Love it or hate it, Family Guy stands as a comedic titan in the animated sitcom universe. Seth MacFarlane’s irreverent creation throws viewers into the chaotic lives of the Griffin family: Peter, the well-meaning but dim-witted patriarch; Lois, his sharp-tongued wife; their socially awkward teenagers Meg and Chris; and the diabolical baby genius Stewie, often accompanied by his dry-witted, talking dog companion, Brian.
With its finger firmly on the pulse of pop culture and a relentlessly satirical lens trained on society, Family Guy has maintained its comedic edge and cultural relevance since its debut in 1999, spanning hundreds of uproarious episodes. But with such a vast catalog, where does one begin to find the truly side-splitting gems? If you’re ready for a deep dive into the unhinged humor of Quahog, look no further. Here’s our guide to the most hilarious Family Guy episodes, ranked for your viewing pleasure.
25. “McStroke” (season 6, episode 8)
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FOX
As the title suggests, “McStroke” hilariously centers around Peter Griffin suffering a stroke induced by excessive burger consumption. This sets off a chain of events where Peter attempts to sue the fast-food chain responsible for his greasy demise. While Peter’s legal battle and mustache-fueled stroke are comedic gold, the true comedic highlight is Stewie’s audacious attempt to infiltrate and conquer high school popularity within a single week, much to Brian’s disbelief. Despite the absence of Seth MacFarlane as a writer due to the 2007-2008 WGA strike, this episode quickly cemented itself as one of Family Guy‘s most hilarious and memorable.
24. “Stewie Loves Lois” (season 5, episode 1)
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FOX
Despite its misleading title, “Stewie Loves Lois” doesn’t solely focus on Stewie’s heartwarming realization of his mother’s affection. Instead, the episode’s comedic engine is fueled by Peter’s misguided crusade against a local doctor. Peter, convinced his prostate exam was a gross violation, rallies the town in outrage. Both storylines deliver consistent laughs: parents will undoubtedly relate to Lois’s struggle with Stewie’s sudden, all-consuming need for maternal attention, while men of a certain age will surely chuckle empathetically at Peter’s medical discomfort. These two seemingly disparate narratives create a comedic synergy, amplifying the humor of each arc, even when delving into jokes about sensitive areas.
23. “FOX-y Lady” (season 7, episode 10)
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FOX
From its inception, Family Guy has playfully (and sometimes pointedly) highlighted the inherent tension between Seth MacFarlane’s liberal sensibilities and the Fox network’s conservative leanings. “FOX-y Lady” dives headfirst into this comedic friction when Lois lands a job as a reporter for Fox News. She quickly discovers the network’s editorial constraints, learning she’s forbidden from reporting anything that casts prominent right-wing figures, such as Rush Limbaugh, in a negative light. This episode shines thanks to guest appearances from Seth Rogen, Fred Savage, and even Fox executive Peter Chernin, all gamely poking fun at themselves and the network. Adding to the hilarity is the subplot featuring Peter’s persistent, and spectacularly unsuccessful, attempts to pitch a cartoon called Handi-Quacks.
22. “To Love and Die in Dixie” (season 3, episode 12)
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“To Love and Die in Dixie” is a hilarious episode guaranteed to elicit laughs, particularly for those familiar with the cultural nuances of the American South. When Chris witnesses a crime, the Griffin family is thrust into witness protection, relocating them deep into the heart of Dixie. What ensues is a rapid-fire barrage of jokes targeting everything from Civil War history to the complexities of same-sex relationships in the South. However, rather than simply resorting to stereotypical “redneck” humor, the episode manages to subtly develop the characters and the overall Family Guy narrative.
21. “Petarded” (season 4, episode 6)
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FOX
Season four marked Family Guy‘s triumphant return after cancellation, and “Petarded” exemplifies the show’s fearless commitment to pushing comedic boundaries. In this episode, Peter is diagnosed as intellectually disabled. While the premise is undeniably controversial, the humor skillfully avoids directly mocking individuals with genuine developmental disabilities. Instead, the episode cleverly satirizes Peter’s character, portraying him as someone who would ludicrously twist such a diagnosis into an absurd claim of superiority.
