Since its debut in 1999, Family Guy has carved its place in television history as a hilariously irreverent animated sitcom. Often compared to The Simpsons but with a distinctly edgier and more controversial brand of humor, Family Guy has not only survived cancellations but thrived, becoming a cultural touchstone for 21st-century comedy. With its 22nd season currently airing and more to come, it’s the perfect moment to dive into the episodes that truly define its comedic legacy. Looking back at fan discussions, particularly on platforms like Reddit, it’s clear that certain episodes from the show’s golden era, roughly seasons 4 through 10, consistently emerge as the most hilarious and beloved. Let’s explore the top 20 funniest Family Guy episodes that continue to make audiences laugh out loud.
20. “North by North Quahog”
Season 4, Episode 1 (2005)
Image Via Fox
“North by North Quahog” marked Family Guy‘s triumphant return after cancellation, and it didn’t disappoint. In this episode, Peter and Lois attempt to reignite their marriage with a second honeymoon, leaving Brian to babysit. The plot hilariously spirals into a North by Northwest parody, with Peter and Lois inadvertently acquiring a sequel to The Passion of the Christ. This sets them on a collision course with Mel Gibson and his entourage in a series of escalating comedic situations. As Reddit user West-Faithlessness35 notes, it’s an episode that consistently delivers laughs, proving that Family Guy was back and funnier than ever.
19. “Death is a B***h”
Season 2, Episode 6 (2000)
Image Via Fox
“Death is a B***h” introduces one of Family Guy‘s most iconic recurring characters: Death himself. When Peter tries to dodge a hospital bill by faking his death, he unexpectedly encounters the Grim Reaper. Death, understandably annoyed, pursues Peter, leading to a slapstick scenario where Death breaks his leg. Peter then hilariously steps in as the temporary Grim Reaper, resulting in predictable chaos. Brennaorwhatever on Reddit perfectly captures the sentiment of many fans, saying, “I miss Death so much,” highlighting the character’s instant appeal and the episode’s enduring comedic value.
18. “Mother Tucker”
Season 5, Episode 2 (2006)
Image Via Fox
“Mother Tucker” expertly balances two hilarious storylines. The A-plot revolves around Peter’s mother divorcing his father and beginning a relationship with local news anchor Tom Tucker. Peter surprisingly bonds with his new stepfather, creating awkward and funny family dynamics. Meanwhile, the B-plot sees Brian and Stewie venture into radio hosting, only to clash over creative direction. LthePerry02 on Reddit points out the rarity of both plots being equally funny in Family Guy, making “Mother Tucker” a standout episode where both storylines shine comedically.
17. “Patriot Games”
Season 4, Episode 20 (2006)
Image Via Fox
“Patriot Games” is unforgettable for its iconic “where’s my money” scene. After an encounter with Tom Brady, Peter joins the New England Patriots and becomes an overly flamboyant player, eventually getting traded to a team in England. Concurrently, Stewie becomes a bookie and hilariously terrorizes Brian for money owed. Goozer326 on Reddit rightly emphasizes that the sheer comedic brilliance of the “where’s my money” sequence alone secures “Patriot Games” a spot among the funniest Family Guy episodes, a clip that remains widely quoted and shared.
16. “Family Goy”
Season 8, Episode 2 (2009)
Image Via Fox
“Family Goy” tackles cultural identity with Family Guy‘s signature irreverence. When Lois discovers she’s Jewish, she embraces her heritage, while Peter reacts with initial excitement followed by misguided antisemitism influenced by his Catholic stepfather. Despite mixed critical reception, “Family Goy” resonates with fans like The_MeatBeater on Reddit, who says it “gets me every time.” While some humor might feel dated, the episode’s cutaway gags and Peter’s over-the-top reactions still deliver consistent laughs.
15. “Road to the Multiverse”
Season 8, Episode 1 (2009)
Image via Fox
“Road to the Multiverse” took on the multiverse concept long before it became a superhero movie staple. Brian and Stewie embark on a mind-bending journey through various alternate realities, from a Disney animation universe to one where dogs rule and humans are pets. YourOldPalStewie on Reddit declares “Multiverse is definitely my favorite,” a sentiment echoed by many who appreciated the episode’s unexpected creativity. Even Seth MacFarlane himself considers it a top Family Guy episode, praising its originality and comedic execution.
