Some of the most highly recommended episodes of Family Guy that you shouldn’t miss include “A Fistful of Meg,” “Lottery Fever,” “I Take Thee Quagmire,” “PTV,” and “Leggo My Meg-O.”
First aired in 1999, “Family Guy” quickly established itself as a unique blend of humor and satire, captivating audiences worldwide. Despite its initial success, the show faced a premature cancellation in 2002, much to the dismay of its devoted fanbase.
Best Family Guy Episodes
This wasn’t the end of the road for the iconic Griffin family! The show rebounded thanks to the high demand for syndicated reruns and impressive DVD sales, which led to its revival in 2004. Since then, “Family Guy” has continued to entertain viewers with its signature brand of comedy.
This is a testament to the show’s resilience and enduring appeal!
25Viewer Mail #2 (Season 10, Episode 12)
“Viewer Mail #2” deviates from the typical format of Family Guy episodes and shatters the fourth wall as Brian and Stewie actively interact with viewer mail. These letters catalyze three unique short stories: one imagines a British version of Family Guy, another shows people transforming into Robin Williams at Peter’s touch, and the last one unfolds from Stewie’s viewpoint.
Out of these segments, the final one, “Point of Stew,” captivates fans the most. It illustrates a day in Stewie’s life – frolicking with friends at the playground, embarking on a squirrel chase with Brian, and spending quality time with his family. This humorous Family Guy episode had me cackling like a hyena throughout its entirety.
24Da Boom (S2, Ep3)
This episode sees Death hunting for Peter’s soul. However, when Death sprains his ankle in the pursuit, Peter has to wear the black robe and wield Death’s scythe.
Typically, Adam Carolla lends his voice to Death. But for this episode, marking Death’s first appearance, former SNL Weekend Update anchor Norm MacDonald assumes the role. His relaxed, sarcastic delivery resonates perfectly with the character. From the get-go until the closing scene, this laugh-out-loud Family Guy episode had me in hysterics.
23Lois Comes Out Of Her Shell (S 11, Ep 6)
Triggered by Peter’s insensitive birthday speech, Lois plunges into a mid-life crisis, adopting a provocative wardrobe and embracing an incessant party lifestyle.
At the outset, Peter finds Lois’s party girl antics enjoyable, but the sleep deprivation quickly wears him down. He hits a breaking point when Lois’s wild behavior escalates to seducing Justin Bieber. Insulted by the singer, Peter reacts by knocking him out in a fit of anger. Ultimately, Peter expresses remorse to Lois for his offensive speech.
22I Take Thee Quagmire (S4, Ep21)
In “I Take Thee Quagmire,” Quagmire marries Joan but soon seeks escape from the commitment. Back in Quahog, he dodges his relentless wife.
Simultaneously, Peter and friends discover a drink sparking foolishness, causing town-wide chaos. Quagmire’s wife, witnessing this, decides she no longer wants him.
In a twist, Quagmire finds his ex-wife dating his elderly father. The episode ends with Quagmire shouting, “Dad, what the hell?!” and his father gleefully replying, “Giggity giggity!” I couldn’t help but burst into fits of laughter during this comical Family Guy episode, leaving me in stitches.
21Road to the Multiverse (S8, Ep 1)
Are you in search of the ultimate Family Guy episode? Look no further than Season 8, Episode 1 titled ‘Road to the Multiverse.’ Widely regarded as the pinnacle of Family Guy brilliance, this episode takes you on a captivating journey alongside Brian and Stewie as they venture into many peculiar and side-splitting parallel dimensions.
This unforgettable experience will reignite your admiration for Stewie’s ingenious schemes, Brian’s endearing canine nature, and McFarlane’s unparalleled writing prowess.
Whether watching it for the first time or revisiting it, ‘Road to the Multiverse’ guarantees a laughter-filled escapade that will leave you wanting more.
20Petarded (S 4, Ep 6)
Numerous fans consider “Petarded” the funniest episode of Family Guy. In this episode, Peter deludes into believing he’s a genius after winning a game of Trivial Pursuit for preschoolers. However, his delusion shatters when an intelligence test classifies him as mentally challenged, resulting in unfortunate events such as losing custody of his children and hospitalizing Lois.
This Family Guy episode is among the most exceptional, and deserving of a spot on this list. This episode belongs to the iconic fourth season when the show returned post-cancellation.
