The 15 Best Family Guy Episodes

Family Guy, the brainchild of Seth MacFarlane, has been a staple of animated comedy since it first aired in 1999. Known for its sharp wit, satirical humor, and endless pop culture references, the show has produced countless memorable episodes. Here’s a look at some of the best episodes that have defined the show over the years.

15. Stewie Loves Lois

Season 5, Episode 1 (2006)

"Stewie Loves Lois" flips the script on Stewie's usual antagonistic relationship with his mother, Lois. After she saves his beloved teddy bear, Rupert, Stewie becomes uncharacteristically affectionate towards her. Meanwhile, Peter accuses a doctor of sexual harassment after receiving a prostate exam. Both storylines deliver, and the episode balances them well.

Memorable quote:
"Lois! Lois! Lois! Lois! Lois! Mom! Mom! Mom! Mommy! Mommy! Mommy! Mama! Mama! Mama! Ma! Ma! Ma! Ma! Mum! Mum! Mum! Mum! Mummy! Mummy! Mumma! Mumma! Mumma!" - Stewie
"WHAT!" - Lois
"Hi." - Stewie

14. The Simpsons Guy

Season 13, Episode 1 (2014)

"The Simpsons Guy" is a crossover event between Family Guy and The Simpsons, bringing together two of the most iconic animated families in television history. In this extended-length episode, the Griffins find themselves in Springfield, where they meet the Simpsons. The episode is packed with meta-humor, references to both shows, and a memorable showdown between Peter and Homer. It's a celebration of two shows that have defined animated television for decades.

Memorable quote: "What? Gosh, it's not like the internet to go crazy about something small and stupid." - Peter

13. Da Boom

Season 2, Episode 3 (1999)

"Da Boom" is a post-apocalyptic episode that imagines the world after Y2K wipes out civilization. The Griffins survive and attempt to rebuild society, leading to a series of bizarre and hilarious events. The episode is notable for introducing the running gag of the Giant Chicken, who engages in an epic fight with Peter. It’s a perfect example of Family Guy’s willingness to embrace the absurd.

Memorable quote: "You said 'nuclear'! It's 'nucular', dummy. The 'S' is silent." - Peter

12. Brian & Stewie

Season 8, Episode 17 (2010)

"Brian & Stewie" is a bottle episode that features just the two characters trapped in a bank vault. What makes this episode stand out is its focus on character development, particularly the deep, often complicated friendship between Brian and Stewie. The episode is more introspective and emotional than most, exploring themes of loneliness, purpose, and the bond between the two characters. It’s a testament to the show’s ability to balance humor with heartfelt moments.

Memorable quote:
[at gunpoint] "I don't want any trouble." - Brian
"There's not gonna be any trouble as long as you eat my poo." - Stewie

11. PTV

Season 4, Episode 14 (2005)

"PTV" is a sharp critique of television censorship, following Peter's decision to start his own TV network after the FCC censors his favorite shows. The episode is full of satire about the absurdity of censorship and features one of the show's most famous musical numbers, "The FCC Song." This episode is loved for its boldness and the way it tackles controversial issues head-on.

Memorable quote: "What?! Now I can't say [BEEP] in my own [BEEP] house?" - Peter

10. Petarded

Season 4, Episode 6 (2005)

After receiving a low score on an IQ test, Peter discovers that he is legally considered intellectually disabled. In "Petarded," we watch as Peter exploits his newfound status, leading to a series of absurd situations, including getting out of jury duty and inadvertently losing custody of his children. The episode is filled with Family Guy's trademark edgy humor, pushing boundaries while satirizing society’s treatment of people with disabilities. It's a classic example of the show’s ability to tackle controversial subjects with a mix of irreverence and wit.

Memorable quote: "Well, excuse me for being retarded!" - Peter

9. I Dream of Jesus

Season 7, Episode 2 (2008)

"I Dream of Jesus" is best known for the viral sensation "Surfin’ Bird," which Peter becomes obsessed with after rediscovering the song. The episode also features Jesus Christ, who returns to Earth and befriends Peter. The blend of absurd humor and religious satire makes this episode a classic, with "Surfin’ Bird" becoming one of the most iconic Family Guy gags.

Memorable quote: "B-b-b-bird, bird, bird, the bird is the word." - Peter

8. Death Is a Bitch

Season 2, Episode 6 (2000)

In "Death Is a Bitch," Peter tries to avoid paying a medical bill by declaring himself dead, which leads to an encounter with Death himself. When Death injures his ankle and is unable to do his job, chaos ensues as no one on Earth can die. The episode introduces the character of Death, voiced by Norm Macdonald, and is filled with dark humor and clever gags. It’s a quintessential Family Guy episode that combines absurdity with satire.

