After twelve years on TBS, American Dad! is back on Fox, and the new season is starting strong with the return of some familiar faces who haven’t been seen in years. The show feels refreshed with its move back to Fox, offering a new chapter for longtime fans of the animated series. It had developed a different vibe while on TBS, but returning to Fox seems to be a positive change.
Season 20 of American Dad! is a good way to jump back into the show, especially if you missed some episodes when it aired on TBS. The season shakes things up by bringing back two familiar characters: Francine’s sister, Gwen, after a 12-year absence (with a new voice actor), and Steve’s ex-girlfriend, Debbie, who hasn’t been prominently featured in 17 years.
American Dad Brings Back Francine’s Sister After 12 Years With a Twist
The new season of American Dad! starts with Francine reconnecting with her sister, Gwen, after a long time – they haven’t seen each other since Gwen went to jail in a previous episode. Gwen is now eight months pregnant and surprisingly doesn’t hold a grudge against Francine for her past imprisonment, despite once promising revenge. Interestingly, Gwen looks different and is now voiced by a new actress.
Uma Thurman originally voiced Gwen, but Ming-Na Wen now takes on the role, starting with the Season 20 premiere. Producers hint that Gwen will be featured more prominently, and her updated character is expected to create new storylines for Francine. Similarly, Steve’s former girlfriend, Debbie, returns in the same episode, as the Smiths throw a pool party.
Debbie Returns to American Dad After 17 Years
Debbie’s return is more significant than Gwen’s. Although we’ve occasionally seen Debbie in the background over the years, she hasn’t been a major part of an American Dad! storyline since the 2009 episode “Bar Mitzvah Hustle,” where she and Steve broke up. Now, in the latest episode, Steve is trying to rekindle their relationship.
Steve and Debbie quickly fall back into their familiar dynamic – Steve acting silly and Debbie getting annoyed – but this time, it feels different for Steve. It hints at a new direction for his character, potentially leading to storylines reminiscent of the show’s early seasons, and leaves viewers wondering what he’ll do next.
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2026-02-24 23:11