Family Guy stands out as one of the longest-running animated series on television, consistently competing with The Simpsons for viewership. The show is renowned for its plethora of enduring jokes, gags, and signature cutaway scenes. Among its many offerings, the episodes that parody real-life fictional works often shine the brightest, showcasing the show’s unique ability to blend humor with cultural commentary.
The Griffin family’s hilarious take on legendary franchises?ranging from the original Star Wars trilogy to contemporary hits like Game of Thrones and Succession, as well as classic literature?ensures that there?s no shortage of laughs. These cleverly crafted episodes provide fans with a perfect opportunity for binge-watching. Here are the top Family Guy parody episodes you won’t want to miss!
Family Guy
- Release Date
- January 31, 1999
- Network
- FOX
20
“Mr. Griffin Goes to Washington”
Season 3, Episode 3 (2001)
In the memorable episode “Mr. Griffin Goes to Washington,” Peter Griffin finds himself entangled in corporate politics when his toy company is acquired by a tobacco corporation. Faced with morally questionable toy designs aimed at marketing cigarettes to children, Peter confronts his new bosses. To silence him, the company elevates Peter to the role of CEO, providing him with numerous perks. However, they soon realize that Peter serves as an ideal puppet to carry out their agenda, ultimately sending him to Washington, D.C. to address Congress regarding a new legislation.
This episode is a clever homage to Frank Capra‘s Mr. Smith Goes to Washington featuring James Stewart, although it takes a comedic twist on the original plot. The narrative explores the theme of manipulation and exploitation by powerful entities over unsuspecting individuals with public personas, making it a sharp commentary on the political landscape while ensuring ample humor.
19
“Meet the Quagmires”
Season 5, Episode 18 (2007)
In the engaging “Meet the Quagmires,” Peter is given a chance to revisit a pivotal day in his past when he and Brian travel back to 1984. This day marks a crucial date with Lois, which Peter ultimately cancels, opting instead to embrace the single life. Upon returning to the present, he discovers that his choice drastically altered his reality?Lois is now married to Quagmire, leading to a whirlwind of comedic consequences.
This episode parodies the beloved 1985 film Back to the Future, featuring iconic moments such as a humorous rendition of Chuck Berry‘s “Johnny B. Goode” transformed into Brian’s cover of Rick Astley‘s “Never Gonna Give You Up.” The episode’s charm lies in its exploration of alternate timelines and the absurdity of what might have been if Lois had chosen Quagmire instead, all while delivering the signature humor that Family Guy is known for.
18
“The First No L”
Season 19, Episode 9 (2020)
As the festive season draws near, Lois takes charge of preparing for Christmas, but her plans go awry when Peter and the kids neglect their responsibilities. Frustrated, Lois pretends to leave for Mexico, secretly hiding out at a motel, waiting for her family to realize their mistakes and come to her. Initially, they struggle to pull together a proper Christmas, but when they finally manage to surprise Lois with a heartfelt celebration, she decides to sabotage their efforts out of sheer vindictiveness.
“The First No L” serves as a clever and humorous twist on the beloved Christmas tale How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss. One notable scene features Lois sneaking into the house to steal the presents, echoing the Grinch’s mischievous antics, complete with a hilariously exaggerated “grinchy” expression. This episode captures the spirit of holiday humor while providing a fresh take on a classic story.
17
“The Woof of Wall Street”
Season 16, Episode 15 (2018)
