History WesternAnimation / FamilyGuy

''Family Guy'' is an AnimatedSitcom created by Creator/SethMacFarlane about a [[DysfunctionalFamily dysfunctional New England family]], the Griffins -- slow-witted blue-collar jerk Peter, who is basically a crueler, more imbecilic, and often more cheerful [[Series/MarriedWithChildren Al Bundy]]; smart and efficient (but neglectful and wild) HouseWife Lois; insecure daughter Meg; moronic son Chris; martini-sipping intellectual and incredibly pretentious dog Brian; and laser-toting megalomaniac baby Stewie.

-> ''"It seems today that all you see is violence in movies and sex on TV''\\

''Lucky there's a man who positively can do all the things that make us'' \\

''Family Guy'' is an AnimatedSitcom created by Creator/SethMacFarlane about a [[DysfunctionalFamily dysfunctional New England family]]. It presents the viewer with six main characters in the Griffin family--slow-witted blue-collar jerk Peter, who is basically a crueler, more imbecilic, and often more cheerful [[Series/MarriedWithChildren Al Bundy]]; smart and efficient (but neglectful and wild) HouseWife Lois; insecure daughter Meg; moronic son Chris; martini-sipping intellectual and incredibly pretentious dog Brian; and laser-toting megalomaniac baby Stewie.

The show made history for American network television for being {{uncanceled}} -- twice. Creator/{{Fox}} announced the show's cancellation after its second season in 2000. The show was resurrected not long after, but ratings suffered as its [[ScrewedByTheNetwork time slot changed constantly and it competed against the ratings-behemoths of]] ''Series/{{Survivor}}'' on Creator/{{CBS}} and ''Series/{{Friends}}'' on Creator/{{NBC}}. After the third season in 2002, Fox cancelled the show "for good". But in 2005, the show was resurrected yet again, due to popular demand, impressive ratings for the reruns on Creator/AdultSwim, and unusually successful DVD-set sales. ''Family Guy'' became one of the network's most successful franchises, promoted by the suits with the same fervor given to ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'' as well as ''Series/AmericanIdol'' and ''Series/TwentyFour'' in their heydays. This made Seth [=MacFarlane=] ''the'' highest paid Hollywood writer for a few years after its second revamp - it allowed him to produce the SpinOff series ''WesternAnimation/AmericanDad'' (which was actually made to replace ''Family Guy'') and ''WesternAnimation/TheClevelandShow'', both under the same studio, along with the ''Franchise/StarWars'' spoof ''WesternAnimation/FamilyGuyPresentsLaughItUpFuzzball''.

There are currently four video games based on the series. First was the ''Family Guy Video Game!'' for UsefulNotes/PlayStation2, UsefulNotes/{{Xbox}}, and UsefulNotes/PlayStationPortable. Next came ''Family Guy Online'', a browser-based MMORPG which ran from April 2012 to January 2013. The third is ''VideoGame/FamilyGuyBackToTheMultiverse'' for UsefulNotes/PlayStation3, UsefulNotes/{{Xbox 360}}, and PC. The fourth is a village simulator alike ''Videogame/TheSimpsonsTappedOut'' and ''VideoGame/{{My Little Pony|Gameloft}}'' called ''Family Guy: The Quest for Stuff'' for iOS and Android. A LicensedPinballTable was released by Creator/SternPinball in 2007; [[Pinball/FamilyGuy click here for details]].

The show made history for American network television for being {{uncanceled}} -- twice. Creator/{{Fox}} announced the show's cancellation after its second season in 2000. The show was resurrected not long after, but ratings suffered as its [[ScrewedByTheNetwork time slot changed constantly and it competed against the ratings-behemoths of]] ''Series/{{Survivor}}'' on Creator/{{CBS}} and ''Series/{{Friends}}'' on Creator/{{NBC}}. After the third season in 2002, Fox cancelled the show "for good". But in 2005, the show was resurrected yet again, due to popular demand, impressive ratings for the reruns on Creator/AdultSwim, and unusually successful DVD-set sales. ''Family Guy'' became one of the network's most successful franchises, promoted by the suits with the same fervor given to ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'' as well as ''Series/AmericanIdol'' and ''Series/TwentyFour'' in their heydays. This made Seth [=MacFarlane=] ''the'' highest paid Hollywood writer for a few years after its second revamp - it allowed him to produce the SpinOff series ''WesternAnimation/TheClevelandShow'', and ''WesternAnimation/AmericanDad'' (the latter was actually made to replace ''Family Guy''), both under the same studio, along with the ''Franchise/StarWars'' spoof ''WesternAnimation/FamilyGuyPresentsLaughItUpFuzzball''.

** [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome/FamilyGuy Surprisingly Realistic Outcome]]

''He's...a...Faamily...Guuuuuuy!"''

''He's a Family Guy!"''

