Family Guy, the animated sitcom celebrated for its sharp adult humor, cutaway gags, and relentless pop culture references, has been entertaining audiences since 1999. Following the Griffin family’s hilarious and often absurd lives in Quahog, the show, led by the iconic characters like the well-meaning but dim-witted Peter, the ever-patient Lois, the perpetually awkward Meg, the teenage Chris, the diabolical baby Stewie, and the philosophical dog Brian, has cemented its place in television history.
Currently airing its 22nd season in the US and with 21 seasons readily available on Disney Plus in the UK, Family Guy has garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including 37 awards ranging from Emmys to Teen Choice Awards. Reaching its 400th episode milestone last season, the question remains for long-time fans and newcomers alike: across such a vast catalog, which season truly stands out as the Family Guy Funniest Season?
Join us as we delve into the show’s extensive run, revisiting our favorite seasons and ranking the first 20 from the seasons that missed the mark to the absolute pinnacle of comedic animation. Prepare for a trip down memory lane as we determine which season deserves the crown for the Family Guy funniest season.
Family Guy Seasons Ranked from Hilariously Bad to Comedic Gold
20) Season 17 (2018): A Season of Missed Jokes
Peter Griffin as a news anchor in Family Guy Season 17
Season 17 attempted to shake things up, experimenting with two distinct multi-episode arcs. However, this deviation didn’t quite land, failing to consistently deliver the comedic brilliance Family Guy is known for.
The season explored darker themes with Brian’s rushed marriage to a terminally ill woman in “Married… with Cancer” and “Dead Dog Walking,” and ventured into political satire with Peter’s stint as a fear-mongering news anchor and subsequent role as President Trump’s press secretary in “Hefty Shades of Gray” and “Trump Guy.”
Unfortunately, Season 17 is largely devoid of memorable comedic moments. It represents a low point in the show’s run, struggling to recapture the comedic heights of previous seasons and offering more comedic duds than laugh-out-loud hits. For those seeking the Family Guy funniest season, this is definitely not it.
Watch Family Guy season 17 on Disney Plus
19) Season 12 (2013): The Death (and Resurrection) of Brian
Brian Griffin lying injured after being hit by a car in Family Guy Season 12
Season 12 is infamous for the uproar caused by the temporary death of Brian Griffin in the episode “Life of Brian.” Brian’s sudden demise after being hit by a car sparked significant fan backlash, including an online petition demanding his immediate return, which garnered over 127,000 signatures.
While Brian’s death was ultimately reversed, and the character was brought back, the season overall is considered one of the weaker installments in the series. Despite the shock value of Brian’s temporary departure, Season 12 lacked consistent comedic strength and failed to deliver the consistent laughs fans expect when searching for the Family Guy funniest season.
Watch Family Guy season 12 on Disney Plus
18) Season 16 (2017): Inconsistent Comedy with Fleeting Highs
Peter Griffin dressed in millennial clothing in Family Guy Season 16
Family Guy’s 16th season is marked by inconsistency, oscillating between moments of comedic brilliance and stretches of subpar episodes. While not the Family Guy funniest season, it does have some redeeming qualities.
Standout episodes like “HTTPete,” where Peter embraces millennial culture to attract younger customers to the brewery, and “Dog Bites Bear,” exploring the complexities of Stewie and Brian’s friendship, offered glimpses of classic Family Guy humor.
This season also holds sentimental value, featuring the final appearances of Adam West and Carrie Fisher before their passing. However, these bright spots are interspersed with weaker episodes, preventing Season 16 from claiming the title of the Family Guy funniest season.
Watch Family Guy season 18 on Disney Plus
17) Season 10 (2011): Venturing into Sensitive Territory with Mixed Results
Quagmire confronting his sister's abusive boyfriend in Family Guy Season 10
Season 10 attempted to tackle more sensitive and serious topics, most notably with the controversial episode “Screams of Silence: The Story of Brenda Q.” This episode, focusing on Quagmire rescuing his sister Brenda from an abusive relationship, drew criticism for its graphic depiction of violence and perceived insensitive handling of a serious issue.
