10 Moments That Literally Stopped TV Shows
6. The List Of Cancelled TV Shows - Family Guy
Though it seems ridiculous to consider today, Family Guy was originally cancelled after its third season, and was only revived for season four due to strong DVD sales and high ratings during reruns.
And creator Seth MacFarlane made absolute sure to fire a shot across the bow at trigger-happy studio Fox in the very first scene of the season four premiere, "North by North Quahog."
In what remains one of Family Guy's all-time funniest gags, the cold open begins with Peter explaining to his family that they've been cancelled, because Fox needs to make room for a laundry list of other TV shows, the list including nothing but shows which Fox has actually cancelled.
When Lois asks if anything can be done, Peter quips that they might have a shot if all those shows get cancelled, at which point we smash cut to the opening credits.
It's bold as hell to spend the first minute of your newly-renewed show spraying hot fire at the people bankrolling it.