19Death is a B***h (Season 2, Episode 6)
In this episode, Peter audaciously feigns his death to dodge paying a hospital bill. Yet, this plan backfires spectacularly when Death himself turns out to respect the bureaucracy of hospital paperwork. The episode also unveils the unexpected revelation that “Dawson’s Creek,” a show primarily aimed at teenage girls, attracts a significant viewership of middle-aged men.
The episode deftly paints Death as a self-absorbed character, expertly utilizing the inherent whiny demeanor of stand-up comedian Norm Macdonald. This rib-tickling Family Guy episode had me chuckling like a maniac the whole way through.
18Brian Writes A Bestseller (S9 Ep7)
In what can be counted as one of the funniest Family Guy episodes, Brian, on the verge of giving up his writing aspirations, finds unexpected success when Stewie takes the reins as his manager, propelling one of his books to the bestseller charts.
However, his newly found fame quickly inflates his ego, only to be punctured by the sharp wit of Bill Maher. On the other hand, Lois’s resolution to sleep in separate beds leaves Peter on a comical quest for a new snuggle partner.
17Emmy-Winning Episode (S 16, Ep 1)
While “Family Guy” has received an Emmy nod for outstanding comedy series and won a few for voice acting, music, and sound mixing, it’s often overlooked by the Emmy committee given its irreverent tone. This snub is disheartening.
One notable episode humorously mocks Emmy-winning shows and excels in its accurate tribute to Jon Stewart, inducing a nostalgia for his presence. The inclusion of Bill Maher may be contentious, but it’s time for the Emmys to recognize “Family Guy” with a win in the Outstanding Comedy or Animated Program category. No doubt, this installment from the Family Guy series is top-tier, hence its rightful position on this list.
16Seahorse Seashell Party (S 10, Ep2)
A hurricane hitting Quahog forces the family to hunker down together indoors. Attempts to pass the time with games spiral into massive arguments while Brian embarks on a wild ride after consuming magic mushrooms.
The trip becomes a blend of humor and terror as Brian severs his own ear and imagines monsters pursuing him. While Brian endures his bad trip, Stewie looks after him, showcasing their unique dynamic. Brian, the only one who understands Stewie, frequently accompanies him on wild adventures throughout the show.
15Quagmire’s Baby (S8, Ep6)
The season 8 episode of Family Guy, “Quagmire’s Baby,” humorously tackles the theme of parenthood and related responsibilities. The story centers on Quagmire, who is suddenly thrown into fatherhood with the surprise discovery of his baby daughter. Quagmire’s attempts to balance his rowdy lifestyle with the demands of child-rearing provide the episode’s comedic core.
Viewers enjoy numerous hilarious scenes throughout the episode, from Quagmire hilariously attempting to teach his daughter inappropriate words to his misadventures with a diaper-changing machine.
The episode sparkles with witty one-liners and clever pop culture references, elevating its humor quotient. Additionally, “Quagmire’s Baby” weaves in a touching subplot where Brian forms a deep bond with Quagmire’s daughter.
14Road to the North Pole (S9, Ep7)
Road to: Festive Edition, seemingly a standard holiday special led by Mr. MacFarlane Sr., quickly diverges into unexpected realms. When Quagmire confronts Brian with harsh truths, Brian sets off for the North Pole to avoid dealing with his careless actions, taking an infant along for the ride.
The episode plunges into a Tim Burton-style examination of holiday commercialization and offers a precocious glimpse into Gary Busey’s reality. Stewie’s odd grudge against Mrs. Claus still puzzles viewers.
This darkly whimsical holiday adventure leaves audiences contemplating the unique Christmas dynamics in the MacFarlane household. It’s an unconventional festive journey, sparking interest about the MacFarlane family’s holiday peculiarities.
13Lois Kills Stewie (S 6, Ep5)
Contrary to Brian’s expectation of a negative response to the “Dallas” ending, its ranking on the list shows our enjoyment.
The episode uses a simulation for fun events like sending Consuela to the Fortress of Solitude, discovering a smoking Willem Dafoe under Stewie’s bed, and transforming Stewie into a wicked offspring. Despite Stewie’s image as a tyrannical baby, he remains Lois’s little dictator.
