Family Guy will ‘phase out’ gay jokes

Producers on Family Guy have said they are “phasing out” jokes about gay people.

The long-running animated Fox comedy series has frequently made LGBT+ people the butt of jokes over the years, attracting criticism for relying on offensive stereotypes.

However, Sunday’s (January 13) episode “Trump Guy” hinted that the show is seeking to forge a more tolerant path on the issue going forward.

In a meta moment, Peter Griffin comes face to face with President Donald Trump, who tells him: “You’re Peter Griffin from Family Guy. Many children have learned their favourite Jewish, black and gay jokes by watching your show over the years.

Peter Griffin responds: “In fairness, we’ve been trying to phase out the gay stuff.”

The show’s producers confirmed to TVLine that the quip was more than just a gag.

Family Guy producers: Our views are now different

Asked if the line was serious, executive producer Alec Sulkin said: “Kind of, yes.

“If you look at a show from 2005 or 2006 and put it side by side with a show from 2018 or 2019, they’re going to have a few differences.

“Some of the things we felt comfortable saying and joking about back then, we now understand is not acceptable.”

Exec producer Rich Appel added: “It’s almost unique to Family Guy, though I can think of one other show that’s been on the air longer.

2009 Family Guy episode “Road to the Multiverse” featured the Universe of Homosexual Men, populated by naked gay men.