What separates Seth MacFarlane's "Family Guy" from other animated shows like "The Simpsons" and "South Park" are the series' various cutaways. A break is taken from the main story, which allows the show creatives to insert sketches with politics, films, TV, sports, and other cultural situations they may not have the opportunity to comment on with the main show.
The cutaways have remained a staple of the series since the first episode, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia and laughs. A few of the cutaways tend to play into the story of the episode while some are just random affairs that have little to do to advance the plot.
Even if some cutaways are more controversial than others, I can always count on the gags to put a smile on my face, and they never disappoint. Enjoy the cutaways!
20. The Price is Right, Starring... Prince
Everyone can't be good at everything. R.I.P. to a legend.
19. Something, Something, Something Dark Side
Dialogue more gripping than the new "Star Wars" films.
18. Britney Spears' Dietitian
Whatever you do, don't hire Britney Spears' dietitian to be your personal trainer.
17. Aladdin 4: Jafar May Need Glasses
The sequel to "Aladdin" we all deserved. Never have I related to a villain more than with this cutaway.
16. Kramer vs. Predator
A comical take on the 1979 drama "Kramer vs. Kramer"; here, star Dustin Hoffman is put face-to-face with the Predator.
12. Don't Feed Mogwais After Midnight
The folks on Spooner Street never listen. Taking home everyone's favorite lovable Gremlin Gizmo, Peter just has to feed the little creature after midnight. However, instead of a violent little monster from the classic 1984 film, Peter and wife Lois get the star of "The Nanny" Fran Drescher. What's worse, Drescher's laugh or the Gremlins?
11. Peter on Steroids
Of course, in usual Peter fashion, the man takes all of his roided out anger and frustrations on his tormented daughter, Meg.
6. Top Men
Taken straight out of the ending of the first "Indiana Jones" venture, "Raiders of the Lost Ark", regular show antagonist James Wood is taken away from Quahog by "Top Men".
5. Stubborn as a Mule
We've all had those conversations with one friend or another who just will not budge.
3. Drunk Chick At A Party
Whether you've been to a party or not, everyone has experienced a similar situation.
2. Willem Dafoe Under the Bed
Move over the boogeyman, Willem Dafoe is the real dream demon you should be looking out for at night. They say holy water and a copy of "Speed 2" may be able to keep him away.
From Dick Cheney to Britney Spears, nothing is off-limits with "Family Guy". 18 seasons into the show and the traditional cutaways still manage to be just as unique and over-the-top as the last. Some cutaways may make you laugh uncontrollably, and some may make you reluctantly laugh while fully aware of the often moot context.
That's the beauty of comedy. Even if edgy animated shows may not be in your wheelhouse, I would recommend "Family Guy" just for the cutaways alone. You will not be disappointed one bit.