20. “Emmy-Winning Episode” (season 16, episode 1)
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FOX
Family Guy has garnered numerous Emmy nominations over the years, primarily recognizing its exceptional voice acting and innovative animation. “Emmy-Winning Episode” serves as Seth MacFarlane’s comedic outlet for his frustration with the show’s lack of recognition in the Best Comedy category, channeled through Peter. The entire episode is structured as a series of parodies of “Emmy bait” tropes, with Peter and the gang desperately attempting to mimic qualities of award-winning shows to finally secure the coveted golden statuette. While seemingly born from MacFarlane’s personal grievances, the writing consistently delivers laughs and prompts reflection on what comedic content is deemed “worthy” of prestigious accolades.
19. “Leggo My Meg-O” (season 10, episode 20)
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FOX
In the ever-expanding pop culture landscape, no franchise is immune to the Family Guy treatment. “Leggo My Meg-O” sees Peter Griffin channeling his inner Liam Neeson from Taken when Meg is kidnapped from the streets of Paris. This episode is a loving parody of the Taken film series, but it also cleverly satirizes the revenge genre as a whole. Beyond the Taken homage, it’s refreshing to see Meg take center stage, even within the context of the running gag of “Meg is the worst,” allowing Mila Kunis’ voice acting to truly shine.
18. “The Thin White Line” (season 3, episode 1)
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“The Thin White Line” is a rare example of a precursor to a two-part episode that outshines its sequel. The plot revolves around Brian’s attempt to overcome emotional stagnation by volunteering as a drug-sniffing dog for the Quahog Police Department. However, Brian’s foray into community service takes a dark turn when he becomes addicted to narcotics, threatening to derail his life. While the episode predictably and hilariously lampoons police procedural tropes, the standout comedic moments come from Peter’s misguided attempt to infiltrate rehab, mistaking it for a luxurious cruise.
17. “The D in Apartment 23” (season 16, episode 6)
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FOX
As one of the more recent entries on this list, “The D in Apartment 23” proves that Family Guy still has the comedic chops to deliver standout episodes. Here, Brian’s desperate bid for Twitter attention backfires spectacularly when a poorly-judged, racially insensitive joke leads to his “cancellation.” The episode tackles a very contemporary theme, culminating in Brian’s farcical attempts to defend his progressive credentials to an angry online mob. This brief but pointed gag satirizes the extremes of identity politics and the prevalent culture of online shaming for perceived transgressions.
16. “Death Is a Bitch” (season 2, episode 6)
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FOX
“Death Is a Bitch” is a Family Guy episode that thrives on its simple yet expertly executed concept. When the Grim Reaper himself breaks his leg due to Peter’s characteristic clumsiness, Death is forced to recuperate at the Griffin household, leaving Peter to temporarily take on the daunting task of collecting souls. While the writing is consistently sharp, the episode’s comedic brilliance is amplified by the late, great Norm Macdonald’s voice portrayal of Death. His delivery and comedic timing are as lethal as any scythe, showcasing Macdonald at his absolute finest.
15. “Blue Harvest” (season 6, episode 1)
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FOX
As The Orville attests, Seth MacFarlane is a self-professed Star Trek enthusiast, but he eagerly seized the opportunity to create “Blue Harvest,” a loving and hilarious parody of the other dominant science fiction franchise, Star Wars. This episode was a resounding success, delivering shot-for-shot spoofs of iconic scenes from A New Hope while brilliantly answering the age-old question: how would Peter Griffin handle the galaxy far, far away differently than Han Solo? Whether you’re a Quahog devotee or a Star Wars aficionado, “Blue Harvest” offers something to love in its ambitious reimagining.
