For over two decades, Family Guy has graced our screens, delivering its signature brand of adult humor, pop culture parodies, and the chaotic adventures of the Griffin family. From its controversial beginnings to becoming a television institution, the show has amassed a dedicated fanbase and a vast catalog of episodes. With 22 seasons aired and more on the way, newcomers and long-time viewers alike might wonder: which seasons truly represent the peak of Family Guy?
We’ve embarked on a hilarious journey through Quahog to rank the first 20 seasons from worst to best, offering a guide to the must-watch moments and seasons that solidify Family Guy‘s place in animation history. Get ready to dive into our definitive ranking and discover your next Family Guy binge.
20) Season 17 (2018): Experimentation Falls Flat
Peter Griffin as a news anchor in Family Guy Season 17, showcasing the political satire arc.
Season 17 attempted to shake up the Family Guy formula with multi-episode arcs, but unfortunately, this experimentation didn’t yield the comedic gold fans hoped for. While ambitious in structure, the two-part stories felt uneven. “Married… with Cancer” and “Dead Dog Walking” saw Brian in a bizarre marriage storyline, while “Hefty Shades of Gray” and “Trump Guy” featured Peter’s foray into politically charged, fear-mongering news and an unlikely role as President Trump’s press secretary.
Despite these bold narrative swings, Season 17 lacks standout comedic moments and struggles to recapture the sharp wit of previous seasons. The jokes often miss the mark, making it a season with considerably more valleys than peaks.
Watch Family Guy season 17 on Disney Plus
19) Season 12 (2013): The Death (and Quick Resurrection) of Brian
Brian Griffin lying injured after being hit by a car in Family Guy Season 12, depicting the controversial storyline.
Season 12 is largely remembered for the uproar caused by Brian’s temporary demise. In “Life of Brian,” the beloved family dog is tragically hit by a car, sparking intense fan backlash. An online petition, garnering over 127,000 signatures, demanded Brian’s immediate return.
While the showrunners always intended to bring Brian back, this storyline overshadowed much of the season. Beyond the controversy, Season 12 is generally considered one of the weaker installments, despite its attempt to deliver a shocking and emotional narrative shift, however short-lived it proved to be.
Watch Family Guy season 12 on Disney Plus
18) Season 16 (2017): Inconsistency and Missed Potential
Peter Griffin dressed in millennial attire in Family Guy Season 16's "HTTPete", highlighting a pop culture themed episode.
Season 16 of Family Guy is marked by its unevenness. Flashes of brilliance are often followed by episodes that fail to ignite. While not entirely devoid of quality, the season’s inconsistency places it lower in our ranking.
Episodes like “HTTPete,” where Peter hilariously tries to appeal to millennials, and “Dog Bites Bear,” which tests Brian and Stewie’s friendship, offer glimpses of classic Family Guy humor. This season also holds a bittersweet note as it features the final appearances of Adam West and Carrie Fisher, adding a poignant layer to their roles.
Watch Family Guy season 16 on Disney Plus
17) Season 10 (2011): Navigating Sensitive Topics with Mixed Results
Quagmire saving Brenda from an abusive relationship in Family Guy Season 10's controversial episode "Screams of Silence".
Season 10 ventured into more sensitive territory, most notably with the episode “Screams of Silence: The Story of Brenda Q.” This episode, focusing on domestic abuse, aimed for a serious tone but was met with criticism for its portrayal of violence and perceived insensitivity in handling a delicate subject matter.
On a lighter note, Season 10 also featured a crossover event with American Dad and The Cleveland Show with hurricane-themed episodes. Guest appearances from Ricky Gervais and Ryan Reynolds added some star power. However, for many fans, Season 10 signaled a potential decline in the show’s consistent comedic quality.
Watch Family Guy season 10 on Disney Plus
16) Season 14 (2015): Solid Episodes, But Lacking True Standouts
Stewie Griffin as a child star in a peanut butter commercial in Family Guy Season 14, a lighthearted storyline.
