Family Guy has been delivering laughs since 1999 and has become one of the most popular animated sitcoms with over 400 episodes under its belt. The show is currently in its 21st season, and is still carried by creator, Seth MacFarlane who provides the voice of several characters in the series, including Peter Griffin, Glenn Quagmire, and the sophisticated world-dominating baby, Stewie.
Known for his superior intelligence and musical routines, Stewie’s been the center of memorable moments, but episodes like “Stewie Loves Lois” and “Road to the Multiverse” are just a few of his best episodes. From his days of plotting Lois’ demise to his escapades with Brian, it’s the perfect time to rank Stewie’s biggest, boldest, and best episodes in the long-running sitcom (so far).
Family Guy
- Release Date
- January 31, 1999
- Creator
- Seth MacFarlane, David Zuckerman
- Seasons
- 23
15 “The Stewaway”
Season 21, Episode 7 (2022)
After Stewie is introduced to the game of hide-and-seek, he becomes obsessed with playing and tries to get Brian to play along. During a game, Stewie decides to hide in Quagmire’s suitcase which, unbeknownst to him, is being shipped off to Paris. When Quagmire discovers the baby in his luggage, he’s hesitant to babysit until he returns home, but surprisingly, they end up having a good time together.
It’s always fun to see random characters team up in an episode and Season 21, episode 7, “The Stewaway,” fans get to see the unlikely partnership of Stewie and Quagmire. Most fans are aware that Quagmire isn’t exactly the most nurturing person and, while he doesn’t mind kids, he’s not sure how to care for them, especially when he’s not prepared to ahead of time. Given that Stewie isn’t quite a normal baby, the two end up meshing well into a series of comedic events that make “The Stewaway” a top-tier Stewie episode.
14 “Chap Stewie”
Season 12, Episode 21 (2014)
When Stewie gets in trouble for acting out, he decides that he’s fed up with his family and wishes he had been born into a more dignified household. With the help of his time machine, he travels back in time to ensure Lois and Peter never get together and when he returns to the present time, he realizes he was born into a proper British family. Initially, Stewie thinks he’s finally gotten his wish, but after spending time with his new boorish, stuck-up family, he begins to miss his old one.
Stewie learns firsthand in Season 12, episode 21, “Chap Stewie,” that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, realizing his family life could be worse. While Stewie has always been a bit out of place in the Griffin family (mainly the British accent fans have seemingly accepted), he learns that he’s a dime a dozen in any other sophisticated, well-to-do family. Even though he might not live a life in high society among intelligent people, Stewie is grateful that he has a family who shows him love and affection.
13 “Dammit, Janet!”
Season 2, Episode 15 (2000)
After Lois (Alex Bornstein) discovers that Stewie doesn’t play well with other children, she enrolls him in daycare, where he soon becomes smitten with a quiet girl named Janet. After several efforts of flirting, Stewie finally manages to gain Janet’s affection, but just as they establish their relationship, Stewie realizes that Janet is nice to every boy in exchange for their cookies.
Ah, young love. It can either make you or break you and in Season 2, episode 15, “Dammit Janet!,” it breaks Stewie up for the first time. While the ending doesn’t turn out well for Stewie, the episode does show the typically negative character in a more sensitive light, allowing him to express his rather romantic side with Family Guy‘s musical rendition of Frank Sinatra‘s classic tune, “You Make Me Feel So Young.” The episode marked one of the first times fans didn’t see Stewie continue to try and take over the world and even though heartbreak can sour anyone, Stewie manages to pick himself back up….and learns to guard his cookies more carefully in the future.
12 “Send in Stewie, Please”
Season16, Episode 12 (2018)
When Stewie goes to see a child psychologist, voiced by Ian McKellen, he begins to open up about his long list of misdeeds and secrets that he’s never shared with anyone before. During the session, Stewie and the good doctor begin to find common ground and, eventually, Stewie admits that he has been putting on a persona his whole life, dropping his British accent and revealing he’s had an American one all along. Stewie decides he’s going to turn over a new leaf, but when the opportunity presents itself to get rid of the only person who knows his secret, he cruelly rethinks his intentions.