14. “Road to the North Pole” (season 9, episode 7)
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FOX
“Road to the North Pole” is, with all due affection, a clear comedic fusion of previous episodes “A Very Special Family Guy Freakin’ Christmas” and “Stewie Kills Lois.” It’s another classic “Road to” adventure for Brian and Stewie, this time with Stewie initially setting out on a mission to assassinate Santa Claus. Their journey takes unexpected turns, as they learn valuable lessons about generosity and the pitfalls of human greed. Surprisingly uplifting for Family Guy, “Road to the North Pole” manages to deliver its unique brand of holiday cheer without sacrificing any of the show’s signature raunchy humor.
13. “Three Kings” (season 7, episode 15)
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FOX
Even with its well-established and successful formula, Family Guy shines when it dares to deviate, as seen in “Three Kings.” With the blessing of horror maestro Stephen King himself, MacFarlane dedicated this episode to Family Guy-ifying three iconic King adaptations: Stand by Me, Misery, and The Shawshank Redemption. High-profile cameos from Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider enhance these parodies, capturing the spirit of the original tales. Rumor has it that King himself praised the episode, a testament to its quality. If it earns the King of Horror’s approval, it’s certainly good enough for any comedy fan.
12. “Road to Rhode Island” (season 2, episode 13)
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FOX
In retrospect, “Road to Rhode Island” was a pivotal episode, marking Brian and Stewie’s inaugural “Road to” adventure. Their journey unfolds as Brian seeks closure about his past by visiting the puppy mill where he was born. Despite the somewhat somber premise, the episode is packed with classic Family Guy gags, including a catchy musical number that’s likely to be stuck in your head for days, making it a fan favorite. Furthermore, by establishing the recurring “Road to” format, this episode holds a significant place in Family Guy history.
11. “Yug Ylimaf” (season 11, episode 4)
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FOX
The enigmatically titled “Yug Ylimaf” is another hilarious episode that throws Brian and Stewie into an epic escapade. The chaos begins when Stewie discovers Brian has been abusing a time machine to impress bar patrons for casual encounters. However, Brian’s time-traveling hookups inadvertently threaten the fabric of spacetime, forcing the duo to team up and save reality as they know it. Longtime viewers will appreciate the clever callbacks to previous episodes, and the entire narrative is a loving homage to Star Trek-esque storytelling, a clear passion of Seth MacFarlane.
10. “Airport 07” (season 5, episode 12)
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FOX
The brilliance of “Airport 07” lies in placing Quagmire in a serious career crisis, a departure from his usual comedic role. After Peter inadvertently gets Quagmire fired from his airline pilot job, he attempts to help his friend find a new profession. However, Peter’s misguided efforts set off a chain of events that jeopardize countless lives. This episode is classic Family Guy, boasting a memorable cameo from Playboy icon Hugh Hefner, a plethora of cutaway gags, and a barrage of cultural references that will leave you in stitches.
9. “Meet The Quagmires” (season 5, episode 18)
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FOX
While “Back to the Pilot” might be Family Guy‘s most celebrated Back to the Future parody, “Meet the Quagmires” is a strong contender for second place. In this episode, Peter, lamenting his early marriage, seizes an opportunity to travel back in time and savor single life. However, his temporal meddling inadvertently leads to Quagmire marrying Lois in the present. Peter must then race against time to restore the original timeline or risk losing Lois forever. The episode delivers the show’s signature lowbrow humor but also surprisingly poignant moments as Peter realizes the depth of his love and appreciation for Lois.
8. “Lois Kills Stewie” (season 6, episode 5)
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FOX
Picking up where “Stewie Kills Lois” leaves off, this episode sees Lois revealing to the world Stewie’s attempted murder. Stewie becomes a fugitive, escalating his villainy to world domination. The episode features entertaining American Dad cameos and hilarious character interactions, particularly Brian and Stewie’s meta-commentary on audience expectations regarding fake-out endings. Ultimately, the comedic payoff lies in witnessing the chilling and absurd reality of Stewie actually realizing his long-threatened global takeover.
