The Best Worst Show: F is for Family 

You ever watch F is for Family? If so what'd you think of it? Also lemme know what similar shows I should check out! Also there's a random Bill Murphy jumpscare like 4 minutes in which definitely is NOT an editing mistake so please ignore that :)

What you fail to realize is that it was never a Family Guy clone at all... It was a King of the Hill clone

If they had animated this show frame-by-frame and maybe even tried to make it look like an early 70s cartoon, I think it would have pushed it into the masterpiece territory.

I think the most touching thing about this show is that Bill is writing a show centred around his own father. It’s like he’s trying to come to terms with his own feelings on him and sympathize with his struggles. It’s what a lot of kids with…troublesome parents do. Bill though seemed to genuinely love his dad

I've always hated how underrated this show was. It was so well written and I'm glad to see someone giving it the credit it deserves.

I swear every "comedy" thing Bill Burr does is just a means of expressing childhood trauma and it always hits.

I think the reason Maureen is written the way she is because she’s kind of meant to represent how girls were raised around that time period. Especially being the youngest, she’s the most coddled and spoiled out of the three children, because, being a little girl, she’s seen as weaker than her brothers. Doesn’t make for a likable character, but it’s realistic.

It's interesting that you call it "ugly." I thought it was nice to see a show that didn't look like 95% of the animated American series out there. Does a fantastic job of recapturing aesthetic of the time period. I'd like to see another show done in this style, maybe something with the same 'universe.' It is definitely a very stressful and depressing a lot of the time, but such a wonderful heart at its core.😊

I was an animator on this show! It was sure a lot of fun to work on. I understand I wish we could slip in more 2D hand drawn animation, but the deadlines are :(((

You neglected to mention the several times in the series that frank shuts down his daughters attempts to branch out from "normal girl stuff" and she slowly begins to reject it throughout the series.

My theory for the 4th season is that the reason Frank's father is being so nice is bc he was already dying and had to much pride to tell Frank and just thought if he showed Frank hes diffrent he would get closure with his son

I kinda liked Maureen. I related to her a lot. Mostly in the final season where she was being ignored and just desperately wanted to be her dad's princess again. I hate that they dropped the storyline of her wanting to be a scientist. She really got shifted in the development until the last possible second.

The F is for Family's art style might not be everyone's cup of tea (personally, I think it looks ok for what they're going for), but the writing definitely make up for it. It's one of the more underrated adult animated shows.

Bill Burr is the entire reason I watched this show to begin with. He's an outrageous comedian that has never failed to make me laugh with his jokes in standup and writing in the show. Easily one of the best comedians in modern comedy

Best show in 20 years. Best comedy? Not so much, but my God does this show hit if you had an abusive Dad. My Dad actually passed away a week before the last season premiered, and it'll probably be the most TV has ever helped me through anything in my life.

I just love that this show took place in the 70s. I wish more animated shows would take places in that era more often.

Honestly, as a person of color, the Rosie side plot I really enjoyed, it’s actually almost parallel to Frank’s character development as well however, it has the added racial implications added to his character. Not to mention, he’s almost like two sides of the same coin as Frank, because although they have similar struggles, I could argue that Rosies was a little harsher, not to mention the way he treats. His family is almost directly opposite of how Frank treated his family and although Frank does not always get to succeed at the end of the day, Rosie at least got somewhere that was a little bit more successful for black men in the 70s. I think it’s pretty good. And I’m glad they gave him more character than just aggravted black guy friend

I haven't got through the video yet but the intro legitimately describes my thoughts on this show, as a comedy the gross out humour and the hit or miss of jokes can let it down a little however as a story based show it's honestly amazing, the characters all reflect on the situation at the time, the pace of the show never is thrown off continuity and the overall way things are written and played out really makes you feel for the characters and put yourself in their shoes. Honestly a really great show and while the flaws are there they don't drag it down.

Can we please get Mark to watch Moral Orel? Another cynical cartoon that is in a way super depressing but coated with so much nuance and positive lessons as well. EDIT: This comment is going crazy holy shit- at this rate hes gotta see it MARK IF YOURE READING THIS YOU ARE NOW MORAL ORELLY OBLIGATED.

