Sign in to your Collider account
Image by Federico Napoli
With over twenty seasons to its name, Family Guy has cemented its place as a classic animated sitcom that leaves few topics untouched. Known for its bold and boundary-pushing style, the show uses cutaway gags and irreverent humor to explore social issues and pop culture in often outrageous ways. Set in Quahog, Rhode Island, it follows the lives of the Griffin family: Peter (Seth MacFarlane), his wife Lois (Alex Borstein), their children Meg (Mila Kunis), Chris (Seth Green) and Stewie (MacFarlane), and their anthropomorphic dog, Brian (MacFarlane). Renowned for its satirical takes on various topics and willingness to address controversial subjects, Family Guy combines crude comedy with self-referential humor, frequently breaking the fourth wall to bring viewers in on the joke.
For fans of Family Guy who enjoy its edgy humor and sharp social commentary, there are plenty of other shows that echo its signature style. From the strange, alien antics in Solar Opposites to the darkly humorous school rivalries in Vice Principals, the following series deliver a similar blend of satire and offbeat comedy. Each show puts a unique twist on family and social dynamics, appealing to viewers who love Family Guy’s bold humor and unforgettable characters.
Release Date January 31, 1999
Creator
Seasons 23
Network FOX
Production Company
Streaming Service(s) Hulu
10 'Solar Opposites' (2020-)
Created by Justin Roiland and Mike McMahan
Image via Hulu Solar Opposites follows four alien refugees from the planet Shlorp who crash-land in suburban America after an asteroid destroys their planet. The group includes Korvo (voiced by Justin Roiland in Seasons 1-3, voiced by Dan Stevens since Season 4), a tech genius disgusted by Earth’s flaws; Yumyulack (Sean Giambrone), Korvo's replicant who shares his disdain; Terry (Thomas Middleditch) and his replicant Jesse (Mary Mack), who are enthusiastic about human culture; and the Pupa (Sagan McMahan), a creature resembling a baby-like pet to the Shlorpians, who carries the complete history and knowledge of the planet Shlorp within its DNA. The aliens struggle to blend in while debating whether Earth is a paradise or a wasteland.
Family Guy fans who appreciate edgy humor, pop culture references, and quirky family dynamics will discover both fresh and familiar elements in Solar Opposites. Both shows deliver fast-paced, adult-oriented comedy and shrewd social satire, but Solar Opposites adds a sci-fi twist by exploring human quirks through its alien characters. The series’ “Wall” subplot—a dark tale of tiny humans trapped in a terrarium—offers a complex storyline that contrasts with Family Guy’s episodic format. With vibrant, surreal animation and clever satire, Solar Opposites is a fantastic option for Family Guy fans, balancing the scientific themes with a lightheartedness that distinguishes it from similar series like Rick and Morty.
Release Date May 8, 2020
Seasons 5
9 'Paradise PD' (2018-2022)
Created by Roger Black and Waco O'Guin
Image via Netflix In the chaotic town of Paradise, Paradise PD follows the blundering antics of a hopelessly inept police force that often causes more trouble than it prevents. The series follows Kevin Crawford (David Herman), who joins the department against the wishes of his father, Chief Randall Crawford (Tom Kenny). Desperate for his father's approval, Kevin faces a crew of wildly eccentric colleagues: the violent Gina (voiced by Sarah Chalke in Seasons 1-3, voiced by Donna Jay Fulks in Season 4), the naive Dusty (Dana Snyder), the traumatized ex-cop Fitz (Cedric Yarbrough), the drug-addicted police dog Bullet (Kyle Kinane) and the elderly bigot Hopson (Snyder). Throughout the series, Kevin tries to dismantle the town’s meth operation, while other storylines explore bizarre subplots—like Bullet raising a dog-dolphin hybrid with Fitz and Kevin’s baby brother scheming against him.
Family Guy fans may find Paradise PD appealing due to its similar style, using cutaway gags to deliver quick, standalone jokes that often push social boundaries and targeting pop culture and controversial themes in ways reminiscent of Family Guy's satirical takes on current events and well-known personalities. Both shows embrace edgy humor that veers into crude territory, relying on exaggerated character dynamics—like Family Guy's immature Peter or Paradise PD's violent Gina and clueless Dusty—to set up bold jokes and surreal scenarios that appeal to fans who enjoy boundary-pushing humor without strict narrative constraints. Additionally, both series frequently break the fourth wall, blurring lines between the show and reality in a self-referential style that appeals to audiences who appreciate layered, pop-culture-savvy satire.