Chaotic and somewhat out of the ordinary, the show is notorious for its {{Cutaway Gag}}s, [[NoFourthWall refusal to even humor the concept of a fourth wall]], as well as targeting literally every subject under the sun and being willing to go out of its way to offend. In later seasons, the randomness increased and character dynamics shifted, with Stewie becoming less of a mad conqueror and more of a showman with homicidal, homosexual, and/or violent tendencies; Meg becoming a ButtMonkey; Lois becoming much less of a good housewife; and Brian becoming more and more of a pompous loser. The animation style became stiffer, and the show as a whole became [[DarkerAndEdgier far darker and more mean-spirited]].

** [[BrokenAesop/FamilyGuy Broken Aesop]]

** [[HomoeroticSubtext/FamilyGuy Homoerotic Subtext]]

** [[BrokenAesop/FamilyGuy Broken Aesop]]

Chaotic and somewhat out of the ordinary, the show is notorious for its {{Cutaway Gag}}s, [[NoFourthWall refusal to even humor the concept of a fourth wall]], as well as targeting literally every subject under the sun and being willing to go out of its way to offend. Depending on who you ask, it's either sloppy, unstructured and tasteless, or unorthodox and acceptably simple entertainment. With later seasons, the randomness increased and character dynamics shifted, with Stewie becoming less of a mad conqueror and more of a showman with homicidal, homosexual, and/or violent tendencies, Meg becoming a ButtMonkey (supposedly because the writers found her boring, but [[StatusQuoIsGod didn't want to write her off the show]]), Lois becoming much less of a good housewife, and Brian becoming more and more of a pompous loser. The animation style became stiffer, and the show as a whole became [[DarkerAndEdgier far darker and more mean-spirited]]. It's drawn flak for this, but its fanbase is as loyal as any other, and like ''WesternAnimation/SouthPark'', it's up to the viewer to decide which version is better.

The show made history for American network television for being {{uncanceled}} -- twice. Creator/{{Fox}} announced the show's cancellation after its second season in 2000. The show was resurrected not long after, but ratings suffered as its [[ScrewedByTheNetwork time slot changed constantly and it competed against the ratings-behemoths of]] ''Series/{{Survivor}}'' on Creator/{{CBS}} and ''Series/{{Friends}}'' on Creator/{{NBC}}. After the third season in 2002, Fox cancelled the show "for good". But in 2005, the show was resurrected yet again, due to popular demand, impressive ratings for the reruns on Creator/AdultSwim, and unusually successful DVD-set sales. ''Family Guy'' is now one of the network's most successful franchises, promoted by the suits with the same fervor given to ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'' as well as ''Series/AmericanIdol'' and ''Series/TwentyFour'' in their heydays. This made Seth [=MacFarlane=] ''the'' highest paid Hollywood writer for a few years after its second revamp - it allowed him to produce the SpinOff series ''WesternAnimation/TheClevelandShow'', and ''WesternAnimation/AmericanDad'' (the latter was actually made to replace ''Family Guy''), both under the same studio, along with the ''Franchise/StarWars'' spoof ''WesternAnimation/FamilyGuyPresentsLaughItUpFuzzball''.

As a final point, it's worth remembering [=MacFarlane=] is not as heavily involved in the writing of more recent episodes as you might think. While he's still an executive producer, and thus can veto scripts, chances are [[{{Misblamed}} he's not the one you should aim all bile at]] when it comes to specific gags, aesops, and messages in the plotlines (though he's not completely innocent, due to said ability to veto scripts).

''Family Guy'' is an AnimatedSitcom created by Creator/SethMacFarlane about a [[DysfunctionalFamily dysfunctional New England family]] who... well, that's about it really. It presents us with four main characters in the Griffin family--slow-witted blue-collar jerk Peter, who is basically a crueler, more imbecilic, and often more cheerful [[Series/MarriedWithChildren Al Bundy]]; smart and efficient (but neglectful and wild) HouseWife Lois; insecure daughter Meg; and good-hearted but moronic son Chris--and puts them through a series of adventures usually sparked by Peter's selfishness and/or idiocy. In addition to these somewhat cookie-cutter characters are Brian, the martini-sipping intellectual and incredibly pretentious dog, and Stewie, the laser-toting megalomaniac baby, although they've gotten much more screen time in recent seasons.

** [[BitingTheHandHumor/FoxAnimatedShows Biting-the-Hand Humor]][[note]]Also includes examples from some other {{Creator/Fox}} animated series.[[/note]]

** [[ShoutOut/FamilyGuy Shout-Out]]

As a final point, it's worth remembering [=MacFarlane=] is not as heavily involved in the writing of more recent episodes as you might think. While he's still an executive producer, and thus can veto scripts, chances are [[ScapegoatCreator he's not the one you should aim bile at]] when it comes to specific gags, aesops and messages in the plotlines (though he's not completely innocent, either, due to said ability to veto scripts).

