The critically acclaimed animated sitcom Family Guy creates iconic and controversial moments. Critics gave the series rave reviews upon its debut in 1999. Fans and critics praised the first three seasons of the series. However, it suffered from low ratings and criticism for the show's crude content. Indeed, Fox almost canceled Family Guy after the second season.
Of course, the series managed to hang on before cancellation after the third season. The critically acclaimed second season hit the airwaves between September 1999 to August 2000. The season features classic moments that remain popular to this day. However, there's almost a portion of the show that aged terribly.
Aged Poorly: Offensive Content Throughout The Entire Season
Family Guy quickly became one of the most influential animated sitcoms. Fans and critics often praise the series. Of course, it's also one of the most controversial animated series of all time.
The show is known for its crude sense of humor and offensive jokes. However, the series has evolved over the years and stays away from specific topics. Back in season two, there was no topic too taboo for the show. Season two features several jokes regarding racism and gender that wouldn't fly today. They would cause a massive uproar among fans and critics.
Always Funny: Mystery Box Flashback
Family Guy has a unique structure of the show. It features cutaway gags that help separate the show from the rest. The season two episode "Love Thy Trophy" shattered the expectations established by prior cutaways.
In the episode, the entire neighborhood gets speed boats after taking a timeshare meeting—well, everyone except for the Griffins. Instead, Peter chooses a mystery box with tickets to a comedy show. Moments after the scene, Peter and Lois discuss his big mistakes in life and flashback to the previous scene.
Aged Poorly: Luke Perry And His Private Life
The series is famous for its current and obscure pop culture references. The series often features the voices of world-famous celebs. Certain celebrity jokes are timeless, but a few seem in poor taste now. The season two episode "The Story On Page One" revolves around iconic actor Luke Perry and his private life.
Perry voiced himself in the episode, but it deals with a sensitive topic that might offend viewers today. Of course, the 90s teen icon suddenly ed away in 2019. Despite participating in the series, the episode has aged poorly considering recent events.
Always Funny: Road To Rhode Island
The season two episode "Road To Rhode Island" is the first in the Family Guy Road To... series. The episodes feature Brian and Stewie on wild adventures in various foreign countries, space, and time. Of course, it all began with the critically acclaimed season two episode.
Brian and Stewie travel to visit Brian's mother. Fans and critics praise the episode as one of the best of the season. Indeed, it began one of the most popular aspects of the show. Brian and Stewie stole the spotlight in the episode and started a great tradition in the series.
Aged Poorly: Bill Cosby References
Family Guy often tackled real-life issues or rumors going on behind the scenes in Hollywood. Of course, they made certain jokes so subtle that only the most informed viewer could catch on to the remark.
However, they also took onnew meaning considering everything that went down in the last several years. The series never shies away from a topic.
Always Funny: The Chicken Fight
At one point, series creator Seth Macfarlane was certain Fox would cancel the show. Regardless, the series introduced several hallmarks in the second season. In the critically acclaimed episode "Da Boom," Peter gets into a lengthy, elaborate, and violent fight with Ernie, The Giant Chicken.
Of course, these wild encounters occurred several more times in the series. Peter even got into a similar cinematic fight with Homer Simpson in the crossover episode. The first chicken fight became an instant classic moment in the show.
Aged Poorly: The 13th Step
During season two, there was no sensitive topic or taboo subject they wouldn't touch. The show is a master of subtle jokes that hit a nerve. The 12 Step program is well known and a struggle for people all over the world.
Of course, the show doesn't let something like that stand in the way of a good joke. In "Da Boom," Peter heads to the liquor store to stock up on his favorite beverage. The name of the store is the 13th Step Liquor Store. The joke plays a minor role in the episode, but it nevertheless makes light of a sensitive subject for many viewers.
Peter Hurts His Knee
It's safe to say Family Guy wouldn't be the same without Peter Griffin. Peter is responsible for some of the most memorable moments in the show's history. Indeed, one of Peter's most famous jokes took place during the second season.
In the season two episode "Wasted Talent," Peter famously falls and hurts his leg. He spends several minutes expressing the severe shin pain he feels. The joke has since become one of the most imitated and repeated. Peter even brought the gag back himself a few times over the years.
Aged Poorly: O.J. Simpson References
As noted, Family Guy loves to tackle the most controversial and taboo subjects. The biggest news stories always find their way to Quahog. In the late 90s and early 2000s, no celebrity was more infamous than O.J. Simpson.
Of course, the series couldn't help take shots at Simpson. During season two, a quick news broadcast informs the viewers that Simpson shockingly proved his innocence. The media and fans celebrated as the real perpetrators were brought to justice. The series was mocking Simpson's real-life comments, although the joke aged poorly.
Always Funny: Peter And Death
Family Guy has produced a long list of critically acclaimed episodes. Indeed, several of the episodes transcend time and remain popular after nineteen seasons.
In season two, Peter fakes his death to get out of paying his hospital bills. However, Death shows up to collect Peter's soul. Of course, Death sprains his ankle, and Peter takes his place. Comedian Norm McDonald voiced Death during the episode, and critics and fans still praise the famous episode and its influence on the series.