I'm not even going to call this show a guilty pleasure, it's just a damn pleasure to watch. I've been a fan since season one and it sorta reminds me of BoJack, not to the same scale obviously but in the way is explores imperfect characters and digs into why they are the way they are, it just hits for me

This honestly seems like a grounded, realistic look at familial toxicity and abuse in general. Which is refreshing, I feel like those topics are too often told rather than shown, or overexaggerated or blown off as a joke. Good stuff.

i remember when i was like 14 my brother and i watched the first 3 seasons of this with our dad, and it all hit so close to home that none of us were saying ANYTHING lmao. at the time i didnt know why dad kept putting this on over dinner (especially considering how bad the humor was), but now i can see he was just trying his best. i love my dad

I got into this show late during it fourth season. But I ended up freaking enjoying the hell out of this show, the best thing that this show so good is the fact that it takes place in a different times they don't need to rely on pop culture reference of today. Also this show can be both funny, can tell good jokes, have character development and tell a story all at the same time, it's rare to find adult animated shows that just don't rely on adult jokes alone just because it's a adult show. If there is a way to describe what I love this show it can be some up to three things. 1) It humors 2) Nudity, actually nudity, some adult cartoon seem to not take advantage of the facts since they are making cartoon for older people that mean they show nudity in theirs show 3) Maureen and Bridget, two of favorite characters on this goddamn show I love them.

Great video. I wanted to point out Vic. I think Vic for being a side character, is a fantastic character. He goes from a cocaine addict to trying to get clean, can’t handle the withdrawals due to OCD and goes back to cocaine. Even worse than before. Almost crashing a helicopter in the process. And also the aggression within him at Kevin throughout some points in the show. Then comes the huge 180 in his character when he has a child to raise by himself. He comes clean off cocaine for good, and tries everything he can to be a good dad. So far as to ask Sue for advice and joining her class. I think Vic is a great character. I love his whole little arc. Throughout the show, and even my memories of the show, Vic is who I always think of. I thought Vic was going to end up ODing a few times. It was refreshing to see him trying his best to give his son a good life. Clean off cocaine. I rooted for Vic more than anyone at certain points in the show. And for the ending, i’m happy with it. Because Vic made it out clean and happy with his son.

Frank’s realization at the end is what some people go to therapy, church, or AA to finally understand. Acceptance is a hard lesson for some and he got to it kicking and screaming.

F is for Family is something that I genuinely enjoyed for the drama. The comedy was never that great for me (but there were some proper laugh out loud moments), but by season 2 I genuinely liked the characters and wanted them to succeed.

I'm glad you are covering this. Bill doesn't get enough credit (I quite like the animation, but understand why you don't). Bill had a story, he told it and then he laid it to rest.

Bill Burr is a true artist. When he does something he makes sure it's done right. He never liked Star Wars but when he got a part in the TV series he became the fan favorite character of the season. He cares about his projects and this is no different.

As someone who was born a woman and has always felt they have had to go against the grain to be seen as something "equal" to men, Maureen was one of my favorite characters. I could feel her struggles when she was constantly put down for being a weak girl when she wanted to do things that are seen as "masculine". Everytime her ideas were put down or her interests ignored, I felt it deeply. She was a character who was born a girl in a time that girls were only destined to become housewives and shouldn't aspired to anything else. She wanted to be like her brothers and she wanted to do what was "boy stuff". She was put down, so she took it out on her brothers by annoying them and being a little twerp. I see a lot of myself in her.

My bro and i decided to warch every adult animated "comedy" on Netflix, surprisingly enough this was the best one that we saw by far. While not the funniest ahow I've seen, it definitely had the best writing by far since the characters were believable and while not likeable, they were entertaining to watch