Paradise PD
Seasons 1
8 'The Cleveland Show' (2009-2013)
Created by Seth MacFarlane, Richard Appel, and Mike Henry
Image via Fox This spin-off of Family Guy centers on one of Peter's close friends, Cleveland Brown (Mike Henry), a kind-hearted but slightly naive man who leaves Quahog, Rhode Island, to start a new life in his hometown of Stoolbend, Virginia. Rekindling a romance with his high school crush, Donna Tubbs (Sanaa Lathan), Cleveland marries her and becomes the stepfather to her rebellious teenage daughter, Roberta (Reagan Gomez), and her scheming son, Rallo (Henry). Cleveland’s son, Cleveland Jr. (Kevin Michael Richardson), is also present in the series. As the newly formed Brown-Tubbs family adjusts to living together, they encounter a range of unusual neighbors, including a redneck couple, a British family seemingly stuck in Victorian times, and an eccentric family of talking bears.
The Cleveland Show offers a humor style closely aligned with Family Guy, blending pop-culture references and cutaway gags to satirize American culture and suburban life. The show gives Family Guy fans a similar comedic experience, though with a slightly softer, more family-oriented tone. Cleveland, as the good-natured protagonist, brings a gentler humor compared to Peter Griffin, adding a sense of warmth as he navigates life with a new family. This shift includes a quirky cast of neighbors that mirror Family Guy’s odd characters but with a fresh twist. While it lacks some of Family Guy’s sharper edge, The Cleveland Show still delivers satirical, character-driven comedy that fans will recognize and enjoy.
Release Date September 27, 2009
Seasons 4
Main Genre Comedy
7 'Archer' (2009-2023)
Created by Adam Reed
Archer follows Sterling Archer (H. Jon Benjamin), a skilled but deeply flawed spy, and his chaotic team of agents at the fictional International Secret Intelligence Service (ISIS). The show explores the dysfunctional dynamics among the group, including Archer’s domineering mother and agency director Malory (Jessica Walter), his ex-girlfriend Lana Kane (Aisha Tyler), and a range of eccentric personalities, from the insecure comptroller Cyril Figgis (Chris Parnell) to the unhinged scientist Dr. Krieger (Lucky Yates). Though ISIS’s mission is espionage, global crises often devolve into personal vendettas and betrayals as the agents undermine each other’s efforts.
Archer appeals to Family Guy fans through its fast-paced humor, cultural satire and irreverent storytelling. Like Family Guy, Archer uses quick dialogue, cutaway gags and pop-culture references to maintain its brisk but engaging pace. It parodies spy genre tropes with dark, self-referential humor, often breaking the fourth wall in ways Family Guy fans might enjoy. Both shows center around flawed, dysfunctional characters whose chaotic interactions and recurring catchphrases create a sense of familiarity and anticipation for viewers. Archer’s evolving story arcs and shifts in setting add fresh dimensions, offering Family Guy fans a similarly edgy yet uniquely stylized experience.
Release Date December 28, 2010
Rating
Seasons 13
6 'F is for Family' (2015-2021)
Created by Bill Burr and Michael Price
Image Via Netflix Set in the early 1970s in Pennsylvania, F is for Family follows the Murphy family, a typical middle-class household grappling with the societal challenges of the era. At the center is Frank Murphy (Bill Burr), a hot-headed father, who often rants about the pressures of fatherhood and the realities of life. His wife, Sue (Laura Dern), juggles her roles as a mother and a professional amid societal expectations of the time. The show offers both a nostalgic homage and a critique of 1970s American culture, capturing a time of carefree childhood and complex parental struggles. Each episode builds on the previous conflicts and decisions, resulting in lasting consequences for the Murphys as they navigate family life during this turbulent decade.
F is for Family shares several elements with Family Guy, including its dark humor, satire, and exploration of dysfunctional family life. Set in the 1970s, F is for Family uses a blend of humor and social commentary to portray the struggles of the working-class Murphy family, especially through Frank’s intense, profanity-laden rants, reminiscent of Family Guy’s boundary-pushing jokes. Both shows use character-driven storytelling that explores family dynamics, with a strong focus on the shows' father characters, Frank and Peter. F is for Family critiques the American Dream, providing cultural commentary that resonates with Family Guy's satire of contemporary society. With strong voice acting, recurring gags, and a focus on familial dysfunction, F is for Family offers a familiar yet unique comedic experience for Family Guy fans.