Season 14 marked a milestone with the series’ 250th episode. It boasted an impressive roster of guest stars, including Glenn Close and many others. While Season 14 delivers a collection of enjoyable episodes, it lacks those truly iconic, must-see moments that define the show at its best.
Fun episodes include Quagmire’s unexpected declaration of love for Lois, Stewie’s brief stint as a child star in a commercial, and Brian and Stewie’s trip to India. The season also touched upon relevant issues with “Pilling Them Softly,” addressing prescription drug dependency in children.
Watch Family Guy season 14 on Disney Plus
15) Season 19 (2020): Fourth Wall Breaks and Political Commentary
Stewie and Brian in a Terminator-esque scenario in Family Guy Season 19, showcasing a sci-fi inspired adventure.
Season 19 delivered 20 episodes in 2020 and included some memorable storylines, such as Stewie finally uttering his first word, Peter becoming a mob boss, and the return of Ernie the Giant Chicken in a unique plotline. Brian and Stewie’s adventures continued with a Terminator-inspired episode.
However, Season 19 drew criticism for its increased fourth-wall breaks and attempts at political commentary. Some viewers felt these elements detracted from the show’s core comedic strengths, shifting focus away from the quirky escapades of Quahog.
Watch Family Guy season 19 on Disney Plus
14) Season 15 (2016): A Return to Form with Pop Culture Focus
Chris Griffin asking Taylor Swift to prom in Family Guy Season 15, referencing a viral trend.
Despite a dip in ratings, Season 15 is considered a step up, with a welcome return to self-contained episodes that cleverly riff on contemporary pop culture. The humor felt more in line with classic Family Guy, focusing on satirical takes on current trends.
“Chris Has Got a Date, Date, Date, Date, Date” perfectly parodied the viral trend of asking celebrities to prom, with Chris setting his sights on Taylor Swift. Guest voices, including Flea and David Tennant, added to the season’s appeal. It also featured a cameo from Tony Sirico as Vinny, Brian’s temporary replacement from Season 12, offering a nod to the show’s history.
Watch Family Guy season 15 on Disney Plus
13) Season 13 (2014): Crossovers and Homages
The Griffins meeting The Simpsons in Family Guy Season 13's crossover episode "The Simpsons Guy".
Season 13 kicked off with a highly anticipated crossover event, “The Simpsons Guy,” where the Griffins met the Simpsons. The episode provided plenty of fan-service moments, especially the pairings of Meg and Lisa, and Stewie and Bart.
Beyond the crossover, Season 13 featured homages to Breaking Bad, with Lois and Peter starting a cookie business. Other memorable episodes included Stewie’s bizarre self-impregnation plot and Meg’s foray into foot modeling, showcasing the show’s signature blend of absurd and pop-culture infused humor.
Watch Family Guy season 13 on Disney Plus
12) Season 18 (2019): Stewie Steals the Show
Rich Old Stewie in Family Guy Season 18, showcasing a future-set episode with character development.
Season 18 shines thanks to Stewie-centric episodes that offer both humor and surprising character development. “Rich Old Stewie” presents a future version of Stewie living a life of luxury, disrupted by news of Peter’s impending death. “Baby Stewie” explores Stewie’s fear of losing his intelligence, leading him to attempt altering his DNA.
The season also included a fun crossover with Beavis and Butt-Head, with Mike Judge reprising his iconic roles. Stewie’s storylines in Season 18 are particular highlights, making it a more enjoyable season overall.
Watch Family Guy season 18 on Disney Plus
11) Season 20 (2021): Fresh Jokes and Relevant Satire
Family Guy characters parodying Stranger Things in Season 20, highlighting the show's continued pop culture satire.
Season 20, the most recent full season at the time of writing, demonstrates that Family Guy can still deliver sharp, relevant humor. The jokes in this season land more often than they miss, showcasing a renewed comedic energy.
