With over twenty seasons to its name, Family Guy has cemented its place as one of the most iconic animated sitcoms of all time. Its unique blend of edgy humor, satirical commentary, and outrageous characters has garnered it a dedicated fan base that continues to grow.
The show, created by Seth MacFarlane, is known for its irreverent take on pop culture, politics, and social issues, often tackling taboo topics and pushing the boundaries of conventional comedy.
Set in the fictional town of Quahog, Rhode Island, Family Guy follows the lives of the Griffin family. The show revolves around the misadventures of Peter Griffin (MacFarlane), an overweight, dim-witted but lovable man, his sharp-tongued wife Lois (Alex Borstein), their socially awkward daughter Meg (Mila Kunis), their dimwitted son Chris (Seth Green), and their diabolical infant, Stewie (MacFarlane), who frequently plots world domination.
The family’s pet dog, Brian (MacFarlane), is an anthropomorphic character with human-like qualities, often providing the voice of reason amidst the chaos.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Family Guy is its use of cutaway gags, which frequently break up the narrative flow of the episode and provide random, often absurd, humor.
The show has a penchant for satirical takes on a wide range of issues, from politics to pop culture, often in a way that is unapologetically bold and politically incorrect. With its unique mix of irreverence and sharp humor, it has become a beloved show for those who appreciate edgy comedy.
For fans of Family Guy who enjoy its fearless humor, satirical commentary, and irreverent take on the world, there are several other shows that follow in the same comedic vein.
From the strange, alien antics in Solar Opposites to the darkly humorous school rivalries in Vice Principals, the following series offer a similar mix of offbeat humor, social satire, and character-driven comedy. These shows, like Family Guy, are unafraid to tackle controversial topics and push the boundaries of what is acceptable in comedy.
1. Solar Opposites (2020-) Created by Justin Roiland and Mike McMahan
If you’re a Family Guy fan who loves bold, irreverent humor, then Solar Opposites is a show you’ll want to check out. Created by Rick and Morty co-creator Justin Roiland and Star Trek: Lower Decks creator Mike McMahan, Solar Opposites follows the story of four aliens who crash-land on Earth after their home planet is destroyed.
The aliens are led by Korvo (Roiland), a cynical and tech-obsessed alien who despises human beings, and Yumyulack (Sean Giambrone), his equally disillusioned replicant. They are joined by the more carefree Terry (Thomas Middleditch) and Jesse (Mary Mack), who enjoy showing Earth’s bizarre human culture.
The show’s humor is fast-paced and full of satirical commentary, much like Family Guy. Solar Opposites frequently mocks human society through the eyes of its alien protagonists, providing a fresh perspective on the strange and often nonsensical behavior of human beings.
Still from Solar Opposites (Credit: Hulu)
The series also features a subplot about the “Wall,” a dark and twisted storyline in which tiny humans are trapped in a terrarium by the aliens. This subplot serves as an allegory for human suffering and societal inequality, adding a layer of social commentary to the show’s otherwise absurd humor.
Much like Family Guy, Solar Opposites is unafraid to tackle controversial topics and push boundaries. The show blends absurd humor with sharp social satire, making it an excellent choice for Family Guy fans who enjoy edgy comedy that doesn’t shy away from the weird and uncomfortable.
2. Paradise PD (2018-2022) Created by Roger Black and Waco O’Guin
For Family Guy fans who enjoy crude humor and satirical takes on American life, Paradise PD is a show that is right up your alley. Created by Roger Black and Waco O’Guin, Paradise PD follows the misadventures of a dysfunctional police force in the small, chaotic town of Paradise.
The show centers around Kevin Crawford (David Herman), a naive young man who joins the police force to impress his father, Chief Randall Crawford (Tom Kenny). Kevin is paired with a bizarre group of colleagues, including the violent and hot-headed Gina (Sarah Chalke), the dimwitted Dusty (Dana Snyder), and the drug-addicted police dog Bullet (Kyle Kinane).
Paradise PD is a show that doesn’t hold back. It uses cutaway gags and exaggerated character dynamics in a way that is similar to Family Guy, often pushing social boundaries and going into controversial topics with its dark humor.
Still from Paradise PD (Credit: Netflix)
Like Family Guy, Paradise PD frequently mocks pop culture, politics, and social issues, often in a way that is intentionally over-the-top and absurd. The show’s unapologetic approach to humor, combined with its zany characters and surreal scenarios, makes it a great fit for fans of Family Guy who enjoy boundary-pushing comedy.