Peter finally offers a significant clue that the scenario isn’t real. Everyone’s sudden understanding of Stewie’s language, including the surprising appearance of Simon Cowell, solidifies this idea. A portrait of a nude Bill Clinton embellishes Stewie’s Oval Office, adding the final touch.
12Airport 07 ( Season 5, Episode 12 )
In “Airport ’07,” a Quagmire-focused episode, Peter unintentionally costs his neighbor his pilot job by stealing plane fuel pre-takeoff. Peter then tries to help the now financially struggling Quagmire, who reluctantly moves in with the Griffins, exposing them to his unconventional and racy lifestyle.
MacFarlane’s exceptional voice acting has made Quagmire a fan favorite. A Redditor gushes about this episode, emphasizing the plenty of funny Peter-Quagmire interactions. After watching a comedy show, Peter decides to adopt a redneck persona, unwittingly causing the initial problem with his antics.
11Fox-y Lady (Season 7, Episode 10)
While gathered at The Drunken Clam, the guys compare driver’s license photos and stumble upon the realization that Quagmire is actually 61 years old (carrots). Their attention is diverted when a new anchorwoman named Rhonda debuts on FOX News, captivating the group’s attention.
However, their excitement quickly fades when the network announces its transition to high-definition (HD) broadcasting, revealing Rhonda’s less flattering appearance. As a result, she is promptly fired.
Despite Brian’s ethical objections regarding working for a biased news network aligned with the Republican party, Lois expresses her desire to pursue the vacant position. Her audition proves to be a resounding success, and she secures the job.
10Back to the Pilot (Season 10, Episode 5 )
Celebrate season 10 with a trip to the first episode! Discover it all: Stewie’s memories, Brian’s self-centeredness sparking Civil War 2, and the absurdities of the “Family Guy”-verse.
From a pee-covered ball to barber shop signs, it’s an ode to humble beginnings on a remarkable journey. Thank goodness for DVD sales, propelling us this far!
9Yug Ylimaf (S11, Ep 4)
As Stewie fully reverts back to that dreaded ovarian fortress, Brian silently steals the episode, with his unsettling habit of dating at disaster zones and the way the writers deliver him the best lines. While attributing the time machine malfunction to Meg, Brian claims he witnessed her “leaving a minute ago, with an evil laugh, ‘Mwah-ha-ha-ha-ha.'”
It’s a brilliantly understated moment that you might have easily overlooked, but it’s pure genius. And no, we won’t discuss the diaper reversal because it’s unquestionably the most disgusting thing they have ever—EVER—done.
8McStroke (Season 6, Episode 8)
Peter sacrifices his freshly grown mustache, indulging in 30 consecutive hamburgers to cope with his sorrows, ultimately resulting in a stroke. In his pursuit of seeking compensation from the burger company, he initiates a lawsuit.
Meanwhile, Stewie adopts a teenage guise to attain maximum popularity within his school. “McStroke” presents Family Guy in its utmost absurdity, with both storylines culminating in expectedly outrageous outcomes. Unquestionably, this Family Guy episode is one of the best, and as such, it is essential to feature it on this compilation.
7Peter’s Got Woods (Season 4, Episode 11 )
In one of the best Family Guy episodes, Brian develops feelings for an African-American teacher at Chris’ high school. In an attempt to win her over, he actively advocates for renaming James Woods High to Martin Luther King, Jr. High.
Peter, who opposes the name change, invites James Woods himself to address the school board meeting. Unforeseen circumstances arise when Woods ends up replacing Brian as Peter’s closest companion and even becomes a member of the family as their beloved pet.
6And Then There Were Fewer (Season 9, Episode 1)
Regarded as one of the funniest Family Guy episodes, this installment takes inspiration from Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None.” Almost the entire Quahog community, including the Griffins, Joe, and Tom Tucker, receives invitations to a party held in their honor at a mysterious house.
However, the event takes a dark turn when the host is brutally murdered. Now, the guests find themselves joining forces to unravel the identity of the killer.
With each new murder and subsequent unveiling of clues, the urgency intensifies, and the guests must make a difficult decision on whom to hand over to the police by morning. Creator Macfarlane has confirmed this episode as canon, permanently bidding farewell to the characters eliminated in this uproarious storyline from the Family Guy series.
