When The Family Guy Started Acting Strangely?

Family Guy has been a popular animated series since its inception, but it has experienced a decline in quality and humor. Some users suggest that the show started declining in quality from seasons 4-7, with episodes starting to get bad around season 11ish. Season 12 was also not by any means good, but some episodes had some good jokes.

While most episodes of Family Guy offend at least one group of people, some were so controversial that they caused problems. These episodes, whether about religion, sexuality, or anything else, seemed like good ideas at first, but due to a litany of factors, something went wrong. This list covers the worst episodes of Family Guy, from bad moments to inappropriate storylines.

A critical analysis of the decline of Family Guy, a long-running animation that was once subversive and relevant but now is outdated and despised, includes a fan-made ranking of the first 20 seasons of the adult animated series. The Griffin family’s misadventures in Quahog have led to some of the worst acts that have occurred on the show, such as Lois making out and Stewie yelling for Lois for 30 seconds.

Season 8 marked the tipping point where the show began its slow descent, but it still had The Parents Television Council (PTC) attacking the series since its premiere. The PTC has deemed Family Guy the “Worst TV Show of the Week” on at least 40 occasions, and the show has faced criticism for its excessive shock value.

Some ideal “end” spots for Family Guy include after Season 3 ended in 2002, when the show was cancelled, Season 9 and 10 were mixed, and season 11 was when the show officially jumped the shark. Today, Family Guy is very hit and miss, much like The Cleveland Show during its 3rd and 4th seasons.

Why Was Family Guy Season 8 Episode 21 Banned?

Fox made the decision to ban the "Family Guy" episode titled "Partial Terms of Endearment" in the United States, primarily due to its sensitive subject matter concerning abortion. This announcement was made public at the San Diego Comic-Con in 2009, prior to the air date of Season 8, which culminated in the episode being disallowed from airing in the US but permitted to air in other countries and included in the season's DVD box set.

The episode, which is the 21st of Season 8 and centers on Lois as a surrogate for her friend Naomi, stirs a debate regarding abortion, a topic deemed too controversial for network television by Fox President Kevin Reilly.

Notably, "Partial Terms of Endearment" aired in the UK on June 20, 2010, but remained unseen in America. The ban drew attention because it marked the first time since Season 3's "When You Wish Upon a Weinstein" that an episode faced such restrictions. The censors at Fox often assess episodes for offensive content, leading to such decisions. The dialogue in the banned episode and its sensitive approach to the issue, unlike other episodes that handle serious themes, sparked discussions about censorship and social norms within the network's programming.

Which Family Guy Episode Was Banned?

The final episode of Family Guy's eighth season, titled "Partial Terms of Endearment," was controversially banned from airing in the U. S. in 2010. The plot revolves around Lois agreeing to be a surrogate for her friend, but the episode drew significant backlash due to its sensitive subject matter—abortion. While the majority of Family Guy episodes are readily available across networks such as FOX and Adult Swim, this particular episode was deemed too controversial to air.

Despite Family Guy's history of tackling provocative topics since its debut in 1999, this marked the first instance of FOX banning an episode. Interestingly, another episode, "When You Wish Upon a Weinstein," was also initially pushed back due to concerns about its themes. "Partial Terms of Endearment" did air in the UK on BBC Three, but its U. S. release never materialized, highlighting the ongoing tension between provocative humor and broadcasting standards.

The episode’s satirical approach to abortion remains a point of contention, and it is set to be released on DVD in September, indicating its continued relevance in discussions around censorship and free expression in media. Family Guy's history emphasizes the challenges faced by shows that address contentious issues, reflecting societal attitudes toward humor and commentary.

Which Family Guy Season Is The Best?

Ranking the 5 Best Seasons of Family Guy showcases the series' highs and lows from its 20 seasons. Season 4 (2005-2006) is often hailed as the pinnacle, marked by iconic episodes such as "PTV," and is a fan favorite due to its innovative and hilarious storylines. Season 5 (2006-2007) also ranks highly, alongside Season 3 (2001-2002), which contains standout episodes like "Emission Impossible." Season 6 (2007-2008) and Season 2 (1999-2000) are appreciated but less celebrated compared to the top three.

