10 Family Guy Season 1 Jokes That Flew Over Most People’s Heads

by

For over two and a half decades now, Family Guy, as we know it in Season 23, has left an indelible mark on pop culture. Despite being taken off-air numerous times, its return was always met with strong public outcry. The Griffin family from the town of Quahog have established themselves as enduring TV personalities, gracing our screens with a wealth of unforgettable scenes and episodes. Remarkably, it first aired following the Super Bowl in 1999, making its debut during one of the most-watched events on television, which seems quite fitting given that part of its inaugural episode was set during the Super Bowl itself.

The first season of this comedy show aired for seven episodes between January and May in 1999, which led to its renewal for a full second season. Created by Seth MacFarlane, the animated series has had its ups and downs through the years, boasting memorable Halloween episodes, standout seasons, and jokes about an array of topics. Despite Peter Griffin’s numerous questionable actions over time, it’s challenging not to feel fondly towards him. However, it was during Season 1 that viewers first fell for him, and many jokes might have been missed by some viewers.

10
Jemima’s Witnesses

Season 1, Episode 1 – “Death Has a Shadow”

In the very first episode of the series, named “Death Has a Shadow,” Peter and his kin are lounging on the couch, enjoying an episode of The Brady Bunch. A scene from the program focuses on Greg and Jan Brady receiving harsh consequences for dishonesty and snitching, with absurd penalties like being confined in a snake-infested area. This scene humorously showcases the peculiar dynamics within the sitcom’s distinctive family structure.

However, Lois expresses her astonishment about the children in the show smoking. Peter, not surprised, explains that the Brady family resided in a troubled neighborhood. Soon after, Aunt Jemima, the representative of Aunt Jemima pancakes and waffles, appears at their window offering them pancakes. Peter humorously remarks that the only trouble their neighborhood has is “Aunt Jemima’s visitors,” which is a playful reference to Jehovah’s Witnesses who are known for spreading their beliefs door-to-door.

9
Charles Manson Says “If I Haven’t Seen It, It’s New to Me”

Season 1, Episode 2 – “I Never Met the Dead Man”

In the second episode of Season 1, named “I Never Met the Dead Man,” Peter finds himself unwillingly instructing Meg on how to drive. This distraction from his favorite pastime, TV, bothers him. Unfortunately, Meg’s initial driving test doesn’t go well due to Peter’s inadequate guidance. On their way back home from the test, absorbed in another family’s TV, Peter has an accident involving a satellite, causing a town-wide cable outage. As a result of being cut off from his TV, Peter experiences a sort of withdrawal and becomes disoriented, treating his real life as if it were a TV show.

In the end, he comes to understand that depending too much on TV isn’t beneficial, and he shares this insight with Lois. He even mentions something along the lines of how he heard a fellow named Manson watches TV all day in prison. This scene is a playful jab at commercials airing during that time by a competing network, NBC, which was trying to promote their summer lineup of reruns using the tagline “if you haven’t seen it, it’s new to you.

8
“Beam Me Up, God”

Season 1, Episode 2 – “I Never Met the Dead Man”

In that particular episode, Peter develops a newfound desire for authentic experiences instead of just what he sees on TV. His car happens to malfunction outside William Shatner’s house. Despite everyone else growing weary from Peter’s enthusiasm for seizing every moment, he accompanies Shatner to a local festival nearby. Afterward, they opt to walk home in the rain without shoes.

In a playful reference to “Star Trek”, Meg – currently learning to drive with Lois – ends up colliding with Shatner and Peter during a stormy drive. As Shatter lies in the street, he concludes a brief outburst with a humorous twist on his iconic line, “Call me up, God.” Originally, his character Captain Kirk would say “Beam me up, Scotty” to get back to the U.S.S. Enterprise. This time, however, his stomach protrudes from his tucked-in lederhosen, and he tragically passes away.

7
Purina Chuck Wagon Chase

Season 1, Episode 3 – “Chitty Chitty Bang Death”

In the third episode of Season 1, titled “Chitty Chitty Death Bang,” the story revolves around Stewie’s first birthday celebration. Initially, Peter was tasked with delivering a deposit check for the venue but instead, he offends the manager who cancels their reservation. As a result, Peter decides to host Stewie’s party at home instead.

As Peter and Brian discuss plans for Stewie’s party, which includes setting up a petting zoo, they are interrupted when a chuck wagon being pulled by two horses suddenly appears near the couch. Brian tries to chase after them but they disappear into the dog food cabinet. Brian sighs “Someday” in frustration, which is a nod to an old Purina Dog Chow commercial from the 1970s.

6
The Man in White

Season 1, Episode 3 – “Chitty Chitty Bang Death”

In that very episode, I, as a cinephile, found myself immersed in Stewie’s perspective. He was under the impression that his initial birthday was a reenactment of sorts, aiming to rectify events that unfolded a year prior. According to him, he fought valiantly against “the white-coated figure” (the doctor) to break free from the womb. He anticipated that his first birthday bash would see this doctor attempting to forcefully return him to the womb, and he swore then and there to thwart such an attempt.

