Family Guy, the animated sitcom famed for its cutaway gags, pop culture parodies, and often outrageous humor, has been making audiences laugh (and sometimes cringe) for over two decades. Following the Griffin family’s chaotic life in Quahog, the show, led by the voice talents of Seth MacFarlane as Peter, Stewie, and Brian, alongside Alex Borstein as Lois, Mila Kunis as Meg, and Seth Green as Chris, has become a cultural phenomenon.
With 22 seasons aired in the US and 21 available on Disney Plus in the UK, Family Guy has amassed a huge catalogue of episodes. It’s won numerous awards and reached its 400th episode milestone, but for long-time fans and newcomers alike, a burning question remains: which season truly delivers the most laughs?
Join us as we delve into the archives of Quahog chaos and rank the first 20 seasons of Family Guy, focusing on the seasons that brought the biggest comedic punches. Get ready to revisit some classic moments and decide for yourself: what is the Funniest Season Of Family Guy?
Family Guy Seasons Ranked by Funniest Moments
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 with different episode arcs, but the comedic results were largely underwhelming. The two-part arcs, such as Brian’s ill-fated marriage in “Married… with Cancer” and “Dead Dog Walking,” and Peter’s foray into political satire as a news anchor and Trump’s press secretary in “Hefty Shades of Gray” and “Trump Guy,” felt more forced than funny.
While the season aimed for topical humor and formula changes, it lacked the sharp wit and consistent laughs of previous seasons. Standout comedic moments were few and far between, making it a season where the show struggled to recapture its comedic gold.
Watch Family Guy season 17 on Disney Plus
19) Season 12 (2013): Brian’s “Death” Drains the Humor
Brian Griffin lying injured in Family Guy season 12
Season 12 is perhaps most remembered for the controversial “death” of Brian Griffin in “Life of Brian.” While the storyline generated significant fan reaction, including an online petition demanding his return, it overshadowed the season’s overall comedic output.
The shock value of Brian’s temporary departure, while a bold move, didn’t translate into consistent humor throughout the season. Although the writers intended to “try something different,” the season’s comedic moments felt weaker compared to its more consistently funny predecessors.
Watch Family Guy season 12 on Disney Plus
18) Season 16 (2017): Inconsistent Gags and Missed Potential
Peter Griffin dressed as a millennial in Family Guy season 16
Family Guy’s 16th season was a mixed bag in terms of humor. While there were glimpses of classic Family Guy wit, the overall comedic consistency was lacking. Episodes like “HTTPete,” where Peter tries to appeal to millennials, and “Dog Bites Bear,” testing Brian and Stewie’s friendship, had their moments.
However, the season as a whole struggled to maintain a high laugh-per-minute ratio. The jokes often felt uneven, with some landing flat while others offered fleeting chuckles, making it one of the less consistently funny seasons.
Watch Family Guy season 18 on Disney Plus
17) Season 10 (2011): Humor Dips with Controversial Episodes
Quagmire confronting Brenda's abusive boyfriend in Family Guy season 10
Season 10 attempted to tackle more sensitive topics, notably with “Screams of Silence: The Story of Brenda Q,” which dealt with domestic abuse. While aiming for social commentary, the episode’s humor was overshadowed by its controversial depiction of violence.
Even lighter episodes, including a crossover with American Dad and The Cleveland Show and guest appearances from Ricky Gervais and Ryan Reynolds, couldn’t fully lift the season’s overall comedic tone. For many fans, Season 10 marked a point where the show’s consistent humor began to decline.
Watch Family Guy season 10 on Disney Plus
16) Season 14 (2015): Mildly Amusing but Not Top-Tier Comedy
Stewie Griffin in a peanut butter commercial in Family Guy season 14
Season 14, which included the show’s 250th episode, brought in a host of guest stars and featured storylines like Quagmire’s love confession to Lois and Stewie’s brief stint as a peanut butter commercial star. While offering some amusing moments, the season lacked truly standout comedic episodes.
Episodes touched on various themes, from prescription drug dependency to Brian and Stewie’s India trip. However, the humor generally remained at a moderately entertaining level, without reaching the laugh-out-loud heights of the show’s funniest seasons.
Watch Family Guy season 14 on Disney Plus
15) Season 19 (2020): Breaking the Fourth Wall, But Breaking the Funny?
Peter Griffin as an Italian mob boss in Family Guy season 19
Season 19 delivered episodes with interesting premises, like Stewie’s first word, Peter as a mob boss, and Ernie the Giant Chicken’s mortality. Brian and Stewie’s Terminator-inspired adventure also offered some entertainment.
