Family Guy is the type of show where you don’t want to watch something serious. It is one of the funniest shows for adults, and it is still running. It is Fox’s second-largest show, right behind the Simpsons. The show is mostly known for its dark humor and stereotypical characters. However, the show has grown to be bigger than just a cartoon. One of the most popular examples is the “It Insists Upon Itself” meme. At the same time, many people use the meme, but not that many know the true origin of the meme. So keep on reading and discover it for yourself!
A Confusing Yet Iconic Critique For The Show
The phrase “it insists upon itself” has puzzled and entertained Family Guy fans for years. First uttered by Peter Griffin in Season 4, Episode 27, it became an instant meme. People use it, just like Peter, to describe films perceived as overly self-important. In the episode, Peter dismisses The Godfather, calling it boring and slow-paced. His family is outraged, but Peter stands firm —despite admitting he’s never even finished watching the film. Did you miss the actual scene in the show? Then make sure to check it out right here:
While the phrase sounded like nonsensical criticism at the time, it quickly took on a life of its own. Viewers began using it to critique movies that felt pretentious or too focused on their own significance. But where did this phrase actually come from?
The Real Story Behind the Family Guy Meme
Seth MacFarlane, Family Guy’s creator, revealed the true origin of “it insists upon itself.” Apparently the phrase came from his college film history professor, who used it to critique The Sound of Music. MacFarlane found the expression so amusing that he worked it into Family Guy, unknowingly sparking years of debate among fans.
Since then, “it insists upon itself” has evolved into a go-to phrase for film discussions, often used sarcastically to dismiss critically acclaimed movies. Whether people genuinely agree with Peter’s assessment or just enjoy the absurdity of the critique, the meme remains one of Family Guy’s most memorable contributions to pop culture.