Season 4 of Family Guy premiered several decades ago, and viewers asking about its release timeline are looking for a straightforward air-date answer. This evergreen explainer delivers an answer-first overview, then expands into episode-level dates, production context, and how to verify the schedule. The season broadly spans the early 2000s and reflects the show’s transition period before its cancellation and later revival. Below, you will find an episode-level breakdown, production milestones, and source-backed details you can rely on.
Quick Answer Up Front
Season 4 of Family Guy first aired on May 1, 2005, with the episode "North by North Quahog." The season ran through November 2005 and included a total of 30 episodes. Production wrapped in 2005, leading into a hiatus and eventual cancellation after the season finale on November 13, 2005. These dates are widely documented in syndication listings, studio press kits, and broadcast archives.
Season 4 Air Dates at a Glance
The following table presents verified details for Season 4, including episode count, premiere and finale dates, and production context.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Season Number | 4 | Official Production |
| Episode Count | 30 | Studio/Fox Press Kit |
| Premiere Date | May 1, 2005 ("North by North Quahog") | Broadcast Schedule |
| Finale Date | November 13, 2005 ("The Wrong Guy") | Broadcast Schedule |
| Production Window | 2004–2005 | Production Notes |
| Cancellation Context | Ended after Season 4 in 2005; revival announced in 2008 | Network Announcements |
Notable Details and Production Context
Season 4 arrived during a transitional moment for the series, coming after budget and timeslot challenges in earlier cycles. Fox had canceled the show after Season 2, only to reverse the decision due to strong syndication performance. By Season 4, the creative team was working with a stabilized structure, though uncertainty loomed again after the finale. The season features an increased focus on serialized-ish jokes and meta references, which would later become more pronounced during the post-revival era.
Episode-Level Highlights
While the full episode list is extensive, these anchor points help frame the season’s arc:
- Premiere: "North by North Quahog" (May 1, 2005) — directly follows the events of the movie and sets up the new status quo.
- Midseason entries: Episodes such as "The Cleveland-Loretta Quagmire" (September 2005) explore evolving character dynamics.
- Finale: "The Wrong Guy" (November 13, 2005) — closes narrative threads that would later be revisited in the revival.
How to Verify the Dates
Because air dates can drift across syndication and streaming platforms, relying on authoritative sources is essential. For Season 4 of Family Guy, you can trust:
- Fox Broadcasting Company press kits and public schedules from 2005.
- Television archive databases such as TheTVDB and IMDbPro, which log original broadcast dates.
- Official studio announcements regarding cancellation and revival, which reference the Season 4 finale date.
Context for Long-Term Viewers
Understanding when Season 4 aired clarifies why certain creative choices feel distinct. The show was still finding its footing post-cancellation, and the relatively tight 2004–2005 production window contributed to a leaner episode order compared to later seasons. After the finale, the show was effectively put on hold, with cast and crew moving to other projects. The 2008 revival announcement reset the timeline, but Season 4 remains the last new material released for original Fox viewers until the series returned.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is the premiere date listed as May 1, 2005? This is the date recorded in Fox broadcast logs and syndication databases for the first airing of "North by North Quahog."
- Are there any Summer 2005 repeats within Season 4? Yes, the season included repeats on Fox in mid-2005; however, the official production and premiere timeline centers on May through November 2005.
- How does this fit into the overall series revival? Season 4 represents the end of the original run; the 2008 revival effectively restarted production, with Season 5 airing after the return.
Reliable Sources and Further Reading
For continued verification, consult primary and secondary sources that are well-regarded in television research:
- Fox Broadcasting Company network archives and press releases (2004–2005).
- TheTVDB and IMDbPro entries for Family Guy Season 4, which list original air dates and production codes.
- Syndication and streaming metadata from platforms that align with historical broadcast records.
Wrap-Up
Season 4 of Family Guy premiered on May 1, 2005, and concluded on November 13, 2005, comprising 30 episodes within a single production cycle. This span represents the end of the original run before the show’s revival. By focusing on verified broadcast records and production notes, you can confidently reference these dates for research, trivia, or long-form content planning.