An animation institution, Family Guy has aired for more than 20 years, spawning everything from video games to spin off shows to Primetime Emmys and Annies (an accolade created by the International; Animated Film Association).
Whilst some episodes are just plain stupid (and let’s admit can be rather crude), Family Guy is a show that people either love to hate, or just purely love for the laughter it gives.
So without further adieu we’ve ranked our top five fave all time Family Guy episodes from the over 400 episodes that have been released so far….
The Simpsons Guy (Season 13, Episode 1)
The animation crossover event of the century.
(IMAGE: Family Guy)Like its title suggests, this episode features a crossover with the only animated show to surpass Family Guy in run time – The Simpsons.
Dubbed a ”once in a generation” tv event, this episode was genuinely sweet, truly gross and thoughtfully executed. Across its 44 minute run time, the Simpsons and the Griffins meet for the first time and as you can guess, hilarity ensues.
Oh, and Stewie and Bart team up and then battle it out for the title of ultimate prankster/evil mastermind (spoiler alert: Stewie takes the cake with this one).
Even for non Family Guy fans, this is an episode that truly does occupy a rarefied state in animation history and in our hearts.
PTV (Season 4, Episode 14)
This episode secured show a number of awards.
(IMAGE: Family Guy)We couldn’t make this list without including PTV!
Winning the show a Primetime Emmy and Annie Award (yes, this is THAT episode), PTV aired in 2005, and has remained entrenched in our memories ever since.
In a brief summary of the plot, Peter creates his own TV Network in response to censoring concerns (it’s not that deep we promise), broadcasting his own original programming. As the channel grows, Brian and Stewie come on board to produce originals for the network with dire results.
This is a well thought out satire that is pure genius, and an episode that will be sure to put a smile on your dial no matter the occassion.
And Then There Were Fewer (Season 9, Episode 1)
Murder mystery fans, this one is for you!
(IMAGE: Family Guy)Forget the comedy, forget the crudeness and experience what has been referred to as ”animation artistry.”
Paying homage to the beloved 80s film Clue and the murder mystery genre, this episode features plot twists that would make Agatha Christie herself proud.
What we love especially about this episode is how the writers prove that Family Guy is more than just a sex joke or fart gag, and can, when up to the challenge, deliver a considered (but still hilarious) story.
It also features guest performances by the likes of Drew Barrymore, Patrick Stewart and Ashley Tisdale and was the first Family Guy episode to air in 16:9 and high definition to better portray its gorgeous Art Deco visuals.
Back to the Pilot (Season 10, Episode 5)
Seeing double!
(IMAGE: Family Guy)We are seeing double!
Celebrating ten seasons of mischief and all round chaos, this episode commences with the revelation that the entire series may be based on Stewie’s early memories, at least that’s how it starts.
Following this shock discovery, this colourful cast of characters heads back in time where they meet their past selves and try avoid the apocalypse and a civil war with their counterparts.
In the end though, this episode is an ode to the early days of the show, and the very worn (but well) travelled road the characters have traversed across to get to where they are today.
It also warns against the dangers of time travel (but you should already know that, right?)
Road to the Multiverse (Season 8, Episode 1)
This is tripping us out!
(IMAGE: Family Guy)This episode isn’t ranked number one on IMDB for no reason.
Jam packed with clever (and always crude) gags, what-ifs, and a high tech, loony land of the future to come, Road to the Multiverse is gross and hilarious, encapsulating the essence of Family Guy in every sense.
Without too many spoilers, Stewie and Brian travel through a number of parallel universes, and hilarity ensues.
Stream all seasons of Family Guy on Disney Plus in Australia today.
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