5Three Kings (Season 7, Episode 15)
This funny Family Guy episode had me laughing uncontrollably from start to finish. In a departure from its typical episode format, “Three Kings” breaks new ground for Family Guy by reimagining classic Stephen King stories. Guided by Peter in each segment, the show cleverly adapts beloved works like Stand By Me, Misery, and The Shawshank Redemption, casting the Griffin family and friends in the central roles.
In this part, Peter, Quagmire, Cleveland, and Joe play the roles of the four boys, setting out on a journey to see a dead body in the woods.
4Leggo My Meg-O (S 10, Ep 20)
“Leggo My Meg-O,” parodying Liam Neeson’s classic Taken, sends Meg and a friend to Paris for a study abroad semester. When slave traders kidnap them and law enforcement proves unhelpful, Brian and Stewie embark on a mission to rescue Meg, hitting the same narrative beats as the movie.
This Family Guy episode is one of the best, so it is essential to feature it on this compilation. Not just spoofing Taken, the episode also broadly critiques the action genre, pinpointing its preference for adrenaline-fueled car chases and its pattern of casting Arab people as villains.
3Pilling Them Softly (S 14, Ep 1)
In the “Pilling Them Softly” episode, Stewie gets an ADHD diagnosis and an Adderall prescription. Although initially resistant, Brian decides to try the medication and taps into his creative side, developing a pitch for a Sci-Fi franchise. Simultaneously, Quagmire and Peter end up hosting their cooking show.
As Brian dives into his franchise pitch, he learns that drugs can’t shortcut success in production. According to Brand77’s review on IMDb, this episode is thoroughly enjoyed, particularly the storyline surrounding Stewie’s ADHD medication and Brian’s decision to take it.
The review suggests that “Pilling Them Softly” sets Season 14 on a promising trajectory, reinvigorating it after comparatively lackluster seasons.
2PTV (S 4, Ep 14)
After a wardrobe malfunction at the Emmys, the FCC takes a tough stance on censoring adult content on TV. Furious about this, Peter takes matters into his own hands and creates his own television network. His unabashedly crude channel becomes a massive hit, but when the FCC discovers it, they descend upon Quahog, imposing censorship on the unsuspecting citizens.
The episode titled ‘PTV’ showcases one of Family Guy’s finest musical numbers. In it, Peter, Brian, and Stewie passionately argue their case to the FCC. Owlinprime fondly remembers the catchy FCC song, which adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the already outstanding episode. Creator Seth MacFarlane explains that the episode was created as a form of protest against the strict FCC guidelines of that time.
1Family Gay (Season 7, Episode 8)
To pay for damages incurred at the horse track after entering a brain-damaged horse in a race, Peter takes on medical experiments as a volunteer. During one trial, he receives an experimental drug that unexpectedly alters his sexual orientation, much to the dismay of Lois and the family.
Peter’s newfound identity surprisingly prompts him to become a more involved and helpful family man, but Lois misses the intimate connection with her husband.
Brian and Stewie attempt to reverse the effects by sending Peter to a straight camp, yet achieve minimal success. Eventually, the effects of the gay gene wear off, and Peter reverts to his original self. Back at home, Peter and his family agree to never discuss the incident again.
Family Guy: Pie (Clip) | TBS
Who are the main voice actors in “Family Guy”?
The main voice actors in “Family Guy” are Seth MacFarlane (Peter Griffin, Brian Griffin, Stewie Griffin), Alex Borstein (Lois Griffin), Seth Green (Chris Griffin), and Mila Kunis (Meg Griffin).
What is the 100th episode of “Family Guy”?
The 100th episode of “Family Guy” is “Stewie Kills Lois”, which is the first part of a two-part story, and it is the fifth episode of season six.
Is “Family Guy” Canceled?
As of my last update in 2021, “Family Guy” is not canceled. It has been canceled twice in the past (in 2000 and 2002) but was brought back due to strong DVD sales and viewership on Adult Swim.
What’s the name of the episode where Brian dies?
The episode where Brian dies is called “Life of Brian”. It’s the sixth episode of season twelve.
Which season and episode features the “Star Wars” parody?
The “Star Wars” parody, “Blue Harvest“, is the first episode of season six.
Has “Family Guy” won any awards?
Yes, “Family Guy” has won several awards, including an Emmy for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance and an Annie Award for Best Writing in an Animated Television Production.
In which episode does Peter fight the chicken?
The recurring gag of Peter fighting a giant chicken occurs in several episodes. The first fight occurs in the season two episode “Da Boom.”