The show made history for American network television for being {{uncanceled}} -- twice. Creator/{{Fox}} announced the show's cancellation after its second season in 2000. The show was resurrected not long after, but ratings suffered as its [[ScrewedByTheNetwork time slot changed constantly and it competed against the ratings-behemoths of]] ''Series/{{Survivor}}'' on Creator/{{CBS}} and ''Series/{{Friends}}'' on Creator/{{NBC}}. After the third season in 2002, Fox cancelled the show "for good". But in 2005, the show was resurrected ''yet again'', due to popular demand, impressive ratings for the reruns on Creator/AdultSwim, and unusually successful DVD-set sales. ''Family Guy'' is now one of the network's most successful franchises, promoted by the suits with the same fervor given to ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'' as well as ''Series/AmericanIdol'' and ''Series/TwentyFour'' in their heydays. This made Seth [=MacFarlane=] ''the'' highest paid Hollywood writer for a few years after its second revamp - it allowed him to produce the SpinOff series ''WesternAnimation/TheClevelandShow'', and ''WesternAnimation/AmericanDad'' (the latter was actually made to replace ''Family Guy''), both under the same studio, along with the ''Franchise/StarWars'' spoof ''WesternAnimation/FamilyGuyPresentsLaughItUpFuzzball''.

The show made history for American network television for being {{uncanceled}} -- twice. Creator/{{Fox}} announced the show's cancellation after its second season in 2000. The show was resurrected not long after, but ratings suffered as its [[ScrewedByTheNetwork time slot changed constantly and it competed against the ratings-behemoths of]] ''Series/{{Survivor}}'' on Creator/{{CBS}} and ''Series/{{Friends}}'' on Creator/{{NBC}}. After the third season in 2002, Fox cancelled the show "for good". But in 2005, the show was resurrected yet again, due to popular demand, impressive ratings for the reruns on Creator/AdultSwim, and unusually successful DVD-set sales. ''Family Guy'' is now one of the network's most successful franchises, promoted by the suits with the same fervor given to ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'' as well as ''Series/AmericanIdol'' and ''Series/TwentyFour'' in their heydays. This made Seth [=MacFarlane=] ''the'' highest paid Hollywood writer for a few years after its second revamp - it allowed him to produce the SpinOff series ''WesternAnimation/TheClevelandShow'', and ''WesternAnimation/AmericanDad'' (the latter was actually made to replace ''Family Guy''), both under the same studio, along with the ''Franchise/StarWars'' spoof ''WesternAnimation/FamilyGuyPresentsLaughItUpFuzzball''.

Chaotic and somewhat out of the ordinary, the show is notorious for its {{Cutaway Gag}}s, [[NoFourthWall refusal to even humor the concept of a fourth wall]], as well as targeting literally every subject under the sun and being willing to go out of its way to offend. Depending on who you ask, it's either sloppy, unstructured and tasteless, or unorthodox and acceptably simple entertainment. With later seasons, the randomness increased and character dynamics shifted, with Stewie becoming less of a mad conqueror and more of a showman with homicidal, homosexual, and/or violent tendencies, Meg becoming a ButtMonkey (supposedly because the writers found her boring, but [[StatusQuoIsGod didn't want to write her off the show]]), Lois becoming much less of a good housewife, and Brian becoming more and more of a pompous loser. The animation style became stiffer, and the show as a whole became [[DarkerandEdgier far darker and mean-spirited]]. It's drawn flak for this, but its fanbase is as loyal as any other, and like ''WesternAnimation/SouthPark'', it's up to the viewer to decide which version is better.

''This is worse than that time I had to make a TV Tropes page!''

!!Tropes found in the series:

''Family Guy'' is an AnimatedSeries created by Creator/SethMacFarlane about a [[DysfunctionalFamily dysfunctional New England family]] who... well, that's about it really. It presents us with four main characters in the Griffin family--slow-witted blue-collar jerk Peter, who is basically a crueler, more imbecilic, and often more cheerful [[Series/MarriedWithChildren Al Bundy]]; smart and efficient (but neglectful and wild) HouseWife Lois; insecure daughter Meg; and good-hearted but moronic son Chris--and puts them through a series of adventures usually sparked by Peter's selfishness and/or idiocy. In addition to these somewhat cookie-cutter characters are Brian, the martini-sipping intellectual and incredibly pretentious dog, and Stewie, the laser-toting megalomaniac baby, although they've gotten much more screen time in recent seasons.

Chaotic and somewhat out of the ordinary, the show is notorious for its {{Cutaway Gag}}s, as well as targeting literally every subject under the sun and being willing to go out of its way to offend. Depending on who you ask, it's either sloppy, unstructured and tasteless, or unorthodox and acceptably simple entertainment. With later seasons, the randomness increased and character dynamics shifted, with Stewie becoming less of a mad conqueror and more of a showman with homicidal, homosexual, and/or violent tendencies, Meg becoming a ButtMonkey (supposedly because the writers found her boring, but [[StatusQuoIsGod didn't want to write her off the show]]), Lois becoming much less of a good housewife, and Brian becoming more and more of a pompous loser. The animation style became stiffer, and the show as a whole became [[DarkerandEdgier far darker and mean-spirited]]. It's drawn flak for this, but its fanbase is as loyal as any other, and like ''WesternAnimation/SouthPark'', it's up to the viewer to decide which version is better.