8 Best Family Guy Episodes, Ranked

The best there is. The best there was. The best there ever will be? Is Family Guy one of the best endearing animated sitcoms to grace our TV screens? Or has it just been desecrating it?

Since its genesis in 1999, Seth McFarlane‘s hit animated comedy series has aired over 400 episodes. The ever-irreverent Family Guy remains one of the most popular and controversial TV shows of the 21st century. With 21 seasons under its belt, the Griffin family continues to deliver controversial jokes and hilarious cutaway gags in every episode. Although the TV show might have recently lost its way with its barren run, the Family Guy episodes stand out for their memorable characters, irreverent humor, clever and unique storyline, and some raunchy moments.

Family Guy tells the story of a whacky and dysfunctional Griffin family residing in the small suburban town of Quahog in Rhode Island. Staunchly led by the stalwart Peter, along with his stay-at-home dissenting wife Lois, two awkward teenagers, Meg and Lois, and lastly, perhaps the heart of every episode throughout the seasons, a duo of talking dog and bay, Brian and Stewie, brings depth to the comedic show.

After surviving numerous controversies, getting canceled in 2002, and returning in 2004, Family Guy episodes have been on air since then. Family Guy has become an institution of American comedy and an iconic TV show of the 21st century, so here is our guide to the best episodes of Family Guy, ranked from season 1 to season 8.

The best-rated episodes include parodies, time travel, witty jokes, and quirky statements; these top-rated episodes are indeed in a league of their own.

“Death Has a Shadow” (Season 1, Episode 1)

The first episode premiered in 1999 and introduced Peter Griffin to the audience for the first time. Due to his childish antics, Peter ends up losing his job at the toy factory after casually falling asleep during his shift. The company gained traction from bad press due to dangerous goods falling into their toys. Being the titular head of the family, to provide for them, Peter goes on welfare but messes up big time as he starts to spend his money on extravagant things such as the statue of David. The episodes gained thousands of fans’ traction and promised a fun-filled adventure and wild ride.

“Death Is a Bitch” (Season 2, Episode 6)

The personification of death is never easy, especially when it comes to animated visuals; however, this particular episode caught the eye of the audience as it featured the Grim Reaper for the first time. To get away from the hospital bills, Peter fakes his death and escapes the hospital without knowing that he is followed by the Grim Reaper and waiting at his doorstep. Death is not too kind to Peter, and he embarks on a chase in an attempt to claim Peter’s soul before breaking his leg in the process. Mayhem is predictably approaching as Peter takes the form of the Grim Reaper.

“To Love and Die in Dixie” (Season 3, Episode 12)

The twelfth episode of the season could make anyone laugh. After Chris witnesses a crime, the Griffin family has to relocate to the American South as they are forced to enter witness protection. The Griffin family has a hard time adjusting to the neighborhood. The episode is filled with rapid-fire jokes encapsulating the argument regarding the victory in the Civil War and Chris getting confused due to his mixed feelings for his new friend, Sam. This episode is considered very integral as the character and storyline gradually evolve.

“Patriot Games” (Season 4, Episode 20)

Before we start, this episode is considered one of the best and will always deserve a place amongst the funniest episodes, introducing the iconic scene and phrase of Stewie while assaulting Brian, “Where’s my money?” still being repeated today. At a high school reunion, Peter meets Tom Brady and is recruited for the New England Patriots. Too much showboating causes him to be transferred to a team in England. \

“Meet the Quagmires” (Season 5, Episode 18)

The penultimate episode of season 5 is Meet the Quagmires, based on the time travel theme. Like always, when you travel back in time, you are likely to screw things up, and this is precisely what Peter did in this episode. Just to experience his single lifestyle, Peter finds himself married to Molly Ringwald, whereas his wife is married to the ever-inappropriate Quagmire. Later, Peter realizes that he doesn’t want to live this kind of life and goes back to his part to set things right and straight, although it takes several attempts. This episode is hilariously funny and full of 80s references.

“Stewie Kills Lois” and “Lois Kills Stewie” (Season 6, Episode 4, and Episode 5)

This episode showcases Stewie’s uncontrollable obsession to kill Lois. The psychopathic baby ends up shooting and killing Lois, unraveling a series of events that make everyone think Peter was the one who killed Lois in an attempt to claim insurance money.

Moving forward, “Lois Kills Stewie” is the second part of season 6 of the previous episode. In the second part of the episode, Lois surprisingly announces that she is alive, and Stewie is the one who attempts to kill her. In return, Lois sets out with the intention of killing Stewie. The fans have praised the top-rated episode due to adding a new dimension to the character development of Stewie.

“Three Kings” (Season 7, Episode 15)

One of those episodes that simply cannot be ignored. The fifteenth episode is labeled as one of the best parodies ever. Poking fun and simultaneously paying respect, this episode satirizes three of Stephen King’s stories: Stand By Me, Misery, and The Shawshank Redemption, with a Family Guy cast showcasing the iconic character. This episode also had high-profile cameos by Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider. It is rumored that Stephen King praised the episode, which indicates a remarkable comedy. Also, Three Kings was the final episode in hand-drawn animation, signaling the end of an era.

“Road to the Multiverse” (Season 8, Episode 1)

Before Marvel and DCEU, the Family Guy had already executed the multiverse concept. This episode illustrated the best parts of Stewie and Brian’s relationship: traveling to a variety of alternative universes with the help of his remote. The episode was filled with fun as Stewie and Brian went on to explore hilarious Disney versions of themselves. This particular episode also won the Emmy, and it is not too hard to see why.

Looking Forward to the Past

The show might have lost its glory days behind it, but there’s this unique element and charm to this show that will never be forgotten. You might not want to continue with the recent seasons. Still, you can watch some of the iconic and top-rated best Family Guy episodes that will awaken your nostalgia.