3. The Cleveland Show (2009-2013) Created by Seth MacFarlane, Richard Appel, and Mike Henry
As a spin-off of Family Guy, The Cleveland Show shares much of the same humor and satirical style as its predecessor. Created by Seth MacFarlane, Richard Appel, and Mike Henry, The Cleveland Show follows Cleveland Brown (Mike Henry), a character from Family Guy, as he moves to Stoolbend, Virginia, and marries his high school sweetheart Donna Tubbs (Sanaa Lathan).
Cleveland becomes the stepfather to Donna’s children, including her rebellious daughter Roberta (Reagan Gomez) and her mischievous son Rallo (Henry).
Still from The Cleveland Show (Credit: Fox)
While The Cleveland Show shares a similar comedic sensibility to Family Guy, it is a bit softer in tone. Cleveland, unlike Peter Griffin, is a more mild-mannered and well-meaning character, which leads to a slightly more family-oriented vibe. However, the show still delivers plenty of cutaway gags, pop culture references, and absurd humor, making it an ideal choice for Family Guy fans looking for a slightly gentler, yet still edgy, comedic experience.
4. Archer (2009-2023) Created by Adam Reed
For Family Guy fans who enjoy dark humor, sharp wit, and dysfunctional characters, Archer is a must-watch. Created by Adam Reed, Archer follows the exploits of Sterling Archer (H. Jon Benjamin), a suave but deeply flawed spy working for the International Secret Intelligence Service (ISIS).
Archer is surrounded by a team of equally dysfunctional agents, including his domineering mother and agency director Malory (Jessica Walter), his ex-girlfriend Lana Kane (Aisha Tyler), and the unhinged scientist Dr. Krieger (Lucky Yates).
Much like Family Guy, Archer uses fast-paced humor, cutaway gags, and pop culture references to keep the comedy flowing. The show parodies spy genre tropes while also going into darker, more absurd territory, with Archer’s personal flaws and interpersonal conflicts driving much of the humor.
Still from Archer (Credit: Prime Video)
Both Family Guy and Archer feature a core group of dysfunctional characters who frequently find themselves in outrageous situations, making Archer a great choice for Family Guy fans who enjoy character-driven comedy with an irreverent edge.
5. F is for Family (2015-2021) Created by Bill Burr and Michael Price
If you enjoy Family Guy’s dark humor and satirical take on family life, then F is for Family is a show you’ll want to check out. Created by comedian Bill Burr and Michael Price, F is for Family is set in the 1970s and follows the Murphy family, a middle-class household dealing with the ups and downs of family life during a turbulent time in American history.
The show centers around Frank Murphy (Burr), a hot-tempered father who often rants about the struggles of parenthood and societal expectations. His wife Sue (Laura Dern) tries to balance being a mother with her career, while their children face the challenges of growing up in the 1970s.
Much like Family Guy, F is for Family shows dysfunctional family dynamics and uses dark humor and social commentary to critique American culture. The show’s 1970s setting allows it to focus on the societal issues of the era, including the changing roles of women, the rise of counterculture, and the tension between traditional family values and modern ideals.
Still from F is for Family (Credit: Netflix)
Fans of Family Guy will appreciate F is for Family’s focus on flawed characters, absurd situations, and dark humor, making it a great option for those who enjoy satire with a heavy dose of profanity.
6. Vice Principals (2016-2017) Created by Danny McBride and Jody Hill
If you love Family Guy’s edgy humor and dark character arcs, then Vice Principals is a must-watch. Created by Danny McBride and Jody Hill, Vice Principals takes place at the fictional North Jackson High School and centers around two ambitious and morally dubious vice principals, Neal Gamby (McBride) and Lee Russell (Walton Goggins).
The show shows the rivalry between the two men as they battle for the position of principal after the sudden departure of their predecessor.
Still from Vice Principals (Credit: HBO)
Like Family Guy, Vice Principals features a cast of deeply flawed characters who often make questionable decisions and find themselves in outrageous situations. The show’s dark humor, which often involves cruel and over-the-top behavior, is a hallmark of McBride’s comedic style, and fans of Family Guy will appreciate the show’s ability to mix sharp satire with absurd situations.
