After 23 seasons, Family Guy does the unthinkable: it kills off one of its classics!

 

After more than two decades on air, Family Guy shocked its followers by removing one of its most iconic characters: Ernie the Giant Chicken. This sworn enemy of Peter Griffin was officially “killed off” in the latest episode, marking the end of one of the most memorable rivalries in animation history.

Who was Ernie the Giant Chicken?

Ernie first appeared in the second season and became a recurring figure thanks to his absurd and epic fights with Peter. Every time they crossed paths, the show turned into an exaggerated action sequence full of destruction and ridiculous humor. Over time, these fights became a beloved tradition in the show, something fans eagerly anticipated.

The reason behind his “death”

According to the creative team, the decision to remove Ernie was difficult but necessary. After so many years, the ideas to keep the rivalry fresh had run out, and the production level those scenes required was increasingly demanding. The show needed to evolve and make room for new storylines.

The final scene: brutal and symbolic

Ernie’s farewell came in the episode “The Chicken or the Meg”. In an unexpected plot, the Giant Chicken confronts Meg and demands that she choose between him and her family. In a dramatic twist, Meg ends up decapitating him in a scene as absurd as it is shocking. His body, still moving without a head, slowly falls to the ground — ending a story that lasted more than 20 years.

Reactions and legacy

Fans reacted with surprise, disbelief, and even sadness. Many shared nostalgic messages recalling their favorite fights between Peter and Ernie. Although some still hope for a comeback, the producers have made it clear that this time, the Giant Chicken won’t return.

The end of Ernie represents more than the disappearance of a character — it’s the closing of an era in Family Guy humor, a reminder that even the most iconic jokes must eventually come to an end.