The show satirized Hollywood’s obsession with 80s nostalgia, referencing Stranger Things, and took aim at HBO’s changing content landscape in “HBO-No.” “Prescription Heroin” tackled the serious issue of America’s opioid crisis through Lois’s storyline. Season 20 proves the show’s ability to stay current and funny.
Watch Family Guy season 20 on Disney Plus
10) Season 1 (1999): The Short but Sweet Beginning
The Griffin family in Family Guy Season 1, showcasing the original character designs.
Family Guy‘s debut season, with only seven episodes, is the shortest in the show’s history. Often viewed as a trial run, Season 1 introduced the world to the dysfunctional Griffin family and their unique brand of humor. It established the show’s willingness to push boundaries and offered a fresh take on the animated sitcom format.
Memorable early episodes include Peter’s television withdrawal, Brian’s dog show escapades and fight for canine rights, and Lois’s brief singing career. Season 1 is a foundational piece of Family Guy history.
Watch Family Guy season 1 on Disney Plus
9) Season 11 (2012): Star-Studded Cast and Cutaway Gags
The Griffin family climbing Mount Everest in Family Guy Season 11's premiere episode.
Season 11 opened with the Griffins scaling Mount Everest, setting the stage for another season of outlandish plots. Lois experiences a mid-life crisis, Meg falls for a boy who prefers Chris, and Quagmire gets married while intoxicated.
While some fans felt character development was becoming less nuanced, Season 11 was packed with well-timed cutaway gags and boasted an impressive guest cast, including JJ Abrams and Johnny Depp. It remains a solid, if not top-tier, season.
Watch Family Guy season 11 on Disney Plus
8) Season 7 (2008): Emmy Nomination and Classic Episodes
Brian and Stewie in Nazi Germany in Family Guy Season 7's acclaimed "Road to Germany" episode.
Season 7 is a high point for Family Guy, featuring some of its most beloved episodes. It even earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series, a rare feat for an animated show.
“Road to Germany” is considered a standout “Road to…” episode, sending Brian and Stewie to Nazi Germany. “Stew-Roids,” with Stewie’s muscular transformation, became a meme-generating sensation. The season also includes Lois becoming a FOX News broadcaster and Brian’s marijuana legalization campaign, featuring the catchy “Everything’s Better with a Bag 0f Weed.” “Three Kings” cleverly adapted Stephen King novels. Season 7 balances humor with surprising emotional depth.
Watch Family Guy season 7 on Disney Plus
7) Season 2 (1999): Finding Its Hilarious and Dark Voice
Brian and Stewie in Family Guy Season 2's "Road to Rhode Island", the first of the iconic "Road to…" episodes.
Season 2 was when Family Guy truly began to define its unique voice, blending wit, dark humor, and absurd situations. It solidified the show’s comedic identity and showcased the Griffin family’s chaotic dynamic.
Classic episodes from Season 2 include Brian’s romantic confusion with Lois, Peter’s stint as the Grim Reaper, Chris’s artistic talents emerging, and Meg pretending Stewie is her child. Crucially, Season 2 introduced the “Road to…” concept with “Road to Rhode Island,” a winning formula that would become a fan favorite.
Watch Family Guy season 2 on Disney Plus
6) Season 8 (2009): Pushing Boundaries and Darker Humor
Brian and Stewie traveling through the multiverse in Family Guy Season 8, showcasing the season's darker and more innovative direction.
While Season 8 had a mixed start, the latter half is praised for its innovation and willingness to dismantle established conventions. The season took Family Guy in a darker direction while maintaining its signature crude humor.
Popular episodes include Brian and Stewie’s multiverse adventure, Meg’s relationship with a felon, and Brian’s existential quest to prove canine worth. However, “Quagmire’s Dad” drew criticism for its portrayal of transgender identity, and “Partial Terms of Endearment,” featuring Lois’s abortion, was initially banned from airing by Fox, highlighting the season’s controversial edge.
Watch Family Guy season 8 on Disney Plus
5) Season 5 (2006): Rampant Political Incorrectness and Acclaimed Episodes
Meg Griffin with Brian in Family Guy Season 5's "Barely Legal", a controversial but memorable episode.
