10 Most Controversial American Dad Episodes (So Far)

1. Stan of Arabia - S1E12 & 13

In a way, this episode enforces a lot of what is wrong with the episode 'Shallow Vows' but the thing that sets this episode apart is that instead of mocking specific attitudes and opinions, American Dad writers really go for the jugular and instead satirise an entire culture, making fun of the language, names and beliefs. After Stan insults his boss, Avery Bullock, whilst attempting to roast him at his birthday, he and his family are shipped out to Saudi Arabia as a punishment. Whilst Francine and Haley are initially excited about absorbing a brand new culture, Stan is predictably apprehensive, assuming that he has moved to a land of terrorists. When natives pass him and the family, he instructs them to shut their mouths as that is how they invade bodies and lay their eggs. Just usual Stan nonsense. But, unlike in other episodes when Stan is corrected or comes to some epiphany, in this episode Francine and Hayley are manhandled, chased and called whores so they end up hating Saudi culture as much as Stan, because in the world of American Dad, it is portrayed in a completely negative light. Of course, Stan ends up loving it because their beliefs about men and women suit him to a tee. He's fed up of Francine disagreeing with him and doing what she wants so gets a second wife to suit his needs for a more submissive partner. Without going too much into whether we agree or disagree with this depiction of Islamic countries and Sharia Law, it is completely politically incorrect and goes unchecked throughout. And the fact that this was in the first season of the show and the writers have never really gone this far since suggests that perhaps they agree it was not necessary to make the show great. What episodes do you find stomach-churning? Are people who think it's a controversial show just being too sensitive? Let us know and leave a comment!