Honestly, the real finale clears the seemingly perfect endpoint just before it. It just wouldn’t be F is for Family without another way everything has blown up in the Murphy family’s face, and after every happy reaffirming moment or point where things seem like they’re about to look up, life punches you in the gut and you just gotta roll with it. Show was always real as hell like that, and it’s something I continue to relate to conceptually. I also think Rosie got just enough of a subplot to really highlight the Murphy reality even more. They may be absolutely going through it at all times and that’s important to empathize with, but there’s people out there with the same kinds of hardship plus massive heapings of racism to deal with on top of it. It’s also a nice contrast to see a major character who manages to overcome things and genuinely learn how to ‘play the games’ of society as it were and improve his life and his community, opposite the way it’s always one step forward, too steps back for Frank and co. Yet even for him there’s always more BS ahead. It’s honestly a shame Bob Pogo is used so consistently for one note grossout ‘fat glutton’ humor because I would say that when he’s treated seriously, he’s another of the better supporting characters; this guy was Frank’s best friend for years and lost a lot of his own dreams and it can be compelling stuff. Even if he’s no Vic or Rosie.

Personally I really liked this show. There’s a lot that you didn’t talk about that really spoke to me, such as Kevin’s journey through his trauma of almost drowning as a baby because of his dads negligence as an example. I’ve watched it several times through and this show will always be a stand out for me.

I don’t think Billy Burr gets enough credit for this show. He showed a ton of insight and introspection with this show, obviously trying to understand why he’s such a psycho. This show displays his growth

Frank Murphy is like what if Peter Griffin was like a sympathetic person.

What I love about Bill Burr is that deep down, I think he's trying to spread out the right lessons to people. I like to use his voice as a motivator to make better decisions in my head. Like an internal life coach or somethin'.

This show tackled narcissism and father issues perfectly

it took a few seasons for me to understand that I liked F is for family so much cause it felt like a family drama that just happened to be animated, that is really refreshing to see when most "adult" animations are trying to be edgy, or constantly going for jokes or slap stick, there is nothing wrong with that just nice to see other genres explored in american animation besides a comedy cartoon.

I love this show so much, probably my favorite Netflix original along with Bojack Horseman

its my favorite show for just how real it is. i grew up in the 90's and 00's but my dad is just like frank in every way. hard working man, who doesnt want help from anyone, just trying to make sure his family succeeds. and a lot of that rubbed off onto me. say what you will about this show but its great. might be to real for some. maybe they could find enjoyment in watching velma.

The art style might not be aesthetically pleasing to everybody, but it is very memorable. With better animation quality and a different color palette it could look really good, because I do like some of the character designs quite a bit.

I love Bill and F is for Family. The reality of the show is very spot on and relatable while also having the crazy situations that are highly unlikely irl. And the 70's backdrop makes it so that we don't have to have any modern issues shoved in our face. It's important to talk issues in cartoons. But this show takes the issues and applies them broadly. The issues in this show apply to any timeframe, but the backdrop makes it so that there's no worry of seeing something that currently may be controversial. I mean the shows controversial in nature, but that's the point. However it doesn't really hamfist anything in other than Bill's experiences and outlook.

my favorite joke in this series is when everyone puts the blame on Jimmy, I remember laughing a lot when Chet reports Frank and when the cops ask who reported him he says "Jimmy Fitzsimmons"

Watching this show after growing up in a dysfunctional family and bearing the weight of the immense pressure to take care of my family financially really hits me in the feels sometimes in the slower moments and I definitely know where some of the characters are coming from when they act horrible

F is for Family is one of my favorite shows of all times. I thought it would just funny and gross but it had heart and a surprising amount of depth. The show is truly incredible.

The recurring jokes were hilarious. My favorite one being "My name is Jimmy Fitzsimmons!"

Me and my girlfriend loved this show, I honestly kinda wished they made another season though. I know that the story has already been pretty much finished with Frank bettering himself and starting to make his family his priority, but I would've liked to see them more yknow. It's just always that when a good show ends (or gets cancelled, why Netflix why) though I understand it's much better to end well than to prolong it until it becomes stagnant

I enjoy this show, but I take my time with it. I grew up in an abusive home and the hostility can really get to me sometimes.

I found it funny that his neighbor was most likely a serial killer, and nobody noticed no matter what weird situation they found him in. Also, I like that the show actually ended before it ran on too long and ruined everything.

F is for family is a phenomenal show. Criminally underrated when it comes to Netflix animated shows. It should be talked about more often.

