Exploring the Uniqueness of Family Guy: A Sitcom with 22 Seasons and Over 400 Episodes
Created by Seth MacFarlane, Family Guy is an animated sitcom that first aired in 1999. With over 22 seasons and more than 400 episodes, the show’s longevity demonstrates its popularity among fans. Family Guy features a diverse range of characters, including Peter Griffin, his family, and Brian the talking dog. This article dives into some fascinating facts about this entertaining yet controversial TV show.
Mega MacFarlane Revelations
One interesting fact about Family Guy is that Mila Kunis became the voice actress for Meg Griffin before Rachael MacFarlane, Seth’s wife and creator of the show. This change occurred between 1999 and 2000 when Mila Kunis took over from Rachael, who voiced Meg in the original pilot. Seth MacFarlane has mentioned that Chabert initially didn’t plan to be involved in the show’s entire run.
Peter Griffin’s Origins
Seth MacFarlane has occasionally shared that Peter Griffin was based on a real Rhode Island guard named Paul Timmins during his time at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). ABC tracked down Paul and dressed him exactly like Peter Griffin, which became a popular campus character after Family Guy’s initial success in 1999.
Lois and Chris’ Unique Features
Lois Griffin is famous for her red or ginger hair, but did you know that she was once blonde in the pilot episode? This detail can be found in a flashback scene involving Lois and her son Chris. The reason for their similar hair pigment is due to their mother’s change in color.
Quagmire’s Backstory Revealed
In a Family Guy episode titled “The Stewaway,” Quagmire narrates his childhood story of losing his virginity to a female pedophile plumber when he was six years old. Seth MacFarlane, the show’s creator, used this as inspiration for Quagmire’s distinctive fetishes.
The Evolution of Family Guy Episodes
There are three main versions of Family Guy episodes: the Fox version, TBS airings, and DVD versions. The first version aired by Fox has been edited and includes a bleep filter to censor strong language. The TBS airings are uncut but still have a filtered voice. The DVD version provides uncut episodes and unfiltered language.
Frank Gallagher’s Family Guy Connection
William Macy, best known for his role in Shameless, auditioned for Family Guy at the beginning. Although he was great at it, Seth MacFarlane chose to voice Brian himself due to financial constraints.
The Show’s Voice Actors and Their Earnings
Seth MacFarlane, Alex Borstein, Seth Green, Mike Henry, and Mila Kunis are the main voice actors in Family Guy. Together, they earn an estimated $175,000 to $225,000 per episode. This income highlights their significant contributions to the show’s success.
Stewie’s Bold Prediction in 2019
Family Guy also made headlines in 2019 when Stewie Griffin referred to Bruce, a former politician and actor, as a woman. This video clip went viral after Bruce transitioned into Caitlyn Jenner.
Seth MacFarlane’s Impact on Family Guy
As the creator, producer, and cast member of Family Guy, Seth MacFarlane has reaped significant benefits from the show’s success. At only 24 years old when the first episode aired, he became one of the youngest TV show producers at that time.
Seth’s Unexpected Timing
On September 11, 2001, Seth MacFarlane was bound to board a flight that crashed into the Twin Towers. However, due to a bad hangover from the previous night, he missed his plane by 10 minutes and ended up waiting for an additional flight.
Chris and Meg’s Physical Features
Chris and Meg share many physical characteristics with their parents. Chris has his mom’s eyes and dad’s chin, while Meg has a mouth, nose, and hairstyle similar to Lois’s. However, she also wears glasses like her father, Peter.
The Return of Brian
In one of the most controversial episodes, “The Life of Brian,” Family Guy executives decided to kill off Brian and replace him with a dog named Vinny. Fans were outraged, and a petition was launched for the beloved character’s return. The show eventually relented and brought back Brian.
