: " Partial Terms of Endearment " (S8, E21) was banned from airing on FOX in the United States due to its plot centered on Lois undergoing an abortion. It was eventually released as a standalone DVD and through international broadcasters like BBC Three.
: Critics from IGN and fans on Reddit have described this season as having a significantly darker and "edgier" tone compared to previous years, moving away from lighthearted sitcom tropes toward more disturbing and cynical humor. Season Statistics & Awards Family Guy - Season 8
: This season introduced Quagmire's father, Dan Quagmire, who undergoes a gender transition to become Ida Davis in the episode " Quagmire's Dad ". It was also the first season to feature the cast without Cleveland Brown, who left for his own spin-off. : " Partial Terms of Endearment " (S8,
: A rare "bottle episode" that broke the show's standard format by having no cutaway gags and only featuring the two titular characters trapped in a bank vault. It is noted for its dark, dramatic tone and exploration of Brian's depression. Season Statistics & Awards : This season introduced
: An hour-long parody of Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back , following the success of the previous "Blue Harvest" special.
: Frequently ranked as the best episode of the series by critics and fans on IMDb. It features Brian and Stewie traveling through various parallel dimensions, including a famous "Disney universe" and a world where dogs and humans have reversed roles.
Family Guy Season 8 is often cited by fans as a turning point for the series, featuring a mix of highly experimental storytelling and some of the show's most controversial content. It was the first season produced after the 2007–2008 writers' strike and the first to be broadcast in high definition.