Viewers have engaged in polls, with over 4K voting on the best seasons, echoing the consensus that Seasons 4 and 5 are the best. While seasons 4 through 10 are particularly acclaimed for their peak humor, fans have mixed feelings about later seasons, with Season 12 often labeled as a turning point in quality. Notably, earlier seasons like Season 1 are considered decent but not exceptional, while the animation and voice acting improve in later years.

Despite the fluctuations in quality, Family Guy remains a beloved show, with Seasons 4 and 5 leading the rankings, and fans continue to cherish the absurd humor and unique storytelling that defines the series.

When Did Family Guy Go Down Towards Atrocity?

Seasons 5-7 of "Family Guy" marked a noticeable decline in quality, beginning with moments like Stewie yelling for Lois and the introduction of Jillian, alongside the infamous Cool Whip joke. Although a slight change was felt from Season 3 to Season 4, significant character redesigns began in Season 5, which carried over to Season 9 when HD was introduced. Season 4 is often viewed as the show's peak, while enjoyment waned post-Season 5, continuing until around Season 10.

The show has suffered from declining viewership, resulting in inconsistent air times and hiatuses, particularly around 2009 when complaints about certain episodes arose. By the time of Season 11, the quality had noticeably dipped, with Seasons 12 and beyond not receiving much acclaim. Despite ongoing popularity and MacFarlane’s speculation about the show's future, "Family Guy" has become a target of criticism, losing credibility and standing as a cultural emblem for the internet.

Attempts to address sensitive topics often ended poorly, further cementing the sentiment that the humor has deteriorated. MacFarlane and his team initially aimed for offense-driven humor, but this emphasis has arguably taken precedence over thoughtful storytelling as the series progresses.

What Happened To Family Guy?

The idea for Family Guy was developed by Seth MacFarlane in 1995 while he was a student at the Rhode Island School of Design. He created short animations titled The Life of Larry and Larry and Steve, which helped convince Fox to launch the series in 1998. Although it faced cancellation after two seasons, the show found renewed success through DVD sales and reruns, ultimately leading to a revival. Family Guy first aired on January 31, 1999, immediately following Super Bowl XXXIII, and has since become a significant part of television culture.

As of now, it is entering its 25th year, yet MacFarlane has confirmed that there are no plans to end the show due to its enduring popularity and charitable contributions. The series has been renewed for a 23rd season, despite a recent schedule change moving it from Sundays to Wednesdays for its final episodes in the current season. MacFarlane emphasizes that the show's future hinges on viewership, which remains strong, indicating that Family Guy will continue for the foreseeable future, maintaining its status as an animated television institution.

When Did Family Guy Change Quality?

The ninth season of "Family Guy," overseen by showrunners Hentemann and Callaghan, marked a significant transition to 720p high definition during the episode "And Then There Were Fewer." Changes in animation began subtly between Seasons 3 and 4, but became more prominent from Season 5 onward, with Season 9 noted as the official start of HD visuals. The animation style shifted drastically from Season 1 to the later seasons, evolving from a style reminiscent of "The Simpsons" to a distinct identity.

Despite facing cancellations early on, "Family Guy" is still running strong into Season 22 as of 2023, although it has experienced fluctuations in quality over the years. While earlier seasons (1-9) are often praised as some of the show's best, Season 10 is frequently cited as a turning point, where creative decline became apparent. The show has also adopted a trend of breaking the fourth wall, a practice that has divided fan opinions.

Over its 20-plus years and nearly 400 episodes, the animated series has undergone many transformations, from character design to overall storytelling, reflecting a journey filled with nostalgia, controversy, and a mixed legacy among viewers regarding its later seasons.

What Happened In Season 9 Of Family Guy?