7. South Park (1997-present) Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone
For many Family Guy fans, South Park is a show that needs no introduction. Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, South Park is a satirical animated series that follows the misadventures of four boys—Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny—living in the small Colorado town of South Park.
The show is famous for its crude humor, social and political commentary, and willingness to tackle any topic, no matter how controversial.
Still from South Park (Credit: Prime Video)
Much like Family Guy, South Park often uses shock value and irreverent humor to comment on current events, pop culture, and societal issues. Both shows share a bold, no-holds-barred approach to comedy, making South Park a must-watch for fans of Family Guy’s edgy and satirical humor.
8. Rick and Morty (2013-present) Created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon
If you love the absurd and surreal elements of Family Guy, then Rick and Morty is a show you’ll want to watch. Created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, Rick and Morty follows the adventures of Rick Sanchez, a genius but alcoholic scientist, and his good-hearted but dim-witted grandson Morty. Together, they travel through different dimensions, encountering bizarre and often dangerous creatures and situations.
Still from Rick and Morty (Credit: Netflix)
Like Family Guy, Rick and Morty uses satire, absurd humor, and dark comedic elements to show a wide variety of topics, from existentialism to social issues. The show’s use of sci-fi concepts and its absurd, often self-aware humor make it a perfect choice for Family Guy fans who enjoy unconventional storytelling and satirical comedy.
9. Bojack Horseman (2014–2020) Created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg
For Family Guy fans who enjoy dark humor mixed with moments of poignant social commentary, BoJack Horseman is an excellent choice. Created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg, the show follows BoJack Horseman (Will Arnett), a washed-up actor who once starred in a popular 90s sitcom. Now living in Los Angeles, BoJack struggles with addiction, depression, and his inability to find happiness or meaning in his life.
Unlike Family Guy, which often balances its crude humor with lighter moments, BoJack Horseman goes deep into existential issues and shows the darkness that often underlies celebrity life. The show’s humor, while often biting and cynical, comes with a layer of emotional depth that invites viewers to reflect on the nature of happiness, relationships, and personal failure.
Still from Bojack Horseman (Credit: Prime Video)
Despite the bleak themes, BoJack Horseman does not shy away from pushing boundaries when it comes to humor and satire. Like Family Guy, it doesn’t hold back on the absurdity, and its mix of dark comedy with serious reflection makes it an excellent pick for those who enjoy shows that are bold, original, and emotionally complex.
10. Superjail! (2007-2014) Created by Christy Karacas
If you’re a Family Guy fan who enjoys visually surreal and twisted humor, Superjail! is a show you should definitely check out. Created by Christy Karacas, Superjail! takes place in a high-security prison located in a surreal, psychedelic world. The show follows the bizarre happenings inside the prison, where the inmates and staff engage in increasingly strange, violent, and absurd activities.
The show is known for its outlandish animation style and its dark humor. Much like Family Guy, Superjail! is filled with outrageous jokes, bizarre gags, and often grotesque situations.
The show’s over-the-top violence and surrealism make it a unique experience, and its chaotic sense of humor, combined with its sharp commentary on authority and power, is sure to appeal to fans of Family Guy’s satirical edge.
Still from Superjail! (Credit: Prime Video)
While Superjail! is far more extreme and abstract than Family Guy, both shows share a common thread of subversive humor and an unwillingness to shy away from controversy. If you’re looking for a show that combines the absurd with the macabre, Superjail! is a must-see.
Final Thoughts: Why These Shows Are Great for Family Guy Fans
Family Guy has become an iconic show for many reasons: its fearless humor, satirical commentary, and unforgettable characters. It’s a show that is unafraid to push boundaries and tackle controversial topics, often in a way that shocks and delights viewers. But Family Guy is far from the only show that embraces this same spirit of edgy comedy.
The shows on this list all share the same fearless approach to humor that made Family Guy a success. From the sci-fi antics of Solar Opposites to the morally questionable characters of Vice Principals, these series take bold comedic risks and tackle the absurdities of the world with a sharp, often irreverent eye.
Whether it’s animated or live-action, these shows understand what it takes to keep audiences laughing while also keeping them on their toes.
For Family Guy fans who are looking for new shows to watch that combine edgy humor, memorable characters, and a subversive take on society, these picks are perfect choices. From absurd plotlines to outrageous character dynamics, these shows have what it takes to make you laugh out loud and keep you coming back for more.
