‘Family Guy’ Officially Kills Off Iconic Character After 26 Years

Family Guy has officially killed off one of its most famous recurring characters, ending a 26-year run in the animated series.

The announcement came as fans eagerly await the show’s return to Fox next year with a brand-new season. Season 23, which wrapped this summer, offered several surprising moments, but one Meg-centric episode stood out for its shocking and final death.

In the episode “The Chicken or the Meg,” Meg confronts Ernie the Giant Chicken, a longtime rival of Peter Griffin.

The fight takes a dark turn when Meg quickly decapitates the chicken, leaving no room for a comeback. Unlike past battles where the chicken survived to appear in later episodes, this time the show clearly signaled the character’s permanent exit.

Family Guy executive producer Alec Sulkin explained the reasoning behind the decision. “I think that the chicken has gone the way of all flesh,” he said.

“Honestly, I feel like we got so many great set pieces out of the giant chicken fighting with Peter that they became hard to top. It’s a lot to ask of our production crew, and we may have just gotten the best out of that character.”

Richard Appel, another executive producer, agreed and pointed to the iconic crossover fight between Peter and Homer in the Simpsons/Family Guy special as the peak of the chicken’s storyline. “When you watch that, it’s hard to know where you take that further,” Appel said, noting that the character’s story had reached its natural conclusion.

The Giant Chicken had long been a fan favorite for its over-the-top battles with Peter, so its death marks a major change for the show. As Family Guy moves forward into Season 24, viewers will have to see how the series adapts without one of its most iconic rivals.

Ending the Giant Chicken’s saga feels like a bold and smart move. Sometimes, retiring a character allows the show to explore new stories and ideas. What do you think about this decision? Share your thoughts in the comments.