Family Guy made its debut over 25 years ago, and from the start, it stood out as a unique animated sitcom with rapid-fire jokes, dark humor, and pop culture references. While The Simpsons was a clear inspiration, creator Seth MacFarlane blended classic 80s television and movie influences to create something fresh.
The first season of Family Guy was relatively short, consisting of just seven episodes, but it delivered some of the funniest and most memorable moments in the show’s history. From Peter’s ridiculous schemes to Stewie’s maniacal genius, the early days of the series set the foundation for what would become one of the longest-running animated comedies.
Here’s a closer look at the five best episodes from Family Guy Season 1 and why they still hold up today.
1. “The Son Also Draws” (Episode 6)
This episode focuses on Chris Griffin, who is usually overshadowed by the rest of the family. Chris gets kicked out of the Boy Scouts, leading Peter to go on a desperate mission to get him reinstated. However, the real heart of the episode lies in Chris’ passion for drawing, which Peter dismisses as a waste of time.
As they travel through the woods, the episode takes a surreal turn with a Native American vision quest, reinforcing the show’s early tendency to mix absurdity with heartfelt moments. The ending delivers a humorous but poignant message about letting kids follow their own paths. While some jokes may not have aged well, the episode remains a solid entry for highlighting Chris and his dynamic with Peter.
Key Highlights:
- Chris’ struggle for self-expression.
- Peter’s over-the-top approach to fatherhood.
- A bizarre but hilarious vision quest sequence.
2. “Chitty Chitty Death Bang” (Episode 3)
This episode is one of the darkest yet funniest in Family Guy’s first season. What starts as a simple plot about Peter forgetting to book a Chuck E. Cheese-style venue for Stewie’s first birthday quickly escalates into something much wilder.
As Peter scrambles to fix his mistake, Meg unknowingly gets involved with a death cult. The absurdity reaches its peak when Stewie, believing the cult leader is out to control his mind, eliminates him in a way only Stewie can.
This episode showcases Family Guy’s willingness to push boundaries, blending dark humor with sharp satire. It’s also one of the earliest instances of Stewie proving that, despite being a baby, he’s far more intelligent (and dangerous) than anyone realizes.
Key Highlights:
- Peter’s failure to organize Stewie’s birthday.
- Meg’s near-involvement in a death cult.
- Stewie’s first on-screen act of violence.
3. “Mind Over Murder” (Episode 4)
This episode stands out because it marks Family Guy’s first-ever use of time travel—a concept that would become a staple of later seasons.
After punching a woman he mistakenly thought was a man, Peter is placed under house arrest. To cope with his confinement, he turns the basement into a speakeasy-style bar, which quickly becomes the hottest spot in Quahog. Meanwhile, Lois gets caught up in the excitement of performing for Peter’s customers, leading to tension in their marriage.
The episode offers an early look at Peter and Lois’ dynamic, showing how they navigate their relationship amid Peter’s reckless decisions. The time travel gag at the end is a clever twist, hinting at the show’s future use of sci-fi elements.
Key Highlights:
- The introduction of Family Guy’s time travel humor.
- Peter’s disastrous attempts to run a bar.
- Lois’ unexpected turn as a lounge singer.
4. “Death Has a Shadow” (Episode 1)
The very first episode of Family Guy is still one of its best. It wastes no time establishing the show’s signature humor, packed with quick jokes, cutaway gags, and over-the-top situations.
The episode follows Peter as he loses his job, goes on welfare, and unintentionally scams the government into paying him excessive amounts of money. His newfound riches lead to chaos, including one of the show’s most iconic gags—an over-the-top courtroom scene featuring the Kool-Aid Man bursting through the wall with his signature “Oh Yeah!”
Beyond the humor, the episode effectively introduces the Griffin family and sets the tone for the series. Peter’s reckless behavior, Lois’ role as the voice of reason, Brian’s sarcastic wit, Stewie’s evil genius, and Meg’s struggle for attention are all showcased brilliantly.
Key Highlights:
- One of the best pilot episodes in animation history.
- Peter’s welfare scam spiraling out of control.
- The legendary Kool-Aid Man gag.
5. “Brian: Portrait of a Dog” (Episode 7)
The season finale focuses on Brian, highlighting his unique place in the family. While the show often treats him like just another Griffin, this episode explores the reality of his situation—he’s still a dog in a human world.
Brian gets arrested for biting someone, leading to a trial that questions his rights as a sentient being. It’s one of the more emotionally driven episodes of the season, emphasizing his close bond with Peter. The final scene, where Peter and Brian reconcile, adds rare heartwarming depth to the show.
This episode also marks the beginning of Brian’s evolution from just the family pet to a fully realized character with his own struggles and aspirations.
Key Highlights:
- A deeper look into Brian’s character.
- Commentary on animal rights disguised as comedy.
- One of the most emotional moments in early Family Guy.
Final Thoughts
While Family Guy’s first season was short, it laid the groundwork for the show’s future success. It introduced audiences to the Griffin family, delivered some of the most memorable jokes, and set the stage for the series’ signature mix of absurdity and satire.
Each of these five episodes stands out for its humor, storytelling, and character development. Whether you’re revisiting Season 1 or watching it for the first time, these episodes are must-sees for any Family Guy fan.
What’s your favorite episode from Family Guy Season 1? Let us know in the comments!
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