Why is it that the adult animated shows that tackle heavy subjects with respect are always the ones that get the least amount of attention when they originally release? Is it too much to enjoy a show where they don't poke fun at everything in a tasteless way

Love this show to death, it's like the only other show besides Bojack Horseman that's ever stood out as having actual characters rather than just caricatures of people, also respect for mark as a fellow SMT fan, I can recognize Digital Devil Saga music from a mile away

I think the slowly poisoning thing is great. they could’ve definitely done more but i think it shows how quickly life can shift and change so abruptly because life doesn’t always go as thought.

I feel like this show was even more amazing knowing the fact that Bill Bur dedicated this to his father. This show is exactly what the name is, Family. Frank is by no means nice but he has a reason for being the way he is, his life was messed up. I especially love the ending where it showed the contrasts of the first episode where Frank was just a product of his messed up childhood and how in the final episode he is determined to break the cycle. I found it heartwarming.

Ended up watching this as it was coming out during a very tumultuous time for my family and it became a comfort show. I’m glad to see Mark covering it - not only does it mean so much for me personally, but its narratology is incredible. A very very underrated show.

Man oh man....I am so glad someone finally gave out a video review about this show. I loved this show front to back by the time the 5th season ended. The family dynamic the Murphys had was something that hit home for me and from watching it a couple times you really start to see the whole world being active even "off camera". Btw did you ever realize that Jeffery Dahmer was a reoccurring character in this show?

yo the eldest kid is literally rodrick heffley

Great video! I gave FifF a shot and couldn't get passed the first episode, fully because of the screaming scene where Frank goes off at the phone. Unfortunately, I found it incredibly triggering. And at the time I watched it, I didn't know it was Bill Burr's childhood I was watching. And it makes so much sense now because the rage in Frank's voice is so real, and that's why it was so triggering. Bill really channels his dad in that scene. I think if I was able to get passed that scene I would have loved the show in the same way you do. So thank you for the video, because now I can appreciate the show for what it is.

It must be hard for Frank to have a happy family life when he moonlights as the AVGN

Bill being traumatized in the show never gets old 😂

I personally love the animation it feels like a cereal or toy box from the time it was set in. I think the animation while simple is able to convey the family better along with the Time period since ong as soon as I saw the poster on Netflix I thought it was based in the late 70s or 80s.

This show was so uncomfortable but it felt real, it wasn't just shock and apathy, it had heart that made the discomfort actually discomforting, you felt bad for characters, you felt disgusted and angry. It played it straight, even with the humor there, it didn't just set up punchlines, deliver them, repeat. Chet was really interesting, an absolute demon, that maximized the discomfort and the "Fear" from having so much stronger and more influential making them Frank's nemesis, but that final scene with him, was really interesting with a lot more to it than just the surface level, while he's in the hospital dying and asks Frank to hold his hand, and then slurs against him to "Stick it to him". Immediately it seems like he's just being the same demon to the end, but, I think it was genuine, he was just afraid, and he didn't want to accept it so he tried to defensively "Make it a joke" to stick it to Frank, but, then he's alone. No wife, no friend, not even the nurses are around for him. It really kinda makes you wonder if he was actually afraid. It plays a bit with the idea of Chet having PTSD and being broken by it and just becoming an awful person, definitely inexcusable, but, showing a bit of how he pivoted to be such an awful person, to the point where he ends up alone, afraid, cold and dying. Sue really frustrated the hell out of me, but the irrationality came off as genuine, not just writer's convenience for conflict, but an actual "So messed up that no signal seems to go in or out right" that starts so many fights. You'll see it a lot with people suffering depression or otherwise stressed and miserable. It's an amazing achievement to make you not just get fed up with the writers when they make a character like this and it's not just for plot progression. I really liked her resolution at the end too, and her "getting better" at the end is satisfying, it's a great moral and message. For someone like my mom, the message of "You don't need a career to be fulfilled, you are contributing" and that having a child you raise is great, and it's honestly something too many people need but not enough hear, feeling despair over not having a "Career". There's so much more to life. Frank and Big Bill is also an amazing ambiguous relationship, demonstrating Frank isn't just looking at his childhood with "trauma tinted glasses" and that Big Bill really did act as he remembered, but also seeing him actually trying to be decent, and it makes it a lot more complex than just "Oh Big Bill is just pretending because he's a natural manipulator/narcissist that wants to be the star", he still crosses the line pretty obviously, but you also see him putting in the effort to not be awful. You also see how many failures Big Bill had and how most of his outbursts come from "Failure" and he lashes out at smaller mistakes, parallel to Frank and his own family, and you learn why Frank is how he is. It's scary looking at the intergenerational trauma in action, but also, how it leaves you on a note questioning just how genuine Big Bill was, if he's like Frank, a hurt man who lashes out despite trying his best for them, or if he's in it for himself and his own image alone.

