Family Guy Has Lost Its Punch

“Family Guy” has been a staple of adult animation since its inception in 1999, a large potty of irreverent humor and boundary-pushing gags. As a fan, I’ve ridden the rollercoaster of its comedic highs and lows, feeling . But after more than two decades on air, it’s hard to shake the feeling that the once edgy show has lost the juju.

When “Family Guy” first hit television screens, it was fresh, outrageous, and unabashedly rude. The jokes were a blend of pop culture references, slapstick, and shock value — a formula that won a devoted following. As the years rolled by, the humor that once felt universally relatable began to shift. It became increasingly niche, catering to nobody, a pivotal shift from once using the most talked about corners of media and history. Now, when I watch the latest episodes, I find myself pausing more often to Google a reference than to laugh at the punchline. The inclusivity of the humor has waned, leaving casual viewers out of the loop and diminishing the show’s broad appeal.

“Family Guy” also made its name by daring to venture into dark comedy, not shying away from topics that other shows wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole. Yet, recent seasons seem to have retreated from this signature element. The razor-sharp edge that once defined its brand…