On a lighter note, the season included a crossover event with American Dad and The Cleveland Show for hurricane-themed episodes, and featured guest appearances from Ricky Gervais and Ryan Reynolds.
Despite these moments, Season 10 is often considered by fans as the beginning of a decline in consistent quality and humor. While not entirely devoid of laughs, it falls short of being considered the Family Guy funniest season.
Watch Family Guy season 10 on Disney Plus
16) Season 14 (2015): Milestone Episode but Few Standout Classics
Stewie Griffin as a child actor in a peanut butter commercial in Family Guy Season 14
Family Guy season 14 marked the series’ 250th episode, a significant milestone celebrated with a season premiere featuring an array of guest stars including Glenn Close, Anil Kapoor, and Kate McKinnon.
While the season didn’t produce any universally acclaimed classic episodes, it offered several enjoyable moments. Episodes like Quagmire’s romantic pursuit of Lois, Stewie’s brief stint as a child star in a peanut butter commercial, Chris’s unexpected run for homecoming king, and Brian and Stewie’s trip to India, provided decent entertainment.
Season 14 also touched upon contemporary issues, addressing prescription drug dependency in children with ADHD in the episode “Pilling Them Softly.” However, for viewers seeking the Family Guy funniest season, Season 14 is a decent but not exceptional entry.
Watch Family Guy season 14 on Disney Plus
15) Season 19 (2020): Breaking the Fourth Wall and Political Commentary
Peter Griffin dressed as an Italian mob boss in Family Guy Season 19
Season 19, consisting of 20 episodes, featured some noteworthy storylines, including Stewie uttering his first word, Peter becoming an Italian mob boss, and the revelation that Peter’s nemesis, Ernie the Giant Chicken, was facing mortality.
Brian and Stewie’s adventures continued with a Terminator-inspired plotline centered around saving Stewie’s life. However, Season 19 faced criticism for its increased fourth-wall breaks and attempts at political commentary, which some felt detracted from the show’s core comedic strength and the quirky escapades of Quahog’s residents. While not the absolute Family Guy funniest season, it has its moments.
Watch Family Guy season 19 on Disney Plus
14) Season 15 (2016): Return to Form with Pop Culture Satire
Chris Griffin on a date with Taylor Swift in Family Guy Season 15
Despite a dip in ratings, Season 15 marked a return to form for Family Guy, with self-contained episodes that cleverly reflected contemporary pop culture.
The episode “Chris Has Got a Date, Date, Date, Date, Date” parodied the viral trend of celebrities being asked to prom, featuring Chris inviting Taylor Swift. The season also boasted a diverse lineup of guest stars, including Flea, Sean Penn, and David Tennant. A notable cameo was Tony Sirico reprising his role as Vinny, Brian’s temporary replacement from Season 12.
While Season 15 may not be the Family Guy funniest season overall, its pop culture satire and return to standalone episodes provided a welcome improvement.
Watch Family Guy season 15 on Disney Plus
13) Season 13 (2014): Simpsons Crossover and Homages
The Griffin family meeting The Simpsons in Family Guy Season 13
Season 13 kicked off with a highly anticipated Simpsons crossover episode, “The Simpsons Guy.” The episode saw the Griffins meeting the Simpsons in Springfield, leading to humorous interactions, particularly the pairings of Meg and Lisa, and Stewie and Bart.
The season also paid homage to Breaking Bad with an episode featuring Lois and Peter opening a cookie shop in a nod to the hit series. Other memorable episodes included Stewie impregnating himself with Brian’s DNA and Meg’s unlikely career as a foot model. Season 13 provides solid laughs and is a contender for Family Guy funniest season for crossover fans.
Watch Family Guy season 18 on Disney Plus
12) Season 18 (2019): Stewie-Centric Episodes and Character Development
Rich old Stewie in a futuristic setting in Family Guy Season 18
Season 18 shone with episodes centered around Stewie, offering some genuine character development for the precocious baby.