Wrapping Up: The Legacy of Family Guy and Its Influence on Other Shows
As Family Guy continues to entertain audiences with its signature blend of irreverence and absurdity, it’s clear that the show has had a lasting influence on other shows that came after it. The impact of Family Guy on animated comedy, especially in terms of its willingness to tackle taboo subjects, break conventional storytelling structures, and use sharp wit, has shaped how modern animated sitcoms approach humor and satire.
While each of the shows listed here has its own unique flavor, they all owe something to Family Guy’s trailblazing style. Whether they’re pushing boundaries in different ways or experimenting with animation, these shows take risks and experiment with the type of comedy that made Family Guy a household name.
If you love Family Guy for its daring approach to comedy and its wild, satirical nature, then these shows will likely resonate with you as well.
Still from Family Guy (Credit: Netflix)
In short, the legacy of Family Guy is one that will continue to influence animated sitcoms and edgy comedies for years to come. And for Family Guy fans who want to keep the laughs going, these shows offer a similar experience that blends absurd humor, social commentary, and an unrelenting sense of fun.
With that, we’ve covered a diverse range of shows that share a similar comedic style to Family Guy. Whether you’re looking for something animated, like Rick and Morty or Solar Opposites, or a live-action series such as Vice Principals or F is for Family, each show brings its own distinct voice to the world of edgy comedy. Happy watching!
Christmas specials, especially original ones, aren’t as common as they used to be. These days, we often see holiday-themed movies, many of them released in theaters or on streaming services.
While these films have their own charm, there’s something special about those classic Christmas shorts, the ones that run under 35 minutes and are perfect for watching by chance when you turn on the TV.
These are the types of specials that made a lasting impression, especially those created by Rankin/Bass, like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, and A Year Without a Santa Claus. These are the kind of heartwarming, simple tales that have stood the test of time, and many people still watch them every holiday season.
It’s clear that the new holiday short An Almost Christmas Story from Disney+ is heavily influenced by the works of Rankin/Bass. Directed by David Lowery and produced by Alfonso Cuarón, this short film seems like a nod to those bygone days of holiday storytelling.
While it’s easy to see the connections to those older works, An Almost Christmas Story brings enough personality and warmth of its own to stand out as a unique piece in the holiday lineup. Although the film follows some familiar storylines, it has enough charm and heart to make up for its predictable moments.
The Story: A Tale of Friendship and Adventure
The film is narrated by a mysterious figure known only as the Folk Singer (voiced by John C. Reilly), who tells the story of a young owl named Moon (voiced by Cary Christopher). Moon is a lively, energetic bird who gets separated from his Papa (voiced by Jim Gaffigan) while trying to find his way home.
Through a series of unusual events, Moon finds himself stuck in a tree above Rockefeller Plaza in New York City, far from the forest where he grew up. His wing is broken, and with no way to get home, Moon is stuck in the big city during the holiday season.
Just when things seem hopeless, Moon meets a kind young girl named Luna (voiced by Estella Madrigal). Luna is dealing with her own struggles, as she has lost one of her legs, but she doesn’t let that stop her from being optimistic and adventurous. Together, Moon and Luna set out on an unexpected journey through the snowy streets of New York, facing challenges and finding moments of magic along the way.
The Characters: A Fresh Cast with Lots of Heart
With a runtime of under 30 minutes, An Almost Christmas Story has the difficult task of making the audience care about its main character very quickly. Luckily, the film does an excellent job of this. Cary Christopher’s performance as Moon is a standout, making the owl feel like an instantly lovable character.
He brings Moon to life with a perfect balance of innocence, wit, and charm. Unlike many animated films where child characters are voiced by well-known actors or seasoned voice artists, An Almost Christmas Story makes a bold but successful choice by casting an actual child for the role.
Christopher’s voice work is strong for his age, showing impressive delivery and timing. His performance might even be the breakout one that becomes iconic for this generation of Christmas specials, similar to how Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’s protagonist left a lasting impact.
John C. Reilly, who voices the Folk Singer, brings a different type of charm to the film. The Folk Singer is a wanderer with no permanent home, much like Moon, and he adds a sense of warmth and wisdom to the story.