Memorable quote:
"Ew, how did you do that?" - Meg
"Well, let's just say I did some films when I was younger that I'm not particularly proud of." - Death

7. Stewie Kills Lois + Lois Kills Stewie

Season 6, Episodes 4 and 5 (2007)

This two-part saga is a must-watch for any Family Guy fan. The storyline follows Stewie as he finally follows through on his long-running desire to kill Lois, leading to an epic showdown. The episodes are filled with action, drama, and the show’s trademark humor. They also play with the audience’s expectations, delivering twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Memorable quote: "This is it, Brian. My plans for world domination are about to come to fruition." - Stewie

6. Yug Ylimaf

Season 11, Episode 4 (2012)

In "Yug Ylimaf" (which is "Family Guy" spelled backward), Brian accidentally reverses the flow of time after tampering with Stewie's time machine. The episode is told in reverse, starting with the end and working backward to the beginning. This unique narrative structure allows for clever jokes and gags that play with the concept of time. The concept is executed brilliantly, with the episode gradually unraveling the plot in reverse order. "Yug Ylimaf" is a standout for its creativity and the way it challenges the traditional storytelling format.

Memorable quote: "Come on math, you dick." - Brian

5. Meet The Quagmires

Season 5, Episode 18 (2007)

In "Meet The Quagmires," Death grants Peter his wish to go back in time and relive his bachelor days. However, when he alters the past by not marrying Lois, he returns to a present where Quagmire is married to her instead. The episode is a fun homage to Back to the Future and explores the "what if" scenario of Peter's life without Lois. It’s filled with pop culture references and time-travel hijinks, making it a fan favorite.

Memorable quote: "It's ok. It's just my penis." - Quagmire

4. Blue Harvest

Season 6, Episode 1 (2007)

A long time ago, but somehow in the future... it is a period of civil war and renegade paragraphs floating through space. "Blue Harvest" is Family Guy's parody of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. The extended-length episode is a love letter to Star Wars, packed with references and jokes that both honor and poke fun at the original trilogy. With Peter as Han Solo, Lois as Princess Leia, and Stewie as Darth Vader, the episode blends Family Guy's signature humor with the epic scale of Star Wars.

Memorable quote:
"Aren't you a little fat to be a stormtrooper?" - Lois as Princess Leia
"Well, stay here and rot, you stuck-up bitch!" - Chris as Luke Skywalker

3. And Then There Were Fewer

Season 9, Episode 1 (2010)

In a departure from the usual format, "And Then There Were Fewer" is a murder mystery episode that parodies Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. The Griffins and other Quahog residents are invited to a remote mansion, where they are picked off one by one. The episode is notable for its darker tone and the fact that it features the permanent death of several recurring characters. The dramatic shift in style and the tension-filled plot make it one of the most unique episodes in the series.

Memorable quote:
"Meow meow meow, meow meow meow meow?" - Jillian Russell
"We don't all talk like that. I happen to be a professor." - Talking Cat

2. Back to the Pilot

Season 10, Episode 5 (2011)

In "Back to the Pilot," Brian and Stewie travel back in time to the very first episode of Family Guy. The episode is a nostalgic trip for long-time fans, filled with meta-humor and self-referential jokes about how the show has evolved over the years. It’s a clever exploration of the show’s history and a celebration of its enduring legacy.

Memorable quote: "GET THE FUCK BACK IN YOUR TIME MACHINE!" - Stewie

1. Road to the Multiverse

Season 8, Episode 1 (2009)

One of the most creative episodes of Family Guy, "Road to the Multiverse" takes Brian and Stewie on a journey through various parallel universes. Each universe has its own unique twist, such as a Disney-inspired world and a world where humans are pets to dogs. The episode showcases the show's willingness to experiment with different animation styles and narrative formats, making it a standout in the series.

Memorable quote: "Oh yeah, I forgot. This is a Disney universe." - Stewie

As Family Guy continues to push boundaries and entertain audiences, these episodes stand out as some of its best work. Even so, they still only represent just a slice of what the show has to offer. If you can’t decide which episode to watch, try letting our Family Guy random episode generator pick one for you. And if you enjoyed our list of the best Family Guy episodes, check out our list of the best South Park episodes too.