“Rich Old Stewie” depicted a wealthy, adult Stewie living in luxury in the future, whose life is disrupted by news of Peter’s impending death. “Baby Stewie” explored Stewie’s fear of losing his intelligence at puberty, leading him to attempt to alter his DNA.
The season also featured a crossover with Beavis and Butt-Head, with Mike Judge reprising his iconic roles. Stewie’s prominent role and compelling storylines make Season 18 a more memorable entry, possibly even the Family Guy funniest season for Stewie fans.
Watch Family Guy season 18 on Disney Plus
11) Season 20 (2021): Modern Satire and Nostalgia
Peter Griffin and Quagmire in 80s attire in Family Guy Season 20
Season 20, the most recent full season at the time of writing, delivered jokes that landed more often than not.
The series satirized Hollywood’s obsession with 1980s nostalgia in the wake of Stranger Things’ success and critiqued HBO’s content strategy in the episode “HBO-No.” It also tackled the serious issue of America’s opioid crisis with “Prescription Heroin,” depicting Lois’s descent into prescription drug addiction.
Season 20’s blend of contemporary satire and cultural commentary makes it a relevant and often funny season, though not definitively the Family Guy funniest season.
Watch Family Guy season 20 on Disney Plus
10) Season 1 (1999): The Short but Sweet Beginning
The Griffin family in the first season of Family Guy
Family Guy’s debut season, consisting of only seven episodes, is the shortest season to date. Considered a trial run by many, it introduced a fresh take on the dysfunctional family sitcom.
Memorable early episodes include Peter experiencing television withdrawal, Brian advocating for dog rights after participating in a dog show, and Lois pursuing a singing career in Peter’s basement bar. Season 1 laid the groundwork and established the show’s comedic style, hinting at the potential for Family Guy funniest season to come.
Watch Family Guy season 1 on Disney Plus
9) Season 11 (2012): Celebrity Guest Stars and Zany Plots
The Griffin family climbing Mount Everest in Family Guy Season 11
Season 11 opened with the Griffin family scaling Mount Everest, setting the stage for a season of over-the-top storylines. Other plots included Lois’s mid-life crisis, Meg’s unrequited love, Peter’s Nativity story retelling, and Quagmire’s drunken marriage to a sex worker.
While some fans felt the characterizations were becoming increasingly simplistic, Season 11 boasted an impressive roster of guest stars, including JJ Abrams, Jon Hamm, and Johnny Depp. While not the Family Guy funniest season, it provided plenty of wacky scenarios and celebrity cameos.
Watch Family Guy season 11 on Disney Plus
8) Season 7 (2008): Classic Episodes and Emmy Nomination
Stewie Griffin as a bodybuilder in Family Guy Season 7
Season 7 is packed with some of Family Guy’s most iconic episodes, including arguably the best “Road to…” episode, “Road to Germany.” It even earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series, a rare feat for an animated show since The Flintstones in 1961.
Acclaimed episodes like “Road to Germany,” “Stew-Roids” (featuring bodybuilder Stewie), Lois’s stint as a FOX News broadcaster, and Brian’s marijuana legalization campaign are highlights. “Three Kings” cleverly adapted Stephen King novels, and “The Former Life of Brian” offered genuine emotional depth. Season 7 is a strong contender for Family Guy funniest season due to its high concentration of classic episodes.
Watch Family Guy season 7 on Disney Plus
7) Season 2 (1999): Dark Humor and “Road to Rhode Island”
Brian Griffin urinating inside the house in Family Guy Season 2
Season 2 was when Family Guy truly established its witty and darkly humorous identity. It features classic episodes like Brian’s house-wide urination spree and realization of his love for Lois, Peter’s role as the Grim Reaper, Chris’s artistic talent, and Meg pretending Stewie is her child.
It also introduced the first “Road to…” episode, “Road to Rhode Island,” a winning formula that became a fan favorite. Season 2 solidified Family Guy’s comedic voice and is definitely in the running for Family Guy funniest season.