14. “Viewer Mail #2”
Season 10, Episode 12 (2012)
Image via Fox
“Viewer Mail #2” breaks the mold with a fourth-wall-breaking anthology format. Brian and Stewie answer viewer mail, leading to three distinct short stories: a British Family Guy, a world where everyone Peter touches turns into Robin Williams, and “Point of Stew,” told entirely from Stewie’s perspective. The “Point of Stew” segment, depicting a day in Stewie’s life, stands out as particularly hilarious. CodyKash on Reddit claims to have “never laughed so hard” as during this segment, highlighting its unique charm and comedic brilliance.
13. “Petarded”
Season 4, Episode 6 (2005)
Image via Fox
“Petarded” is often cited as the funniest Family Guy episode. After winning a children’s trivia game, Peter mistakenly believes he’s a genius. An IQ test reveals the opposite – he is mentally challenged, leading to him losing custody of his children and accidentally hospitalizing Lois. A Redditor expresses their “absolute love” for this episode, a common feeling among fans who appreciate its absurd premise and Peter’s over-the-top antics. Coming from Season 4, a peak era for Family Guy, “Petarded” showcases the show’s ability to push boundaries and deliver consistently hilarious scenarios.
12. “Seahorse Seashell Party”
Season 10, Episode 2 (2011)
Image Via Fox
“Seahorse Seashell Party” traps the Griffin family indoors during a hurricane, escalating family tensions and arguments. Amidst the chaos, Brian consumes magic mushrooms, leading to a truly wild and disturbing hallucination sequence. Mirand1986 on Reddit loves “the episode when Brian is tripping,” and Brian’s bad trip is both funny and unsettling, featuring him cutting off his ear and hallucinating monsters. Stewie’s surprisingly caring role in looking after Brian during his trip also adds a layer of heartwarming humor to this memorable episode.
11. “Airport 07”
Season 5, Episode 12 (2007)
Brian and Redneck Peter sitting together in Family Guy
Image via Fox
“Airport ’07” puts Quagmire in the spotlight. After Peter gets Quagmire fired from his pilot job for stealing jet fuel, Quagmire is forced to live with the Griffins, exposing them to his overtly sexual lifestyle. A Redditor appreciates the “so many funny Peter and Quagmire moments” in this episode. Peter’s redneck persona, inspired by a comedian, and his attempts to “help” Quagmire only worsen the situation, creating a series of comedic mishaps and classic Quagmire-Peter interactions.
10. “Pilling Them Softly”
Season 14, Episode 1 (2015)
Image Via Fox
“Pilling Them Softly” explores the topic of ADHD medication with Family Guy‘s characteristic humor. Stewie is diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed Adderall, which Brian initially opposes. However, Brian soon tries the medication himself, using it to fuel his creative ambitions and pitch a sci-fi franchise. Mirand1986 enjoys “the one where Stewie gets ADD medication and Brian takes it,” as Brian’s drug-fueled attempts to impress George R.R. Martin and the parallel cooking show subplot with Peter and Quagmire create a funny and engaging episode.
9. “Three Kings”
Season 7, Episode 15 (2009)
Image via Fox
“Three Kings” is a unique departure in format, presenting three parodies of Stephen King stories. Peter introduces segments reimagining Stand By Me, Misery, and The Shawshank Redemption with Family Guy characters. DStew713 on Reddit loves the “3 Kings episode,” especially the Stand By Me segment, which humorously recreates the movie with Peter, Quagmire, Cleveland, and Joe as the boys on their journey. This episode is a standout parody showcasing Family Guy‘s clever ability to blend its humor with pop culture references.
8. “Family Gay”
Season 7, Episode 8 (2009)
Image Via Fox
“Family Gay” humorously explores themes of sexuality. Facing debt, Peter participates in medical trials, one of which injects him with a “gay gene,” turning him homosexual. Peter embraces his new identity, leaves Lois, and starts a relationship with a man named Scott. MsMarvel_Fan_Fave on Reddit found the episode “so f**king funny,” and “Family Gay” is often cited as a hilarious episode from the earlier seasons that balances humor with potentially sensitive topics in a characteristically Family Guy way.