F Is for Family
5 'Vice Principals' (2016-2017)
Created by Danny McBride and Jody Hill
Image via HBO Vice Principals is a dark comedy series that delves into the chaotic world of high school administration through the intense rivalry of two vice principals, Neal Gamby (Danny McBride) and Lee Russell (Walton Goggins), at North Jackson High School. When the current principal (Bill Murray) unexpectedly recommends outsider Dr. Belinda Brown (Kimberly Hébert Gregory) as his successor, the ambitious Gamby is determined to undermine her authority. He reluctantly teams up with the scheming Russell, leading to increasingly destructive plans that alienate both staff and students. Throughout the first season, their tumultuous efforts to regain control reveal their individual flaws and moral failings. With caustic humor and character-driven storytelling, Vice Principals satirizes the absurdities of the educational system and the extremes people will go to for power.
Vice Principals and Family Guy share core elements that may appeal to the same audience, including dark humor, flawed characters and sharp social satire. Family Guy’s boundary-pushing humor tackles a variety of societal issues, while Vice Principals explores the morally ambiguous actions of two rival vice principals, Gamby and Russell, whose ambitions lead to unusual situations. Both shows focus on antihero characters whose chaotic actions provide humor through their exaggerated flaws. Though Vice Principals doesn’t use Family Guy’s cutaway gags, its unpredictable scenarios create a similar sense of spontaneity. Both series also deliver cultural commentary, with Family Guy critiquing societal norms broadly and Vice Principals satirizing power dynamics and race within education. Fans of Family Guy who enjoy character-driven chaos, memorable quotes, and societal satire may find Vice Principals’ dark, chaotic humor engaging and refreshingly relatable.
Release Date June 17, 2016
Creator(s) Jody Hill , Danny McBride
Seasons 2
Main Genre Comedy
4 'The Prince' (2021)
Created by Gary Janetti
Image via Max The Prince offers a satirical glimpse into the fictionalized life of seven-year-old Prince George (Gary Janetti), the youngest heir to the British throne. With a sharp, irreverent tone, the series follows George as he navigates the perks and challenges of palace life alongside his parents, Prince William (Iwan Rheon) and Princess Catherine (Lucy Punch) and his siblings, Princess Charlotte (Sophie Turner) and Prince Louis (Paul Anderson), all while receiving guidance from his no-nonsense great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth (Frances de la Tour) and his patient butler, Owen (Alan Cumming). Throughout the series, George encounters everything from school rivalries to the pitfalls of social media stardom, delivering humorous and sassy commentary. The show also follows Prince Harry (Orlando Bloom) and Meghan Markle (Condola Rashad) as they adapt to life as "commoners" in Los Angeles, providing further material for George’s sarcastic observations. Blending edgy, Family Guy-style humor with a modern twist on royalty, The Prince presents a cheeky perspective on monarchy through the eyes of a pampered young royal.
The Prince appeals to Family Guy fans with its satirical humor, flippantly poking fun at the British royal family much like Family Guy does with American culture.
The Prince appeals to Family Guy fans with its satirical humor, flippantly poking fun at the British royal family much like Family Guy does with American culture. Both shows target social norms and prominent figures, offering exaggerated character archetypes—Prince George as a spoiled royal child and the portrayal of other members of the British royal family mirrors Family Guy’s over-the-top personalities. Prince George, as he is portrayed in this series, resembles Stewie Griffin of Family Guy. The Prince also employs cutaway-style humor and pop culture references, jumping between scenarios in a way familiar to Family Guy fans. With its self-referential jokes and crude humor, The Prince offers a bold, contemporary take on royalty, providing Family Guy fans with similar laughs through astute cultural critiques and memorable dialogue.
3 'South Park' (1997-)
Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone
South Park follows the outrageous adventures of four grade-school friends, Stan (Trey Parker), Kyle (Matt Stone), Cartman (Parker), and Kenny (Stone), in South Park, Colorado. Stan and Kyle often serve as the voices of reason, contrasting with Cartman's brash, manipulative behavior and Kenny’s recurring (and often fatal) misfortunes. Each episode places the boys in surreal situations—ranging from battling bizarre creatures to confronting social controversies—while delivering clever satire on politics, pop culture and societal issues. Known for its crude animation, crass humor, and fearless critique of taboo topics, South Park offers a provocative, adult-oriented take on social issues and controversies.
