Family Guy is an adult animated sitcom that airs on the Fox network. It is known for its crude humor, pop culture references, and cutaway gags. The show was created by Seth MacFarlane and premiered in 1999. While Family Guy is popular with adult viewers, its content makes it inappropriate for young children. This leads many parents to wonder, what is the age rating for Family Guy?
TV Content Ratings for Family Guy
The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and TV Parental Guidelines provide content ratings for television programs to help parents make informed viewing choices for their children. Family Guy is rated TV-14 for suggestive dialogue (D), strong coarse language (L), strong sexual situations (S), and violence (V).
According the TV Parental Guidelines, programs with a TV-14 rating may include:
- Intense violence
- Strong coarse language
- Strong sexual situations
- Crude indecent language
As such, TV-14 content is considered unsuitable for children under 14 years of age. These ratings reflect the adult-oriented humor and themes commonly seen in Family Guy episodes.
Brief History of Family Guy’s TV Ratings
Since its premiere in 1999, Family Guy has always been rated TV-14 for suggestive dialogue, strong coarse language, and sexual situations. However, the show was temporarily given a TV-PG rating when it returned from cancellation in 2005. At the time, TV-PG signified a program with parental guidance suggested but not required.
After complaints were filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over racy content in TV-PG rated episodes, the rating was changed back to TV-14 in 2007. The Parents Television Council watchdog group had argued that Family Guy’s content was inappropriate for the TV-PG rating. Since then, the show has consistently been rated TV-14 due to its adult humor.
Influences Leading to Family Guy’s Age Rating
Several key factors contribute to Family Guy receiving a mature TV-14 rating:
Sexual Content
Family Guy often depicts crude sexual humor including references to masturbation, pornography, and nudity. Strong sexual innuendos and situations are commonplace. This sexual content frequently pushes boundaries and requires a TV-14 rating.
Adult Language
The show includes frequent use of strong, coarse, and crude language. Characters regularly swear and use adult language unsuitable for young viewers. This includes profanity, crass language, and offensive slang terms.
Violence
While done in an animated and comedic style, Family Guy does contain violent content. Characters engage in graphic fight scenes, bloody injuries, and violent criminal acts like robbery and murder. Dark humor abounds.
Alcohol and Drug References
Many episodes revolve around alcohol consumption and drunken behavior for comedic effect. Drug use, addiction, and references are also common throughout the series.
Controversial Humor and Topics
Family Guy often uses controversial issues and shocking elements to get laughs. This includes jokes about religion, racism, politics, disabilities, death, and other sensitive subjects. Pushing moral boundaries factors into the mature rating.
Episode Ratings and Content Descriptors
While Family Guy is rated TV-14 overall, individual episodes may vary slightly in their content descriptors:
- D for suggestive dialogue
- L for coarse language
- S for sexual content
- V for violence
Most Family Guy episodes receive the standard TV-14 DLSV combination rating. But a specific episode may omit one of the descriptors if that element is minimal or absent from the particular storyline. For example, an episode without profanity may be rated TV-14 DSV. But parents should still be mindful that the overall series rating remains unsuitable for viewers under 14.
Oversight of Age Ratings
The Motion Picture Association and TV Parental Guidelines provide age-based guidance for television programs. However, there is no legal age restriction against younger viewers accessing this content. The ratings are voluntary and informational. Ultimately, it is up to parents to decide if Family Guy is appropriate viewing for their household.
Broadcasters and distributors require an age rating to air a television series. For example, Fox relies on the TV-14 rating to broadcast Family Guy during adult-oriented primetime hours. The show is edited by the network to conform to broadcast standards for its mature audience.
Streaming platforms also use content ratings to categorize shows accordingly. On Hulu, Family Guy carries a TV-14 rating with the forewarning that it is intended for mature audiences only. The ratings help streaming providers categorize and recommend content.
Public Responses to Family Guy’s Age Rating
Despite its TV-14 rating, Family Guy has received criticism from some parents and watchdog groups over the years regarding age-appropriate content:
Complaints Over TV-PG Rating
When the show briefly carried a TV-PG rating following its 2005 revival, the Parents Television Council filed FCC complaints arguing the rating was inaccurate and misleading for the adult-themed content. These complaints catalyzed reverting the show back to TV-14.
Pressure Against Toning Down Content
When Fox executives requested producers tone down some racy content, Seth MacFarlane objected over concerns it would dilute the show’s humor and direction. The network allowed the mature elements to remain intact.
Ongoing Calls for FCC Action
The Parents Television Council has continued appealing to the FCC to exercise more regulatory authority over Family Guy’s TV-14 rated content being broadcast during early primetime hours accessible to minors.
Public Opposition to Restrictions
Many adult viewers have expressed opposition to additional FCC restrictions or censorship, arguing that parental oversight alone should dictate appropriate viewing habits. They emphasize Family Guy airing during adult programming blocks.