Season 9 of Family Guy featured a plethora of original, humorous storylines and beloved episodes. A standout episode, "And Then There Were Fewer," draws inspiration from Agatha Christie’s classic murder mystery And Then There Were None, where strangers inexplicably begin to die. In other episodes, Peter strives to recover Lois’s Christmas brooch after giving it away during a White Elephant gift exchange, while Stewie revises his behavior upon learning he is on Santa’s Naughty List. The season also explores alternate universes with Brian and Stewie, and Brian confronts Rush Limbaugh during a book signing in Quahog. Additionally, when Peter finds out about Carter's affair, he is thrust into a dilemma of secrecy which escalates to demanding a divorce from Lois's mother. This season originally aired on Fox from September 26, 2010, to May 22, 2011, consisting of 18 episodes and later released as DVD box sets. The show follows the dysfunctional Griffin family—Peter, Lois, their children, and their talking dog, Brian. Despite the announcement of the 2024-25 Fox schedule with Family Guy’s omission, creator Seth MacFarlane reassures fans that the show's end is not imminent.

What Happens In Season 12 Episode 6 Of Family Guy?

In Season 12, Episode 6 of Family Guy, titled "Life of Brian," the beloved dog Brian Griffin dies after being struck by a car. The family copes with his loss by adopting a new dog named Vinny. Meanwhile, Brian and Stewie, using a time machine, escape from hostile Native Americans and explore 17th-century Jamestown, but face multiple near-fatal incidents. Following these close calls, Brian decides to destroy the time machine to avoid further dangers. The episode captures the family's grief, especially Stewie’s sorrow over Brian’s death, as they gather in a hospital waiting room, suggesting the gravity of the situation. The writers’ decision to kill off Brian, the witty family dog, ignited discussions among fans. Despite the tragedy, the show also features humor, with scenes of Peter discovering a vestigial twin. Ultimately, Stewie regrets destroying his time machine and later reactivates it to revisit the moment of loss. The episode aired on November 24, 2013, featuring guest stars and presenting a mix of comedy and heart-wrenching moments that reflect the family’s struggle to adapt to Brian's absence.

Will Family Guy End In 2025?

Family Guy has been renewed for its 22nd and 23rd seasons, ensuring its presence on television until at least 2025. Although the show was shifted to midseason for its 2023 release, creator Seth MacFarlane reassures fans that he has no immediate plans to end the series, which has been beloved since its debut 25 years ago on January 31, 1999. Despite a rocky start, including a cancellation after its second season, Family Guy thrived after its revival in 2001.

MacFarlane acknowledges the show’s ongoing popularity and its role in supporting charitable causes. While viewership will ultimately dictate the show’s future, the creator expresses enthusiasm about continuing the series. Family Guy will also return to Adult Swim in 2025, featuring a three-day marathon to celebrate its milestone. Although questions arise regarding the longevity of such long-running shows as Family Guy and The Simpsons, MacFarlane remains committed, viewing the animated series as still "surviving and thriving" in the current television landscape.

Why Did Family Guy Fail?

Family Guy was initially canceled due to low ratings, struggling against popular shows like Frasier, Survivor, and Friends. Despite a successful first season, ratings dipped in season two after its move to Thursday nights. Multiple cancellation attempts followed, driven by time-slot changes and stiff competition. However, a devoted fanbase rallied for the show's revival following impressive DVD sales and strong viewership on Adult Swim, prompting its return for season four.

As the series progressed, particularly in seasons five to seven, it faced criticism and backlash for a decline in quality and controversial humor. The show's provocative themes attracted scrutiny from groups like the Parents Television Council. Following its third cancellation in 2002, a previously unaired episode aired on Adult Swim in 2003, which greatly boosted its popularity. This resurgence led to a full season order and an enduring place within the FOX lineup, establishing Family Guy as one of the longest-running animated series in TV history.

Despite shifting cultural norms favoring politically correct humor over its often offensive jokes, the show managed to persist, showcasing the impact of loyal fans and the power of syndication. Family Guy remains a significant part of FOX's legacy and a notable element of animated television.