Watch Family Guy season 2 on Disney Plus
6) Season 8 (2009): Innovation and Darker Themes
Brian and Stewie in a multiverse setting in Family Guy Season 8
While Season 8’s initial episodes received mixed reviews, the latter half was praised for its innovative approach and willingness to dismantle conventions.
Popular episodes include Brian and Stewie’s multiverse travel, Meg hiding her felon boyfriend, and Brian’s attempt to prove canine worth. The season embraced darker themes while maintaining its signature crude humor. However, “Quagmire’s Dad” drew criticism for its portrayal of transgender identity, and the episode “Partial Terms of Endearment,” featuring Lois’s abortion, was initially banned by Fox.
Despite controversies, Season 8’s experimentation and darker comedic edge make it a strong contender for Family Guy funniest season for those who appreciate its boundary-pushing humor.
Watch Family Guy season 8 on Disney Plus
5) Season 5 (2006): Politically Incorrect and Acclaimed
Meg Griffin with Brian Griffin at prom in Family Guy Season 5
Season 5 is known for its rampant political incorrectness and some of the series’ most acclaimed episodes: “Barely Legal,” “Airport ’07,” and “No Chris Left Behind.”
“Barely Legal” features Meg’s crush on Brian, “Airport ’07” sees Quagmire’s pilot dreams both dashed and fulfilled, and “No Chris Left Behind” satirizes class differences. Season 5 also further developed the dynamic between Stewie and Brian. It earned an Emmy for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation. For fans of edgy and unapologetically offensive humor, Season 5 might be the Family Guy funniest season.
Watch Family Guy season 5 on Disney Plus
4) Season 9 (2010): Original Storylines and Murder Mystery
The Family Guy characters in a murder mystery setting in Family Guy Season 9
Season 9 was packed with original storylines, laugh-out-loud jokes, and fan-favorite episodes.
A highlight is “And Then There Were Fewer,” a murder mystery based on Agatha Christie’s novel, featuring a high body count. The season also included the final Star Wars parody episode, along with standout episodes focusing on Brian’s writing career, Lois’s boxing, Brian donating a kidney to Peter, and the “Road to the North Pole” Christmas special. Season 9’s creativity and humor make it a strong contender for Family Guy funniest season.
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
Family Guy’s sixth season truly celebrated the eccentricities of Quahog’s inhabitants and incorporated brilliant pop culture references, starting with the legendary Star Wars parody episode.
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 to 12 episodes due to the Writers Guild strike, Season 6 is consistently hilarious and a top choice for Family Guy funniest season.
Watch Family Guy season 6 on Disney Plus
2) Season 3 (2001): Perfect Blend of Humor and Eccentricity
Peter Griffin with an angel and devil on his shoulders in Family Guy Season 3
Season 3 showcases the Griffin family at their comedic peak, achieving a perfect balance of eccentricity and adult humor without becoming overly offensive.
Storylines include Peter’s near-death experience, Brian directing a porno, Peter converting Chris to Judaism, and Stewie’s sperm-killing plot. “Brian Wallows and Peter’s Swallows” even won an Emmy for Best Song.
Season 3 marked the show’s return after cancellation, solidifying its popularity and setting the stage for its triumphant revival. It’s a strong contender, and for many, the Family Guy funniest season.
Watch Family Guy season 3 on Disney Plus
1) Season 4 (2005): The Triumphant Return and Peak Comedy
Peter Griffin looking mentally challenged in Family Guy Season 4
Season 4 is widely considered a fan favorite and the Family Guy funniest season. It marked the show’s glorious return after cancellation, delivering consistently hilarious and original storylines. Revived due to strong Adult Swim rerun ratings, Season 4 is peak Family Guy.
Memorable episodes include Peter discovering he’s mentally challenged, Brian on The Bachelorette, Lois becoming a kleptomaniac, and Peter writing an erotic novel. With 30 episodes, it’s the longest season and arguably the funniest, solidifying its place as the Family Guy funniest season.
Watch Family Guy season 4 on Disney Plus
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