In the realm of edgy humor, “Family Guy” has certainly made its mark, with numerous controversial jokes that push the boundaries of taste. The show’s creator, Seth MacFarlane, has become synonymous with this brand of comedy, often to the chagrin of some viewers. Over the years, fans have witnessed countless tasteless moments, including the show’s treatment of the Griffin family’s dynamics and the character Quagmire, who has been portrayed in ways that many find troubling.
However, there’s one particular joke from the show that MacFarlane has expressed regret over. In a recent interview, he pointed out a specific moment that stands out as a misstep. This joke revolves around the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and his brother Bobby Kennedy. While it certainly flirts with inappropriate humor, MacFarlane now regards it as a moment he’d reconsider.
The offending joke appeared in the inaugural season of the series. In a scene from 1999, a young boy excitedly exits a store holding a John F. Kennedy Pez dispenser during an intense police standoff. The punchline lands when the boy’s head is seemingly shot off, evoking the infamous assassination, yet he remains unfazed, cheerfully revealing he has a Bobby Kennedy dispenser too, referring to Bobby’s subsequent assassination.
It’s worth noting that this particular gag has been omitted from certain reruns. While “Family Guy” is notorious for its irreverent humor regarding historical figures—like a later season’s disturbing portrayal of JFK’s assassination with Mayor McCheese—it seems MacFarlane’s perspective on comedy has evolved over time.
Today, he appears less inclined to chase after the most shocking antics, opting instead for narrative depth within his projects, such as his acclaimed streaming series “Ted.” This shift implies a desire for storytelling that complements the humor, which many fans appreciate. Now, if only he would reconsider how Quagmire is portrayed, that might be a leap forward in tackling the show’s controversial elements.
