5 Must-Watch Family Guy Episodes

25 years ago, Family Guy made a powerful debut, and its inaugural season showcased some of the most exceptional episodes to launch any animated series. Family Guy stood out distinctively for Fox. It was given a unique post-Super Bowl time slot for its debut, setting the Seth McFarlane animated series apart from other animated sitcoms at the time. Although the series bore some resemblance to The Simpsons in certain aspects, it drew more inspiration from classic 80s television and films. The first season openly displayed these influences.

As a bystander, I’d say that the debut season of Family Guy was the most compact among its animated counterparts, introducing us to Peter Griffin – a father who, though perhaps not the sharpest tool in the shed in certain aspects, consistently strived to bring joy to his loved ones. What truly set Peter apart at the outset was the extreme nature of some of his ideas, which eventually became one of the key factors that kept fans hooked for years. However, despite its brevity, this initial season is still packed with some truly entertaining episodes that are worth checking out.

The Son Also Draws, Season 1 Episode 6

Titled “The Son Also Draws,” this episode, while not as timelessly charming as some others, retains an endearing quality that sets it apart. This was the installment where viewers first got to know Peter’s son, Chris, and his unique relationship with his father. In this episode, Peter attempts to mold Chris into a life he desires, but Chris has other plans – he wishes to pursue his artistic passion. A surprising adventure ensues, as they embark on an impromptu spiritual journey through the woods, seeking a deeper understanding of each other. The finale may have aged poorly due to its series of jokes, but it remains an enjoyable rewatch for fans.

Chitty Chitty Death Bang, Season 1 Episode 3

This episode of “Chitty Chitty Death Bang” left a significant impact due to its dark and unexpected turn early on. Initially, Peter failed to find a Chuck-e-Cheese type restaurant for Stewie’s birthday as requested by Lois, leading to a series of events where Peter inadvertently rescued Meg from a cult’s grasp. This episode is notable for some of the most iconic humor from the first season (such as the “giant piñata”), but it also features Stewie directly killing a cult leader. Upon reflection, it’s astonishing to consider how such an imaginative and unconventional episode was able to be produced during its initial release.

Mind Over Murder, Season 1 Episode 4

In an unprecedented move for the series ‘Family Guy’, the episode titled ‘Mind Over Murder’ marked the initial usage of time travel. This theme would recur throughout subsequent seasons. Notably, each installment in the first season delved into various aspects of the Griffin family members, with Lois’s storyline providing a glimpse of her future character development. Peter’s decision to open a bar in his basement may not be an original concept among animated shows, but the outcome was certainly distinctive.

Apart from providing a heartwarming resolution for Peter and Lois’ marriage that underscores its durability, the storyline is also cleverly reimagined using time travel, adding an extra dose of humor. This demonstrates the creative methods the series uses to restore the status quo, and this is just a sneak peek into the numerous surprises awaiting us in the coming years.

Death Has a Shadow, Season 1 Episode 1

Family Guy delivers an almost flawless debut episode. It’s so good that even years later, they revisited it with “Back to the Pilot” and managed to discover fresh ways to emphasize the humor. The jokes come thick and fast, and there is such a dense amount of comedy in these initial 22 minutes that you’re sure to find something instantly appealing. Peter signs up for welfare, the Kool-Aid man makes an appearance, and it establishes its own distinctive comedic tone from the start.

This episode reveals the stark contrast between Peter and Homer Simpson’s characters, as it becomes clear that Peter is more prone to doing questionable things without much thought for the potential repercussions. While the rest of the family gets their moments in the spotlight, this episode primarily focuses on Peter showcasing his unique traits. Remarkably, even with some rough patches, the humor shines through brilliantly.

Brian: Portrait of a Dog, Season 1 Episode 7

However, the standout episode from Family Guy‘s inaugural season is undeniably its finale. The family’s loyal dog, Brian, makes his entrance as Peter’s trusted friend and confidant (at least initially). He serves as a source of wisdom for Peter, guiding him through various predicaments. When the pair have a spat and Brian departs from home, he soon comes to terms with being treated differently than humans despite his cognitive abilities. This episode beautifully illustrates that their friendship transcends the fact that Peter technically owns Brian (a theme revisited in “Forget-Me-Not” at a later date). Essentially, it’s not their human and canine bond that binds them, but rather their deep friendship.

The genuine bond between them as family members is evident, emphasizing that the older-season Brian is significantly different from his later-season counterpart. The concluding scene is particularly touching for both characters, and it’s one of the few heartwarming endings that Family Guy has managed to achieve over the years. It’s considered the best episode from its debut season, marking a new chapter in the history of animated sitcoms as a whole.

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2025-03-19 06:10