Family Guy and South Park share a love for irreverent humor, bold satire, and tackling controversial topics, making South Park a natural fit for Family Guy fans. While Family Guy uses cutaways and absurdist humor, South Park leans into crude, dark satire, often critiquing both sides of social issues. Both shows feature memorable catchphrases, character-driven dynamics, and bizarre storylines that balance randomness with cohesive narratives. Family Guy fans might enjoy South Park’s pointed social commentary, meta-humor and wild, boundary-pushing scenarios, which resonate with those who appreciate thought-provoking comedy.
Release Date August 13, 1997
Seasons 27
2 'Arrested Development' (2003-2019)
Created by Mitchell Hurwitz
Image via Netflix Arrested Development follows Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman) as he tries to keep his eccentric, spoiled family afloat after his father, George Sr. (Jeffrey Tambor), is imprisoned for white-collar crimes. Set in California, the show captures the Bluths' chaotic transition from wealth to financial ruin, with Michael repeatedly clashing with his self-centered relatives: his manipulative mother Lucille (Jessica Walter), delusional brother Gob (Will Arnett), co-dependent brother Buster (Tony Hale), superficial sister Lindsay (Portia de Rossi) and her strange husband Tobias (David Cross). Michael also struggles to be a steady father to his son, George Michael (Michael Cera), who harbors a confusing crush on his cousin, Maeby (Alia Shawkat). Narrated by Ron Howard, the show blends satirical humor with innovative storytelling, recurring gags, and pop culture references, offering an irreverent look at family bonds and personal corruption.
Family Guy fans might enjoy Arrested Development for its shared focus on dysfunctional family dynamics, layered humor and inventive storytelling. Both shows use cutaway gags, though Arrested Development leans on visual punchlines and subtle flashbacks to enhance its narrative. Each show also thrives on self-referential humor: Family Guy often breaks the fourth wall, while Arrested Development uses its narrator to comment on the Bluths’ absurdity. Running gags, catchphrases and pop culture references are central to both, adding to their appeal for viewers who enjoy clever, recurring jokes. Arrested Development’s satire on wealth and morality, alongside Family Guy's cultural critiques, creates a rich experience that fans of either show can appreciate.
Release Date November 2, 2003
Seasons 5
Main Genre Comedy
1 'American Dad!' (2005-)
Created by Seth MacFarlane, Mike Barker, and Matt Weitzman
Image via TBS American Dad! centers on the Smith family in Langley Falls, Virginia. The Smith patriarch, Stan (Seth MacFarlane), is a dedicated CIA agent whose patriotic fervor often clashes with his family life. He is married to Francine (Wendy Schaal), a supportive wife, while their college-aged daughter Hayley (Rachael MacFarlane) embodies liberal ideals that frequently create tension between her and Stan. Their nerdy son, Steve (Scott Grimes), faces criticism from Stan for failing to meet his father's expectations of masculinity. Adding to the household’s eccentricity are Roger (Seth MacFarlane), a self-indulgent alien who complicates the family dynamic, and Klaus (Dee Bradley Baker), a neglected goldfish with the brain of a German Olympic ski jumper, who offers a unique and sardonic take on family life. The series cleverly blends political satire, family dynamics, and surreal comedy to explore the absurdities of American life through this unconventional family.
Family Guy fans might enjoy American Dad! due to their shared humor, character dynamics, and storytelling style. Both shows blend pop culture references, political satire, and bizarre scenarios, although American Dad! may lean more into political themes with Stan’s conservative antics, though this has become less common as the show has progressed. While Family Guy relies heavily on cutaway gags, American Dad! uses more character-driven humor, especially through Roger’s various personas and the Smith family’s chaotic interactions. Fans who enjoy Family Guy’s random humor, running gags, and cultural references will likely find similar appeal in American Dad!'s witty setups. Additionally, American Dad!’s focus on character development offers a new dimension, with more nuanced arcs that can resonate with viewers looking for continuity and depth in their comedy.
American Dad
Release Date February 6, 2005
Seasons 20
:quality(85):upscale()/2024/11/15/862/n/1922153/911b7d1c6737a4111b6008.57513343_.png)
English (US) ·