Family Guy: When will the show have their own Apu moment?

Photo Credit: Family Guy/Fox, Acquired From Fox Flash
Photo Credit: Family Guy/Fox, Acquired From Fox Flash /
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With The Simpsons embroiled in their Apu controversy, the question is when will Family Guy deal with their own “Apu moment?”

Once again, The Simpsons are at the forefront of controversy. This time it’s about their characterization or lack of with Apu. The show has refused to take ownership and has continued to air episodes. It’s not surprising, but there’s another show no one has been talking about.

Family Guy is another cornerstone of Fox’s Animation Domination lineup. Known for being similar but not too similar to The Simpsons, the show is huge. Much like its predecessor, it has seen its fair share of controversy but nothing like Apu.

It begs the question: When will Family Guy have its Apu moment?

Photo Credit: Family Guy/Fox, Acquired From Fox Flash
Photo Credit: Family Guy/Fox, Acquired From Fox Flash /

Let’s begin by talking about what made Family Guy so funny. When the show first started, it was about the Griffin family and their mishaps with Peter as lovable yet dim father, stay-at-home and devoted mother Lois, oldest daughter Meg, middle child Chris and the baby Stewie.

Much like The Simpsons, the show was funny without being over-the-top. The jokes about family, money and Stewie’s intentions were cornerstones. Since then, the show has declined drastically. Instead of relatable humor, the show relies on political gags, cutaways and making fun of Meg.

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With 16 seasons, the show is running out of material. The show has become embroiled in lawsuits over characters, art and certain jokes. However, one thing the show hasn’t gotten in trouble for is stereotypes around particular characters.

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One character is Cleveland Brown. Brown is the stereotypical “black friend” in the group who is voiced by a white guy. Eerily similar to the voice of Apu on The Simpsons. Cleveland isn’t the only character reduced to stereotypes, though.

Many of the characters are based on stereotypes such as Neil Goldman, Tricia Takanawa, Bruce and Consuela. Sure, each of these characters had their funny moments but they’re nothing without their individual stereotypes. It’s lazy characterization at its best and something Family Guy should be above.

Unlike The Simpsons, there’s a bit of hope for Family Guy. They still have time to fix their mistakes and flesh out these characters. Will they or won’t they is the questions. Personally, I don’t believe Seth MacFarlane and crew really care.

Next: The Simpsons: Why Apu is just the tip of the iceberg

At this point, Family Guy is a huge cash cow. Trying to tweak or fix any mistakes could be deadly. Ultimately, it’s up to what the viewers will tolerate and deem appropriate. Then again, it’s only a matter of time before Family Guy has their own Apu situation.