Chandler Snodgres

What is Family Guy?

Family Guy (FG) is an animated sitcom aimed at adults and teenagers. The show follows the Griffin family through insane adventure after insane adventure. FG is amongst the most watched shows on TV and has a large viewership on online streaming sites (Hulu, Netflix, etc.). The show is known for its controversial satirical humor.

What is Satire?

Satire is…the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, in exposing,denouncing, or deriding vice, folly, etc. (n)

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/satire

Peter GriffinPeter Griffin is the main character inFamily Guy. Clueless and fat, Peteris meant to represent the average BlueCollar family man. He is extremelysexist, racist, politically incorrect, and often times incredibly dumb. These qualities have made Peter one of the most beloved characters on tv.

Lois GriffinLois Griffin represents the nagging, housewife. She is the voice of reason and is quick to call Peter (her husband) out on his shenanigans. Lois was born rich, naturally her parents are not fans of Peter (a blue collar factory worker). Although she has adulterous tendencies, she is a loyal, loving, and patient wife.

Chris GriffinChris Griffin is the eldest son of Lois and Peter. He is a major outcast in High School and is even bullied, due to his stupidity and weight. Chris is easy to relate to because he constantly deals with a number of common high school issues: girls, acne, and fitting in.

Meg GriffinMeg Griffin is the eldest child and the only daughter of Peter and Lois Griffin. Her insecurity makes her a relatable character. She is constantly trying to fit in with the cool kids and struggles with common teen girls problems. Meg is also the butt of her family’s jokes.

Stewie GriffinStewie is the youngest child of Peter and Lois. However, at 1 year old, he is by far the smartest and is constantly trying to either kill Lois or on some insane adventure through time or space. He is “best friends” with his dog Brian and his teddy bear Rupert.

Brian Griffin Brian is the family dog. He is also the most politically aware, a die hard liberal, Brian tries to write a number of political analyzations, with poor results each time. He is also an alcoholic who has a great relationship with Stewie and Peter. He is sexually attracted to Lois.

Joe, Quagmire & Cleveland

Joe, Quagmire, and Cleveland are the best friends of Peter. They are his drinking buddies who think all ideas are good ones. Joe is ironically a crippled cop, Quagmire is a pervert, and Cleveland is the stereotypical token black guy.

The Creator: Seth MacFarlane● uses Family Guy to support gay marriage,

legalization of Weed, and atheism● voices many characters on the show

(Peter, Brian, Stewie, Quagmire, etc.)● Director/Producer of Ted, Ted 2, Family

Guy, American Dad, Cleveland Show, Robot Chicken, etc.

● Nominated for 17 Emmys, Won 2 for Family Guy

Target AudienceThe show’s target audience is 25-40 year olds. MacFarlane fills the show with numerous 80s references. The show also contains many political jokes that only mature audiences would understand.

Events During the Run of FG 1999-20??

*Y2K *Hurricanes/Global Warming?

*9/11 *Great Recession*George Bush elected president*War on Terrorism *Race Riots*Gay Marriage *School Shootings*Marijuana Legalization *Political Tension*Obama elected president

Controversy*Numerous FCC complaints (swearing, sexual boundaries pushed, offensive jokes)*Accused of being “anti-religious”*Accused of being “transphobic” (Quagmire’s dad has a sex change)*Show “mocks” Sarah Palin’s special needs family member, Trig, who has Down’s Syndrome*MacFarlane is known to try to push the boundaries as far as he possibly can

Satire/CutawaysThe show tries to address political and social issues using satire and cutaway gags. For example, the show often times portrayed former president, George W. Bush as an idiot who plays with a slinky. However, the use of satire and cutaways does not take away from the show, instead it adds on to running gags.

Clips

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WNrx2jq184

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNkp4QF3we8

Sources*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_Guy*http://familyguy.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page*http://www.businessinsider.com/family-guy-writing-process-2014-9*http://mic.com/articles/11849/seth-macfarlane-is-a-genius-why-family-guy-is-the-smartest-show-on-television*http://theweek.com/articles/443412/how-simpsonsfamily-guy-crossover-revealed-worst-both-shows*http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2012/06/18/no-1-offender*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seth_MacFarlane