Unlike some of the more frightening drifter characters in holiday films, like the one in The Polar Express, the Folk Singer feels comforting and reliable. Reilly’s musical talent also shines in this role, with several catchy new songs that help drive the film’s emotional beats.
The rest of the cast adds depth to the story as well. Estella Madrigal’s performance as Luna is touching and heartfelt. Luna may be facing her own challenges, but she is a brave and determined girl who doesn’t let her disability hold her back.
Jim Gaffigan, known for his comedy, plays Moon’s Papa, a loving and caring father who wants the best for his son. Gaffigan brings the same warmth to his role that he’s known for in other animated films like Luca. There’s also Natasha Lyonne, who voices Pat, a tough pigeon leader who commands a group of street-smart pigeons, reminiscent of the hyenas in The Lion King.
The Visual Style: Stop-Motion with a Twist
One of the most striking features of An Almost Christmas Story is its visual style. The film uses stop-motion animation, which immediately sets it apart from other animated holiday specials. While studios like Aardman and Laika are known for their stop-motion work, An Almost Christmas Story adds its own unique twist by using a minimalist approach.
The main characters, like Moon and Luna, are made from detailed figures that are full of life and personality. But the minor characters, background elements, and even the setting of New York City are made using cardboard cutouts and simple materials like paper mâché.
This artistic decision creates an interesting contrast, where the world around the main characters seems flat and simplistic, while the central figures are vibrant and full of depth. The way the city is represented through these simple materials adds a sense of surreal charm to the story.
The cardboard and paper effects give the film a handmade, almost vintage look, which ties in perfectly with its themes of nostalgia and simpler times. This approach isn’t just a visual choice; it helps tell the story, as the focus is on Moon and Luna and their adventure, with the world around them serving as a backdrop to their personal journey.
A Familiar Story with a Heartfelt Twist
The plot of An Almost Christmas Story might seem familiar to many viewers. It’s a classic “kid meets and befriends a talking animal” story that we’ve seen in many holiday specials and films. While the film doesn’t stray too far from traditional story beats, it makes up for this with emotional depth and charm.
There are moments where the film plays on the relationship between Moon and Luna, and though it would have been nice to see the parallels between the two shown more deeply, their friendship is still heartwarming.
One of the more interesting aspects of the film is how Moon and Luna communicate. Since Moon is an owl and Luna is a human, they can’t speak the same language. However, the film plays with this idea by having them converse in their own ways, guessing what the other is saying through actions and expressions.
While this concept is charming, the film doesn’t always stay consistent with the rules of communication. There are moments when the two characters suddenly understand each other perfectly for the sake of plot convenience, which might be a bit jarring for some viewers. Despite this, the heartfelt connection between the characters still shines through.
The Meaning Behind the Title: What Is Christmas Really About?
You might wonder why the film is called An Almost Christmas Story. The title is more than just a playful reference to the classic A Christmas Story from 1983; it holds a deeper meaning. While Christmas is often associated with religious themes, it has evolved into a time of unity and goodwill for many people around the world.
In the film, Moon doesn’t fully understand what Christmas is, but he comes to recognize its true meaning. Christmas is about people coming together, spreading kindness, and celebrating togetherness, no matter where they come from or what they believe.
This optimistic message is central to the film’s theme, and it’s what makes An Almost Christmas Story feel so heartwarming.
The film might not have a traditional Christmas ending, but it captures the essence of the holiday in a way that feels real and meaningful. It reminds us that, even in a world full of challenges, there is always room for kindness, and that’s what makes Christmas special, even for a young owl like Moon.
A Sweet, Short Holiday Gem
An Almost Christmas Story is a delightful holiday special that brings something fresh and new to the table while still honoring the timeless charm of classic Christmas stories. The film’s heartwarming characters, memorable performances, and unique visual style make it a standout addition to the holiday season.
Still from An Almost Christmas Story (Credit: Disney)
While it might not stray far from familiar storylines, its sincerity, charm, and sweet message make it an enjoyable experience for viewers of all ages.
Premiering on Disney+ on November 15, An Almost Christmas Story is sure to become a new favorite for families looking for a quick but meaningful holiday film. It’s a reminder that, sometimes, the most heartwarming stories come in small packages, and that’s exactly what this film delivers.
Whether you’re a fan of classic holiday specials or looking for something new, An Almost Christmas Story is sure to bring a little extra holiday cheer into your life.
