Date of Award

5-2025

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

English

First Advisor

Danica Savonick

Second Advisor

Teagan Bradway

Abstract

Few animated shows have shaped American pop culture quite like Family Guy. Known for its rapid-fire cutaway gags and irreverent humor, the series has remained a television mainstay since its debut in 1999, despite frequent criticism and even two cancellations. Created by Seth MacFarlane and based on his 1995 student film The Life of Larry, Family Guy has built its reputation on pushing the boundaries of taste, especially when it comes to race, gender, and politics. Though often defended as satire, the show’s use of racial humor raises questions about its true impact: Do its portrayals of Black characters challenge or simply reinforce long standing stereotypes? And how does its comedic style shape the ways audiences think about race and identity? These questions matter because Family Guy doesn’t just reflect cultural attitudes, but it also plays a part in shaping them, revealing the complicated ways humor can both confront and uphold social norms. This thesis argues that Family Guy performs a contradictory form of racial satire, one that gestures toward critique while often reinforcing the stereotypes it purports to mock.

Download

Share

COinS