However, the season faced criticism for its increased fourth-wall breaks and attempts at political commentary, which some felt detracted from the show’s core humor. While not devoid of funny moments, Season 19’s shift in focus didn’t consistently land the big laughs fans expect.
Watch Family Guy season 19 on Disney Plus
14) Season 15 (2016): Pop Culture Humor Returns with Mixed Results
Chris Griffin with Taylor Swift cutout in Family Guy season 15
Season 15 saw Family Guy attempt a return to form with self-contained episodes and pop culture references. “Chris Has Got a Date, Date, Date, Date, Date,” parodying celebrity promposals, was a highlight, tapping into then-current viral trends.
Guest stars and cameos added some flavor, but the season’s humor remained somewhat inconsistent. While there were moments of sharp, contemporary satire, Season 15 didn’t consistently recapture the laugh-out-loud comedic heights of earlier seasons.
Watch Family Guy season 15 on Disney Plus
13) Season 13 (2014): Simpsons Crossover and Homage Humor
The Simpsons and The Griffins families together in Family Guy season 13
Season 13 kicked off with the much-anticipated Simpsons crossover, “The Simpsons Guy,” which provided plenty of meta-humor and character pairings that fans enjoyed. The season also featured homages to Breaking Bad and other pop culture moments.
While the crossover was a fun event, the season’s overall humor was a bit uneven. Episodes had their funny moments, but Season 13 didn’t consistently deliver the belly laughs found in the show’s comedic peak.
Watch Family Guy season 18 on Disney Plus
12) Season 18 (2019): Stewie Steals the Show with Future and DNA Jokes
Rich Old Stewie in Family Guy season 18
Season 18 saw Stewie taking center stage with some of the season’s funniest episodes. “Rich Old Stewie,” depicting Stewie as a wealthy adult, and “Baby Stewie,” dealing with Stewie’s fear of losing intelligence, were highlights, showcasing the character’s comedic potential.
The season also included a Beavis and Butt-Head crossover, adding another layer of pop culture humor. While not consistently hilarious throughout, Season 18 had enough Stewie-centric episodes to make it a moderately funny entry.
Watch Family Guy season 18 on Disney Plus
11) Season 20 (2021): Modern Satire and Nostalgia Gags
Peter Griffin and Lois Griffin watching Stranger Things parody in Family Guy season 20
Season 20, the most recent full season at the time of writing, showed an uptick in comedic hits. The show poked fun at 80s nostalgia trends with Stranger Things parodies and HBO’s changing content landscape in “HBO-No.”
The season also tackled serious issues with dark humor, like the opioid crisis in “Prescription Heroin.” Season 20 demonstrated a better balance of satire and classic Family Guy absurdity, leading to more consistent laughs compared to some recent seasons.
Watch Family Guy season 20 on Disney Plus
10) Season 1 (1999): The Short but Sweet Start of Griffin Humor
The Griffin family in the first season of Family Guy
The debut season of Family Guy, with only seven episodes, served as an introduction to the show’s unique brand of humor. While considered a “trial run,” Season 1 established the show’s irreverent style and dysfunctional family dynamic that would become its trademark.
Early episodes like Peter’s TV withdrawal and Brian’s dog show escapades offered glimpses of the show’s comedic potential. Season 1, though short, laid the foundation for the Family Guy humor that would evolve and become even funnier in later seasons.
Watch Family Guy season 1 on Disney Plus
9) Season 11 (2012): Cutaways and Guest Stars Keep the Humor Afloat
The Griffin family climbing Mount Everest in Family Guy season 11
Season 11 featured the Griffin family climbing Mount Everest and storylines like Lois’s mid-life crisis and Quagmire’s drunken marriage. The season relied heavily on the show’s signature cutaway gags, which still provided reliable laughs.
While some felt character development was becoming thinner, the season boasted an impressive roster of guest voices, adding to the comedic mix. Season 11 maintained a decent level of humor, largely thanks to its established comedic formulas.
Watch Family Guy season 11 on Disney Plus
8) Season 7 (2008): Classic Episodes and Road Trip Hilarity
Stewie Griffin as hench Stew-Roids in Family Guy season 7
Season 7 is packed with some of Family Guy’s most iconic and hilarious episodes. “Road to Germany” is considered by many to be the best “Road to…” episode, and “Stew-Roids,” featuring hench Stewie, spawned countless memes and laughs.
The season also included memorable episodes like Lois becoming a FOX News broadcaster and Brian’s marijuana legalization campaign, complete with the catchy “Everything’s Better with a Bag 0f Weed” song. “Three Kings,” adapting Stephen King novels, showcased the show’s clever parody humor. Season 7 stands out as a season brimming with comedic creativity.
