10 Best Times TV Characters Returned From The Dead
3. Brian Griffin - Family Guy
The levels of vitriol from Family Guy's detractors are only matched by the passionate levels of defense from the legendary cartoon's die-hard fanbase.
However, even the show's most stone-faced critics couldn't help but allow a little ray of emotion to penetrate their icy exteriors when the Griffins' dog, Brian, passed away in devastating fashion after being hit by a car.
The scene in which the tearful family bid their loyal hound farewell is one of the more moving sequences in adult cartoon history. The impact of Brian's loss - sharply juxtaposed with Family Guy's usual crude humor - results in one of the most emotionally-charged scenes in recent memory.
Seth MacFarlane did a phenomenal job in maintaining the ruse for so long, giving interviews concerning the impact of Brian's demise, and even casting Tony Sirico as the Griffins' new dog Vinny. The show legitimately appeared to be moving on without Brian, a stunning development considering the character's storied history and popularity.
Ultimately, the sense of authenticity surrounding Brian's loss proved to be a stroke of genius, serving only to ramp up the feel-good factor when he made his triumphant homecoming. With Vinny's help, Stewie used his restored time machine to save his best friend, precipitating the uplifting comeback of America's favorite alcoholic canine.