Trips
Time travel in Family Guy isn’t always a solo venture for Stewie. In Season 7, Episode 3, “Road to Germany”, Brian and Stewie embark on a rescue mission through time. When Mort Goldman accidentally activates the time machine, he’s sent back to World War II Germany. The duo must then follow him into the past to retrieve him, leading to predictable yet humorous historical mishaps.
Rewriting the Universe and Meeting Da Vinci
The implications of time travel are taken to a cosmic level in Season 9, Episode 16, “The Big Bang Theory”. This episode reveals a shocking connection: Stewie is responsible for creating the universe with his time machine. When Bertram attempts to eliminate Stewie’s ancestor, Leonardo da Vinci, Stewie must travel back in time to protect da Vinci and ensure the continued existence of everything.
Back to the Beginning and Future Chaos
Self-referential humor is a Family Guy staple, and Season 10, Episode 5, “Back to the Pilot”, perfectly exemplifies this. Stewie and Brian travel back to the very first episode of Family Guy. Their actions cause ripples through time, leading to multiple future versions of themselves appearing to fix the timeline, resulting in comedic paradoxes and meta-commentary on the show itself.
Altering Tragedies and Rock History
Time travel isn’t just for grand adventures; sometimes, it’s used for more personal or even whimsical reasons. In Season 10, Episode 22, “Family Guy Viewer Mail No. 2”, Stewie, in response to fan mail, uses his time machine to try and prevent Kurt Cobain’s suicide. This segment demonstrates the show’s willingness to touch upon sensitive topics with its characteristic dark humor.
Time Runs in Reverse and Correcting Mistakes
The potential for temporal mishaps is always high when time machines are involved. Season 11, Episode 4, “Yug Ylimaf”, sees Brian using the time machine for less than noble purposes – picking up women – which inadvertently causes time to run in reverse. Stewie is then forced to step in and use the time machine to restore the timeline to normal, highlighting Brian’s irresponsibility and Stewie’s role as the (relatively) responsible one.
Christmas Miracles and Saving a Beloved Pet
Even in moments of tragedy, time travel can offer a glimmer of hope, Family Guy style. In Season 12, Episode 8, “Christmas Guy”, after the heartbreaking death of Brian, Stewie discovers a time machine return pad left by a future version of himself. He uses this device to travel back and prevent Brian’s death, showcasing the deep bond between Stewie and Brian, even amidst their usual bickering.
British Accents and Alternate Realities
Time travel can also be used for exploring “what if” scenarios. Season 12, Episode 21, “Chap Stewie”, sees Stewie using a time machine to alter his birth, making him part of a British family. However, he quickly realizes he prefers his original life and builds another rudimentary time machine to undo his changes, demonstrating a humorous take on identity and belonging.
Educational Time Jaunts with Chris
Time travel can even be educational, in a Family Guy way. In Season 13, Episode 7, “Stewie, Chris & Brian’s Excellent Adventure”, Brian and Stewie take Chris on a whirlwind tour through time to help him study for a history test. This episode blends historical events with Family Guy’s signature comedic style, making learning (sort of) fun.
This list provides a glimpse into the many times time travel has been a pivotal element in Family Guy episodes. From altering personal histories to potentially rewriting the universe, Stewie’s time machine has been the catalyst for countless hilarious and memorable moments in the series, ensuring that time travel remains a beloved and frequently revisited trope in Quahog.