7. “Leggo My Meg-O”
Season 10, Episode 20 (2012)
-1.jpeg)
Image via Fox
“Leggo My Meg-O” is a parody of the Liam Neeson action film Taken. Meg travels to Paris and is kidnapped by slave traders. Unwilling to rely on authorities, Brian and Stewie follow her, mimicking the plot points of Taken. dkreak on Reddit simply states, “it’s just great everything about it,” appreciating its effective parody of action movie tropes. Beyond Taken, the episode satirizes action genre conventions like car chases and stereotypical villain portrayals.
6. “PTV”
Season 4, Episode 14 (2005)
Image via Fox
“PTV” is a satirical commentary on censorship. After Peter’s Emmy wardrobe malfunction, the FCC cracks down on TV content. Outraged, Peter starts his own uncensored television network, which becomes a hit until the FCC intervenes in Quahog itself. Owlinprime on Reddit still hums “the FCC song” from this episode, highlighting one of Family Guy‘s best musical numbers. Seth MacFarlane created “PTV” as a direct protest against the FCC’s stringent broadcasting regulations at the time, making it both funny and pointedly relevant.
5. “Back to the Pilot”
Season 10, Episode 5 (2011)
Image via Fox
“Back to the Pilot” is a meta-comedy gem. Stewie and Brian travel back in time to the show’s very first episode, creating comedic paradoxes and timeline alterations. GenieHunter on Reddit praises it as “amazing just for the cutaway gag,” referencing a scene where Stewie and Brian watch the past Griffins prepare for a cutaway, then awkwardly wait for it to end. This episode cleverly plays with Family Guy‘s history and format, delivering self-aware humor and unexpected twists.
4. “Fox-y Lady”
Season 7, Episode 10 (2009)
Image via Fox
“Fox-y Lady” offers sharp satire of media bias. Lois gets a job at FOX News despite Brian’s objections to its conservative slant. Simultaneously, Peter and Chris create “Handi-Quacks,” a ridiculously conceived TV show about handicapped ducks, to pitch to FOX. WesMack5 on Reddit loves this episode “purely because of the Handi-Quacks segments,” which represent Family Guy at its most absurd and hilarious. The episode cleverly juxtaposes Lois’s storyline criticizing FOX News with the sheer stupidity of Peter and Chris’s show idea.
3. “Peter’s Got Woods”
Season 4, Episode 11 (2005)
Image via Fox
“Peter’s Got Woods” features one of Family Guy‘s most memorable celebrity cameos, James Woods playing himself. Brian suggests renaming the high school after Martin Luther King Jr. instead of James Woods, sparking Peter’s outrage and a confrontation with Woods. Kn1tt3r on Reddit considers “Peter’s Got Woods” a highlight of Season 4 and a generally beloved episode, largely due to the hilarious plan to trap James Woods with candy. The catchphrase “ooh a piece of candy” became an instant fan favorite.
2. “And Then There Were Fewer”
Season 9, Episode 1 (2010)
Image Via Fox
“And Then There Were Fewer” is a clever murder mystery parody of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. The Griffins and other Quahog residents are invited to James Woods’ mansion, where a dinner party turns deadly as guests are murdered one by one. chubss123 on Reddit names “the murder mystery one for me” as the funniest episode. “And Then There Were Fewer” successfully blends suspenseful mystery with classic Family Guy humor, making it a standout and highly praised episode.
1. “McStroke”
Season 6, Episode 8 (2008)
Firefighter giving a hose to Peter Griffin
Image via Fox
“McStroke” tops the list as the funniest Family Guy episode for many fans. After losing his mustache, Peter eats 30 hamburgers and suffers a stroke, leading him to sue the burger company. Simultaneously, Stewie disguises himself as a teenager to become popular at school. Lewie_96 on Reddit calls “McStroke” a personal favorite, “so politically incorrect, but every scene is hilarious.” The episode embodies Family Guy‘s signature blend of outrageous humor, pushing boundaries while delivering consistent laughs through its absurd plotlines and memorable moments.
