Family Guy

What it’s about

Peter Griffin is a bumbling father whose impulsive decisions keep his household in turmoil, while his wife Lois endures the chaos with strained patience. Their three children each add a distinct kind of trouble: teenage daughter Meg is the most unpopular girl in town, middle child Chris is dim but passionate about movies, and baby Stewie is a brilliant sadist scheming to kill his mother and conquer the world. Brian, the talking dog, sips martinis and tries to keep Stewie in check while sorting through his own problems.

What hooks you

Seth MacFarlane voices Peter, Stewie, and Brian, and he has said that his own political views and atheism align with Brian's character. The show won a Saturn Award for Best Television Presentation in 2008. George Lucas officially gave the creators permission to use Star Wars jokes. It has been banned in Indonesia, Vietnam, Iran, Taiwan, South Korea, South Africa, and Malaysia.

Who it’s for

It is worth a look for anyone who likes comedy that is crude, politically incorrect, and full of pop-culture references. It will also suit those who enjoy animated shows about a dysfunctional family where every episode spirals into absurdity.