Bill Burt's rants turned into a family comedy was something I had the joy of benging for years! It's too hilarious, relatable with the right amount of cynic humor in time where you really COULD get away with what the norms were at the time!

I don’t know but as someone who’s family has decades of inter generational trauma parts of this show really hit hard. I relate so hard to the kids in that they all represent reactions to family trauma, one tries to be the innocent happy angel that glues the parents together, one acts out whilst constantly seeking approval and one wants nothing to do with their family feeling trapped by the fact they are a child who relies on their parents for the basics.

I loved it, I thought it was great! The scene where Frank is yelling at Kevin about his grades and making a huge spectacle at the table will forever live in my head rent free. "Strike up the band! Da, dalah, da, da, da! Three cheers for my d minus son!" "D PLUS!"

"Guess which one is meant to be Bill Burr" You fell for the bait. Were you to know more about Bill Burr from his comedy specials and mainly his podcast, you'd know he pretty much is Frank Murphy. Edit: Also, even without taking Frank himself into account, Kevin is still a lot closer to real life Bill Burr than Bill Murphy is.

I've always loved Bill Burr's comedy, and when I saw that he was creating a show, I was all on board. I ended up really enjoying the show, and watched each season as it premiered. For anyone that hasn't watched Bill Burr's comedy; he has talked a lot about what his father was like, and these traits are fully exemplified by Frank Murphy, so it is almost guaranteed that he based Frank off of his own father

Absolutely loved the show. I watched it with my flat mate from university. It was one of our bonding shows. I miss her a lot. We split when Covid happened and had to return to our home countries prematurely. We were so excited for new seasons haha

If you were a child of the late 70s 80s or even early 90s… this show was incredibly relatable.

Super excited to see you cover this. I loved the earlier seasons but then it just got off the rails Later. I loved the characters but the plot was family guy nuts at times. Happy to watch this review.

I didn't expect to love this show as much as I do, and watching it with my mom made it all the better, because she can comment on it's accuracy for the time period she grew up in and how little of it is hyperbole 🤣

holy shit the backing music for the first bit of your discussion about season 3 is muladhara from digital devil saga; i legit never expected to hear that in such an unrelated video

Thank you for giving this show the love it deserves. I was pleasantly surprised it took more of Everybody Hates Chris, Malcolm in the Middle approach.

Animator who worked on the show, second season, Scoop's death, freeze frame the explosion, you'll find an Easter egg, enjoy :)

To me, the artstyle feels like it's going for less of a Family Guy and more of a King of the Hill. And despite not watching KotH back in the day I have heard nothing but good things about it.

I honestly love this show. The feel, characters, animation, and historical feel of how certain people would be in the time the show takes place in.

Goddamn, an adult show with _story?_ _Characterization?_ That's just unheard of.

I liked and hated this show, Frank really felt like a real character, I grew up around people like him, exactly the same. Even my dad shares so many of the same traits as Frank so it was hard to watch at times. At the same time I think it helped me understand why those people acted the way they did, I still won't forgive what was clearly abuse but at least I sort of understand the reasons behind their behaviour.

Funny how you did to Mourine what everyone does to Mourine, ignore who she is to put her in a preconceived Box.

I don't really like adult shows much. It's not very enjoyable watching all the "everything is awful, life sucks, drugs, abuse, serious topics etc. Kinda shows. And adult humor rarely does it for me. But I DO love watching people talking about adult shows. And this was entertaining indeed!

I LOVE series like this. I may have to check it out. I love series that are funny but don't force it but at the same time, knows when to get real and Dark. Something Family Guy will never be.