7. “Stewie Kills Lois” (season 6, episode 4)
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FOX
While the provocative title “Stewie Kills Lois” might raise eyebrows, the episode’s content is perfectly in line with Family Guy‘s edgy humor. After being called out for his empty threats against Lois, Stewie finally acts on his homicidal impulses, seemingly killing his mother. This sets off a chain of events that leads everyone to believe Peter murdered Lois for insurance money. “Stewie Kills Lois” is packed with memorable character moments, especially for Stewie, and explores the unexpected consequences of achieving one’s life’s ambitions, particularly as Stewie grapples with his identity by the episode’s end.
6. “The Simpsons Guy” (season 13, episode 1)
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FOX
As Fox’s two animated comedy titans, a crossover between The Simpsons and Family Guy felt inevitable. “The Simpsons Guy” wastes no time in bringing the Griffins to Springfield. When Peter’s offensive comic strip makes him persona non grata in Quahog, he seeks refuge for his family, ending up in Springfield after a car breakdown. The two families bond (to a degree), culminating in a Homer vs. Peter beer rivalry. Beyond the family interactions, the episode gifted the internet one of the most enduring Simpsons memes: Ralph Wiggum’s terrified yet gleeful “I’m in danger.”
5. “And Then There Were Fewer” (season 9, episode 1)
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FOX
The ninth season premiere of Family Guy went all-out with “And Then There Were Fewer.” Set primarily at a dinner party in James Woods’ clifftop mansion, the episode departs from Quahog’s usual setting. This new backdrop perfectly suits the murder mystery plot, enhanced by a star-studded guest cast including Drew Barrymore, Ashley Tisdale, Patrick Stewart, and James Woods himself. Woods’ self-deprecating humor about his prickly Hollywood reputation elevates this hour-long episode beyond typical reference-based comedy, creating a unique comedic synergy.
4. “Road to the Multiverse” (season 8, episode 1)
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Predating Marvel’s multiverse craze, “Road to the Multiverse” takes Brian and Stewie on a dimension-hopping adventure, ultimately stranding them away from their home universe. The episode becomes a hilarious exploration of alternate Family Guy realities. If the sight of a universe ruled by intelligent, sophisticated dogs doesn’t elicit laughter, it might be time to seek out a funnier alternate version of yourself.
3. “Da Boom” (season 2, episode 3)
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FOX
It’s easy to forget Family Guy‘s longevity until revisiting early episodes like “Da Boom.” Here, Peter, convinced of Y2K’s apocalyptic potential, forces his family into hazmat suits and basement lockdown. Unlike reality, Y2K plunges the world into a nuclear wasteland, which briefly improves – and then drastically worsens – when Peter becomes mayor of New Quahog. While beloved for introducing running gags like Peter’s nemesis, the chicken, “Da Boom” also marks Mila Kunis’ debut as the voice of Meg.
2. “PTV” (season 4, episode 14)
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FOX
“PTV” is an early example of Family Guy‘s masterful use of meta-humor. The episode sees Peter reacting to FCC censorship by launching his own uncensored television network, PTV. As PTV’s popularity explodes, Lois grows concerned about its impact on children, even as censorship regulations tighten further. While satirizing the FCC’s response to Janet Jackson’s “wardrobe malfunction,” “PTV” is a hilarious commentary on the complex relationship between censorship and entertainment, delivered with Family Guy‘s signature irreverence.
1. “Back to the Pilot” (season 10, episode 5)
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Fox
“Back to the Pilot” is a multifaceted comedic gem: a playful nod to Back to the Future, a quirky Star Trek homage, and a spiritual successor to “Road to the Multiverse.” As the title implies, Brian and Stewie travel back to 1999, Family Guy‘s premiere year. However, Brian’s attempt to warn his past self about 9/11 creates a butterfly effect, transforming their present into a post-nuclear dystopia. Things escalate comically before (sort of) improving, rewarding longtime fans with a treasure trove of Easter eggs and references. If you enjoy “spot the reference,” this is your ultimate Family Guy episode.
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