Season 16, episode 12, “Send in Stewie, Please,” is a twisted bottle episode that unveils some new information about Stewie, but also reinforces his true sadistic, evil nature. It’s obvious that McKellen’s character isn’t aware of exactly who he is dealing with and while he thinks he has pinpointed Stewie as a patient, he fails to realize that Stewie has been making his own inquiry about the good doctor. While the episode ends on a rather unexpected note, “Send in Stewie, Please,” reestablishes Stewie’s dark and twisted personality that makes him one of the series’ most unpredictable (and entertaining) characters.
11 “The Talented Mr. Stewie”
Season 19, Episode 2 (2020)
While Stewie is in the attic looking for pictures of him and his teddy bear, Rupert, he discovers that the stuffed animal used to belong to Chris and breaks up with him. After Stewie returns Rupert to Chris, he tries to find a new companion but is unable to cope, and, to make matters worse, he learns that Chris and Rupert are getting along just fine together. Stewie sets out to find himself and comes to the conclusion that he must kill Chris and Stewie if he ever wants to get on with his life.
Season 19, episode 2, “The Talented Mr. Stewie,” is a hilarious parody inspired by the film, The Talented Mr. Ripley, starring Jude Law and Matt Damon. Stewie has always had a flare for the dramatics, but he takes his usual antics to a whole other deadly level that, of course, results in a comedic outcome. From trying to connect to a stuffed giraffe to luring Chris and Rupert to a lake house to set his plan in motion, “The Talented Mr. Stewie” is easily one of Stewie’s cleverest (and rather absurd) episodes in the entire series.
10 “And Then There Were Fewer”
Season 9, Episode 1 (2010)
The Griffins and other residents are anonymously invited to a dinner party hosted by James Wood who has gathered them together to try and make amends. Just as everyone starts letting their guard down, guests start being picked off by a killer who could only be one of them. The survivors have to act fast before they’re targeted.
“And Then There Were Fewer” is a hilarious parody of Agatha Christie‘s murder mystery, And Then There Were None as well as the 1985 movie, Clue. While Stewie isn’t the main focus, his insecurities about not packing proper dinner attire and saving Lois at the end make this a notable Stewie episode.
9 “Baby Not on Board”
Season 7, Episode 4 (2008)
When Peter wins a lifetime of free gas, the Griffins go on a cross-country road trip to the Grand Canyon but while on the road, they realize Stewie isn’t in the car. As they race back home, Stewie tries to make it on his own and discovers that he misses his family more than he expected. Sound familiar?
“Baby Not on Board” is an epic Stewie episode inspired by the classic Christmas movie, Home Alone. The episode skips the Wet Bandits adding a twist of desperation as Stewie uses Meg’s hats for diapers and is forced to get a job at McBurgertown. Since Stewie’s on his own for most of the episode, the episode is one of the baby’s best as he essentially gives a one-man show.
8 “Go, Stewie, Go”
Season 8, Episode 13 (2010)
When Stewie learns there will be an American version of his favorite show, “Jolly Farm,” he goes to audition only to learn that they’ve filled all the roles for boys. Determined to get on the show, Stewie auditions in disguise as a girl and ends up becoming the series’ break-out star, impressing cast and crew alike.
“Go, Stewie, Go” is another parody episode inspired by the funny 1980s romantic comedy, Tootsie. Like Hoffman, Stewie’s situation is complicated when he falls for his co-star and struggles to balance his success and new love interest. The episode highlights Stewie’s frequent flare for the dramatics especially the intense argument he has with himself that spirals down a rabbit hole.
7 “The Tan Aquatic with Steve Zissou”
Season 5, Episode 11 (2007)
When Peter fails to put sunscreen on Stewie before going golfing, he develops a tan and becomes obsessed with keeping his new bronzed look. He also develops a personality to along with it. Despite all the fun, Stewie eventually suffers a severe sunburn and must put his tanning days behind him when Dr. Hartman tells him that he might have cancer.
From gawking at himself in the mirror to drawing a mustache on himself, “The Tan Aquatic with Steve Zissou” is an imperative Stewie episode full of cultural references including Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and the sitcom, Three’s Company. According to the episode’s DVD commentary, Stewie’s all-white attire party for his tan friends is a nod to the 1977 movie, Annie Hall.