Watch Family Guy season 7 on Disney Plus
7) Season 2 (1999): Dark Humor and “Road To…” Beginnings
Brian Griffin urinating in the house in Family Guy season 2
Season 2 was when Family Guy truly found its comedic footing, showcasing its witty and often dark humor. Classic episodes like Brian’s house-urinating antics and Grim Reaper Peter established the show’s willingness to push boundaries for laughs.
The season also introduced the beloved “Road to…” series with “Road to Rhode Island,” marking the beginning of Brian and Stewie’s hilarious adventures. Season 2 solidified Family Guy’s comedic identity and set the stage for even funnier seasons to come.
Watch Family Guy season 2 on Disney Plus
6) Season 8 (2009): Darker Humor and Controversial Laughs
Brian and Stewie in the multiverse in Family Guy season 8
Season 8 saw Family Guy experiment with darker humor and more innovative storylines. Episodes like Brian and Stewie’s multiverse travel and Meg’s felon boyfriend plot pushed the show’s comedic boundaries.
While some episodes faced criticism, particularly “Quagmire’s Dad,” the season also delivered controversial but undeniably funny moments. The banned episode “Partial Terms of Endearment,” dealing with abortion, exemplified the show’s willingness to tackle taboo subjects with its signature dark humor, even if it meant network censorship.
Watch Family Guy season 8 on Disney Plus
5) Season 5 (2006): Politically Incorrect Comedy Gold
Meg Griffin and Brian Griffin at prom in Family Guy season 5
Season 5 is often cited as a peak for Family Guy’s unapologetically politically incorrect humor. Episodes like “Barely Legal,” “Airport ’07,” and “No Chris Left Behind” are considered classics, showcasing the show’s willingness to satirize various social issues and norms with outrageous jokes.
This season further developed the comedic dynamic between Stewie and Brian, leading to some of their funniest interactions. Season 5 delivered a consistent barrage of edgy, laugh-out-loud comedy that solidified its place among the show’s funniest.
Watch Family Guy season 5 on Disney Plus
4) Season 9 (2010): Original Storylines and Murderous Mayhem
The cast of Family Guy in And Then There Were Fewer episode from season 9
Season 9 was praised for its original and hilarious storylines, filled with fan-favorite episodes. “And Then There Were Fewer,” a murder mystery parody, stands out as a comedic highlight, descending into mayhem and dark humor.
The season also included the final Star Wars parody and other standout episodes like Brian’s writing career and the “Road to the North Pole.” Season 9 delivered a strong mix of creative plots and classic Family Guy jokes, making it a consistently funny and memorable season.
Watch Family Guy season 9 on Disney Plus
3) Season 6 (2007): Quahog Quirks and Pop Culture Gold
Peter Griffin as a pirate in Family Guy season 6
Season 6 celebrated the unique characters of Quahog and incorporated sharp pop culture references. The season premiere, dedicated to Star Wars, is legendary among fans.
Episodes like Joe’s leg transplant, Brian becoming a dad, and Peter turning into a pirate showcased the show’s ability to find humor in absurd situations and character-driven stories. Despite being shortened by the Writers Guild strike, Season 6 is packed with comedic gems.
Watch Family Guy season 6 on Disney Plus
2) Season 3 (2001): Perfect Blend of Eccentricity and Adult Humor
Peter Griffin as Death in Family Guy season 3
Season 3 is where Family Guy hit a comedic sweet spot, perfectly balancing eccentricity with adult humor without becoming overly offensive. Storylines like Peter’s near-death experience, Brian directing a porno, and Stewie’s sperm-killing plot are prime examples of the season’s comedic brilliance.
“Brian Wallows and Peter’s Swallows,” winning an Emmy for Best Song, exemplifies the season’s high-quality humor. Season 3 showcases Family Guy at its most consistently funny and creatively daring.
Watch Family Guy season 3 on Disney Plus
1) Season 4 (2005): The Undisputed King of Family Guy Comedy
Peter Griffin holding a mentally challenged sign in Family Guy season 4
Season 4 reigns supreme as the fan-favorite and arguably funniest season of Family Guy. Marking the show’s triumphant return after cancellation, Season 4 delivered consistently hilarious and original storylines.
Episodes like Peter discovering he’s mentally challenged, Brian on The Bachelorette, Lois becoming a kleptomaniac, and Peter writing erotic novels are peak Family Guy comedy. With 30 episodes, Season 4 is the longest and, for many, the funniest season, setting a comedic benchmark the show has strived to reach ever since. For sheer volume of laughs and iconic moments, Season 4 takes the crown as the funniest season of Family Guy.
Watch Family Guy season 4 on Disney Plus
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