In a different scenario, Meg inadvertently becomes part of a secretive group. Meanwhile, Peter, oblivious to his actions, disbands this group and rescues Meg from a gathering where members were planning a self-destructive ritual. This plot point references two infamous cults that carried out mass suicides: Heaven’s Gate and Peoples Temple Agricultural Project. To round off the “man in white” narrative, the cult leader, adorned in ceremonial white robes, seeks revenge on Meg and Peter for disrupting their suicide pact. However, Stewie, identifying him as the “man in white,” ends up killing him instead.

5
‘Home Alone’ Meets ‘Three Little Pigs’

Season 1, Episode 3 – “Chitty Chitty Bang Death”

In connection with Stewie’s birthday and the petting zoo plan, Peter and Chris set out to acquire some pigs. Along the way, they encounter three distinct structures: one built from twigs, another from straw, and a third from bricks. This is a nod to the well-known tale of the Three Little Pigs, where a big, menacing wolf seeks out the pigs in their various dwellings.

In this scene, Peter uses a leaf blower to dismantle houses (similar to how the wolf blows down houses in the story). However, he finds himself needing to impersonate a UPS delivery person to persuade the inhabitants of the third house to open their door. They oblige, but he thinks they’re not too bright for doing so. Suddenly, he gets slapped with a paint can – a nod to one of the famous tricks from the film “Home Alone,” where Macaulay Culkin’s character used similar tactics.

4
Salieri Amadeus Reference

Season 1, Episode 4 – “Mind Over Murder”

In the fourth installment of Season 1, named “Mind Over Murder,” Stewie mysteriously experiences unexplained discomfort. Meanwhile, Peter is confined to house arrest after throwing a punch during Chris’s soccer match. To keep himself entertained, he constructs a bar in his basement, which becomes a popular hangout spot among friends. Interestingly, Lois steps up as the vocalist for this bar, discovering a sense of satisfaction, yet unintentionally driving a wedge between the women in the town.

At the start of the show, Lois is consoling Stewie as he’s instructing piano lessons. The pupil commits an error, and while Stewie attempts to ease his frustration, he exclaims “E flat, Salieri! E flat!” Salieri was Mozart’s teacher and collaborator, a dynamic depicted in the movie Amadeus. This outburst about particular notes recalls scenes from when Mozart and Salieri were composing together.

3
‘Full Metal Jacket’ Japanese Baseball Player

Season 1, Episode 5 – “A Hero Sits Next Door”

In the fifth episode of Season 1, titled “The Neighborhood Hero,” we are introduced to Joe Swanson, a neighbor of the Griffins. The story revolves around Peter’s search for a new player for his company’s softball team. Despite his initial reluctance, Peter picks Joe due to their recent move next door. However, it turns out that Joe is an excellent choice and a talented athlete.

In an earlier part of the show, I find myself observing Peter engaged in contract talks with a Japanese baseball star, both elegantly attired in their uniforms, exuding professionalism. Accompanying the athlete is an interpreter or representative, who queries Peter about the compensation he’d be providing his client. Peter responds with a casual shrug and a phrase that echoes a memorable scene from “Full Metal Jacket” – “I love you a long time,” a line used by a prostitute to proposition two soldiers in the film.

2
The More You Know

Season 1, Episode 6 – “The Son Also Draws”

In the sixth episode of Season 1 named “The Son Also Draws,” Chris finds himself in Scouts but lacks interest. He’s expelled, and his father, Peter, vows to reinstate him. The family embarks on a journey to New York City for the Scouts headquarters, but they detour to an Indian casino instead. It is there that Lois develops a gambling addiction and wagers their car away. To retrieve their vehicle, Peter must bargain with the Native American leaders of the casino. During these negotiations, he experiences a vision quest where The Fonz appears to him as a vision.

Towards the closing of the episode, every member of the Griffin family is heard commenting on different nationalities and their unique customs. While they speak, a “The More You Know” symbol, accompanied by a star, hovers above their heads – reminiscent of NBC’s public service announcements addressing important matters, but presented with a humorous twist.

1
‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ Hiding Scene

Season 1, Episode 7 – “Brian: Portrait of a Dog”

In the last episode of Season 1 of “Family Guy,” titled “Brian: Portrait of a Dog,” Peter decides to enter Brian into a dog competition with the aim of winning $500. However, Brian feels it’s demeaning and refuses to continue participating. A heated argument ensues between Brian and Peter, leading to Brian storming away. In a sequence of events, Brian bites someone and finds himself on the run from the law. During his escape, he seeks refuge in a large wicker basket.

Near him, in the rattan basket at this outdoor market, unexpectedly appears an actress reminiscent of Joyce DeWitt, whom Brian recognizes, exclaiming, “Ah, so that’s where you’ve been.” This scene playfully mimics a hiding scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark, featuring Indiana Jones eluding capture. Joyce DeWitt is best known for her roles in Three’s Company.

Read More

2025-04-10 02:03