6 “From Method to Madness”
Season 3, Episode 18 (2002)
Stewie tags along with the beloved animated dog from Family Guy, Brian who is auditioning for a spot in Quahog’s School of Performing Arts, but the directors are more interested in Stewie and enroll him instead. While he has no problem fitting into his new environment, Stewie starts to obsessively compete with the school’s star pupil, Olivia and ultimately jeopardizes both of their chances at fame.
Stewie gives MacFarland the chance to showcase his musical talent and in this episode, fans are treated to show tunes and dance numbers that have become a staple in the character’s appeal and humor. The episode also exposes another absurd side of the character as well as an emotional quality that audiences rarely see.
5 “Back to the Pilot”
Season 10, Episode 5 (2011)
When Brian can’t remember where he buried his favorite tennis ball, Stewie uses his time machine to take them back to the pilot episode. As Stewie and Brian retrieve the ball, they return to the present only to find that their actions have altered history and must go back and undo the damage.
“Back to Pilot” is a nostalgic nod to the show’s original low budget and mistakes that Stewie doesn’t hesitate to call out. Along with the trip down memory lane, the events that Brian changes such as writing the Harry Potter book series and Stewie’s failed attempts at correcting history is what ultimately make this one of the best Stewie episodes.
4 “Road to Rupert”
Season 5, Episode 9 (2007)
During a yard sale, Stewie leaves his teddy bear, Rupert, with Brian, who accidentally sells him. Stewie manages to track the customer down but unfortunately, he and his family have moved away. Unable to let go of his best friend, Stewie, and Brian make the long journey to Colorado to get him back.
“Road to Rupert” is the third in the show’s series of “Road to..” episodes which are a nod to the classic comedies starring Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. This is a notable episode because of its scene with Stewie dancing alongside actor, Gene Kelly. It features a scene from, Anchor’s Aweigh, where Kelly dances with Jerry from Tom and Jerry, but animators swapped the mouse out for Stewie. The creative TV episode is among the best from the series that highlights how it pushes the medium to its limits.
3 “Stewie Kills Lois, Lois Kills Stewie”
Season 6, Episodes 4 & 5 (2007)
When Lois and Peter set sail on a cruise, Brian challenges Stewie to actually do something about taking out his mother. After Lois is lost at sea, Peter’s wrongfully charged with her murder, but just when Stewie thinks the Fat Man’s going to take the fall for him, Lois returns to Quahog, surprising everyone.
This two-part episode addresses Stewie’s darker side as everyone finally acknowledges him for the first time. Prior to the episode, other characters viewed Stewie as an average baby who could only be heard by Brian. The absurd series of events like Lois being saved by a merman and a nod to the hit series, The Sopranos, at the end ranks this as one of the finest and funniest Stewie episodes.
2 “Road to the Multiverse”
Season 8, Episode 1 (2009)
Stewie and Brian decide to go on another adventure with the baby’s new remote control teleporting to different parallel universes. When they end up in a world where dogs are superior to humans, Brian doesn’t want to leave and soon faces the risk of never returning home when someone breaks the remote.
“Road to the Multiverse” is a clever episode featuring characters in different styles of animation. One of the most memorable universes is where everyone looks like they’re in a Disney movie. Between the various universes and the human version of Brian, “Road to the Multiverse” is an essential Stewie episode that also establishes the existence of a multiverse in the show.
1 “Stewie Loves Lois”
Season 5, Episode 1 (2006)
While at the park with Lois, Rupert is snatched out of Stewie’s arms by a dog and ripped apart. While Stewie thinks his best friend is gone forever, he’s overjoyed when he sees that Lois has fixed him. Lois’ motherly gesture causes Stewie to become overly affectionate and starts to drive her up the walls.
“Stewie Loves Lois” features a lovable but clingy Stewie who becomes obsessed with Lois to the point where she can’t get a moment’s peace. The episode ranks at the top for its rare version of Stewie as well as containing one of the character’s most iconic moments as he obsessively calls for a visibly exhausted Lois for no real reason.
