Static Media
“Family Guy,” the famed adult animated series, has given audiences a lot to laugh about over the years. However, not all its humor has been well-received or in good taste. The series has often pushed the boundaries of comedy, with jokes that make light of serious issues or engage in controversial humor. Creator Seth MacFarlane has been outspoken about his willingness to push these boundaries, but in an interview with Krista Smith for her USA Network series “Out of Character with Krista Smith” (via Entertainment Weekly), he revealed one joke that he sincerely regrets making.
The joke in question pertains to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and his brother, Democratic primary nominee Bobby Kennedy. Despite the series’ history of edgy humor, this joke was seen by many as crossing a line.
The Controversial Assassination Jokes
Fox
In the interview, MacFarlane expressed regret over a specific joke from the show’s first season. He stated, “There have been jokes that I would have rather we not have done. The JFK Pez Dispenser was something I would probably not do now.”
This notorious joke occurred in a 1999 episode, where a child excitedly shows off his new John F. Kennedy Pez dispenser during a tense police standoff. The dispenser’s head gets shot off, mirroring the tragic assassination of John F. Kennedy. The boy, undeterred, reveals a Bobby Kennedy Pez dispenser, a dark reference to Bobby’s own assassination.
This joke was deemed so controversial it was removed from some reruns of the episode. However, it’s not the only time the show has made light of JFK’s assassination. One notable example is a season 7 episode where the assassination is re-enacted with JFK portrayed by Mayor McCheese, the McDonald’s mascot.
Over the years, MacFarlane’s humor has evolved, and he seems less keen on pushing his jokes to their most controversial ends. This shift in humor is evident in his “Ted” streaming series, which balances humor with storytelling. However, the question remains whether he will address some of the more problematic elements of “Family Guy,” such as the character Quagmire.
FAQs
Q: What is the joke Seth MacFarlane regrets making on “Family Guy?”
A: Seth MacFarlane has expressed regret over a joke involving a JFK Pez dispenser, which made light of the JFK and Bobby Kennedy assassinations.
Q: Has Seth MacFarlane’s humor changed over the years?
A: Yes, MacFarlane’s humor has matured and evolved over the years, as evidenced in his “Ted” streaming series, which balances humor with storytelling.
Q: Was the controversial JFK Pez dispenser joke removed from reruns?
A: Yes, the joke was deemed so controversial it was removed from some reruns of the episode.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