Im so happy this show is getting recognition This show is so underrated

I use to rep this show so hard! It really is an underrated gem! I had the same sentiments going into it, but it QUICKLY became a favorite of mine. I have being waiting for anyone to do a detailed video of this show for so long! Thank you! Omg!

I get why people hate the animation but to me it was a homage to the Hannah Barbara era of the time. The show itself states cartoons SUCKED at the time. To me the backrounds and setting were unique, the Midwest/eastern setting has this grimy feel that you don’t get in live action

I love the new art for this channel, it’s so pleasing to look at

I loved this show. I resonated with me so much it didn't feel like a slap stick comedy like every adult cartoon is, it felt real, like you could make it a live action show and it would be the exact same. The realistic family, the unhappy cliff hangers, find meaning in what you put your efforts and time into, this show was real. And I think that's why it isn't as popular as it should be. Cartoons are seen as supposed to come off as humorous and comedic in some way or another. That why bojack gets praise, although it's also dark and heavy, it has silly talking animals doing silly and animalistic things so I feel some people look past the real and dark stuff. But great vid mark, I love your explanation and take on this series! Bravo!

i dunno why, but that scene where they're moving the tv and he calls the dog a "fucking maniac" sent me more than anything else in the show

i really liked the artstyle of it tbh. yeah it needs some improvement BUT it was different from generic artstyles almost all adult shows tend to have

I'm so surprised that you were let down by Sue's opening of a parenting class, since I felt the idea had a great symmetry to it. I thought the point was to highlight that despite what she (and by extension, us the audience) has been told, homemakers and childcarers do have useful skills that can be levered into a careers outside their families, and that the skills that have become second nature to her from years of raising 3 children - not a small achievement in itself - are a testament to none of that time being "wasted" at all. You say "it all boils down to her being able to raise kids well, it's all she can do", and I just didn't interpret it that way at all. Good video though, i enjoyed this show and happy to see it getting any amount of attention!

It's amazing how it is an adult cartoon but not a Family Guy clone, that's what makes it so good.

Ugly??? uh... I dunno, I think it has an interesting artstyle, similar to what some indi comic book authors do like Daniel Clowes or Charles Burns. A mix of realistic and popart.

I had a friend that introduced me to it and we binge watched it together until around season three. He unfortunately passed away in a tragic accident and the show is very nostalgic to me and started watching it again for the memories of my friend.

In this world, only three things are certain: death, taxes, and Mark sneaking Brian Griffin into every one of his thumbnails.

I kinda thought the dad character was meant to be the angry video game nerd

9:09 - I forgot that Major was humping Sue's leg while she was crying. Jeez

The Digital Devil Saga Muladhara song for the season 3 segment really brought me back to the video i love it its very Niche but if yah know yah know

You should consider watching The Venture Brothers, while both shows are entirely different, they have similar enough themes and character developments, it's about 6 seasons but a benched all of it in 2 weeks

i love this show, im very glad to have a video made by someone who can introduce so many more people to it. its genuinely one of the best shows made by netflix if not the best. anyways when are you reviewing every episode from every sonic show?

I love the fact that you used a track from the excelsior ost, great mod!

Honestly. What hit for me was just the portrayal of familial trauma. And honestly how fucked some aspects of the time period were and how ingrained everything was. It honestly makes me feel really bad for the main family of the show. And for the families of the period. But it was genuinely interesting. It honestly made me kind of nostalgic for a time i never lived in. But a time my parents lived in and honestly gave me a lot of perspective to understand the perspectives of adults in my life. (Especially how at the time i was either directly dealing with people carrying their past traumas/family dynamics and causing harm to others or working through the trauma from other people in the past.) It gave me a lot of space to understand those people in my life and trying to emphasize and gain closure with that empathy. Its just so genuine, real and natural. Its genuinely really interesting to watch. Like an animated documentary of a family from the time. At least for how it felt for me i loved this show. It didn't break my world like other shows out there but it still hit me really hard. And its absolutely something i reccomend for something to give a really good perspective of the time period. I did enjoy this show. And now i want to rewatch it

I really enjoyed this show, it was dark, like a lot of adult animated shows, but there was real heart underneath the cynicism.