Appropriateness of TV-14 Rating
The consensus among television content rating organizations and broadcasters is that Family Guy’s TV-14 rating is appropriate. By containing strong humor, language, sexuality, and violence within its animated format, the show earns its mature rating:
- TV-14 aligns with the type of crude adult comedy showcased
- Viewers under 14 lack the maturity to handle this type of humor appropriately
- The rating accommodates the adult-oriented sitcom genre
- It satisfies broadcast standards for mature primetime audiences
For advertisers buying commercial airtime, the TV-14 rating also identifies Family Guy as a program catering to adult demographics, allowing brands to target that market. Ultimately, the mature themes and content make a TV-14 rating suitable for Family Guy in the eyes of networks and standards organizations.
Alternative Family Guy Ratings in Other Countries
Television content ratings vary internationally according to each country’s standards. Family Guy airs globally, carrying different age ratings based on regional guidelines:
Canada
Rated 14+
United Kingdom
Rated 15
Ireland
Rated 15
New Zealand
Rated 13
Australia
Rated M for mature audiences
The Philippines
Rated SPG or Strict Parental Guidance
These ratings all signify Family Guy is intended for viewing solely by adolescents or adults. Certain regions are more conservative such as the Philippines with an SPG rating requiring strict parental discretion. But the consistent theme is identifying Family Guy as unsuitable for young children given its mature humor.
Family Guy Ratings for Syndicated Episodes and DVD Releases
In addition to television broadcasts, Family Guy episodes appear in other formats carrying content ratings:
Syndicated Re-runs
Family Guy reruns airing in syndication on networks like TBS and Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim are edited for commercial time. However, the mature rating remains intact. Episodes are typically rated TV-14 when syndicated.
DVD Collections
Family Guy DVD sets are given an NR rating by the MPAA, signifying No Rating required. The mature humor is evident but not rated.
Online Platforms
On streaming services like Hulu, Prime Video, and iTunes where viewers select content on-demand, Family Guy includes both its TV-14 rating and disclaimers it is intended for mature audiences only. The online age ratings align with the television rating.
Ways Parents Can Use the TV Age Ratings
For parents seeking guidance regarding Family Guy, the TV-14 rating provides valuable information even if not legally binding. Parents can use the rating to make informed viewing decisions in several ways:
- Set viewing rules restricting access below a certain age like 14
- Use rating to identify shows with adult humor for teenagers, not younger kids
- Reference the content descriptors like S for sexual situations and L for coarse language
- Recognize that animated format does not indicate age appropriateness
- Check ratings and parental advisories for streaming episodes, DVDs, and syndicated airings
- Use ratings to identify similar adult-themed animated sitcoms children may enjoy
Explaining Family Guy’s Adult Humor to Children
Children, especially tweens and young teens, may want to watch Family Guy due to peer pressure or the animated format deceiving perceptions of age-appropriateness. Parents can take the opportunity to discuss the importance of age ratings and selecting suitable content:
- Explain that just because a show is animated does not mean it is made for kids
- Clarify some humor is created for and best understood by adults
- Note that adult humor often relies on controversial topics, crass language, or sexual references kids are unlikely to fully grasp
- Recommend more age-appropriate animated shows that provide quality humor
- Make clear that watching adult shows does not make kids seem mature or cool
- Outlining your rules and expectations about access to mature programming
Open conversations about age-appropriate media choices provide valuable opportunities to engage with children on the topic and set family viewing standards.
Enforcing the Age 14 Rating in Your Home
Parents seeking to restrict access to Family Guy based on its TV-14 rating have several enforcement options:
Digital Controls
Enable parental controls through cable boxes, streaming devices, and TV settings using the show’s rating to block it. Enter password access to override as needed.
No Viewing Times
Prohibit viewing during early primetime hours when broadcast. Set a rule that Family Guy may only be viewed after 9pm or 10pm.
No Unsupervised Viewing
Do not allow children to watch the show without supervision. Co-viewing allows parents to see content firsthand and discuss concerning elements.
Complete Ban
Fully prohibit viewing the show if you deem too inappropriate for your family. Stand firm that mature humor does not align with your household values.
Focus On Ratings
Rule out watching any programs, regardless of format, with adult ratings like TV-14. Consistently emphasize ratings as decision tool.
Leading by Example with Family Viewing
Children model what they see. Parents can lead by example using Family Guy’s rating to guide their own viewing habits:
- Be mindful of watching TV-14 shows around children
- Change channel or turn off adult shows when kids enter room
- Avoid laughing openly at inappropriate jokes within earshot
- Discuss mature elements and problematic humor with other adults privately
- Explain to others why certain shows are unsuitable for your family
- Express your own objections or discomfort with crude humor
Role modeling positive viewing choices sends a powerful message to kids about what content you find acceptable or objectionable for the family.
Conclusion
Family Guy’s long-running TV-14 rating reflects the adult humor and themes featured across hundreds of episodes. This mature rating acts as a valuable guide to parents assessing age-appropriateness and making informed viewing decisions for their household. Through full enforcement of the 14+ rating, selectivity over broadcasting times, co-viewing guidelines, open discussions on suitability, and leading by example, parents can leverage the rating system to promote positive viewing habits for kids that account for each child’s maturity level. With the rise of streaming access, content ratings provide an indispensable tool for determining appropriate boundaries for family viewing.