Season 5 embraces political incorrectness and delivers some of the show’s most acclaimed and talked-about episodes. It’s a season that isn’t afraid to push boundaries and tackle controversial topics with its trademark irreverence.
“Barely Legal,” with Meg’s crush on Brian, “Airport ’07,” featuring Quagmire’s pilot dreams, and “No Chris Left Behind,” satirizing class divisions, are all standout episodes. Season 5 also deepened the dynamic between Stewie and Brian, further exploring their individual personalities. The season earned an Emmy for animation achievement, recognizing its artistic quality.
Watch Family Guy season 5 on Disney Plus
4) Season 9 (2010): Original Storylines and Fan Favorites
The cast of Family Guy in "And Then There Were Fewer" from Season 9, a murder mystery homage.
Season 9 is packed with original and hilarious storylines, delivering laugh-out-loud moments and fan-favorite episodes. It showcases Family Guy at its creative peak, offering fresh and engaging narratives.
“And Then There Were Fewer,” a murder mystery inspired by Agatha Christie, is a highlight. The season also features the final installment of the Star Wars trilogy parodies. Other standouts include Brian’s writing pursuits, Lois’s boxing career, Brian donating a kidney to Peter, and “Road to the North Pole,” another classic “Road to…” episode.
Watch Family Guy season 9 on Disney Plus
3) Season 6 (2007): Celebrating Quahog’s Quirks and Pop Culture
Peter Griffin dressed as Han Solo in Family Guy Season 6's Star Wars parody episode "Blue Harvest".
Season 6 truly celebrates the unique characters of Quahog and masterfully incorporates pop culture references. It’s a season filled with iconic moments and sharp satire, showcasing the show’s comedic strengths.
The season premiere, “Blue Harvest,” a Star Wars parody, is legendary. Other standout episodes include Joe Swanson’s leg transplant, Brian discovering he’s a father, Stewie shooting Lois, Brian’s love confession to Lois, and Peter becoming a pirate. Despite being shortened by the Writers Guild strike, every episode in Season 6 is considered comedic gold by many fans.
Watch Family Guy season 6 on Disney Plus
2) Season 3 (2001): Perfect Blend of Humor and Eccentricity
Peter Griffin in a near-death experience in Family Guy Season 3, showcasing the season's classic humor.
Season 3 finds the Griffin family at their comedic peak, striking a perfect balance between eccentricity and adult humor without becoming overly offensive. It’s a season that consistently delivers laughs and memorable storylines.
Storylines include Peter’s near-death experience, Brian directing a porno, Peter converting Chris to Judaism, and Stewie’s outlandish plan involving Peter’s sperm. “Brian Wallows and Peter’s Swallows” won an Emmy for Best Song. Season 3 marks a triumphant return after cancellation, setting the stage for even greater heights.
Watch Family Guy season 3 on Disney Plus
1) Season 4 (2005): The Undisputed Best Family Guy Season
Peter Griffin discovering he is mentally challenged in Family Guy Season 4, a season filled with iconic moments.
Season 4 is widely regarded as the Best Family Guy Season. Returning after cancellation, it burst back onto screens with consistently hilarious and original storylines. The show’s revival was fueled by strong ratings in Adult Swim reruns, and Season 4 cemented its comeback in spectacular fashion.
Memorable episodes are abundant: Peter discovering he’s mentally challenged, Brian on The Bachelorette, Lois becoming a kleptomaniac, and Peter writing an erotic novel. Season 4 embodies Family Guy at its absolute peak. With 30 episodes, it’s also the longest season, providing an unmatched run of comedic brilliance that the show has yet to surpass, making it the best season of Family Guy for many fans.
Watch Family Guy season 4 on Disney Plus
Family Guy is available to stream on Disney Plus – sign up to Disney Plus for £7.99 a month or £79.90 a year now.
Check out more of our Comedy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what’s on tonight.
