Family Guy: How The Peter Griffin Death Pose Took Over The Internet

Summary The "Peter Griffin Death Pose" from Family Guy has become a timeless internet meme, thanks to its absurdity and humor.

This iconic gag appeared in season 10 after Peter fell down the stairs, leaving him twisted in a hilarious position.

The pose may reference a scene from Highlander, but its origins remain unclear, solidifying its place in internet culture.

Family Guy, Seth MacFarlane's satirical animated sitcom, is notorious for pushing the boundaries of comedy through its irreverent humor and absurd gags, and the "Peter Griffin Death Pose" is a perfect example. Since its debut in 1999, the show has been a treasure trove of iconic and meme-able moments. One of the most enduring involves none other than the infinitely quotable Peter Griffin, the show's bumbling yet lovable protagonist. Despite his flaws, Peter's antics are often a source of hilarity, with one particular gag cementing itself as a staple in internet culture.

In particular, one visual gag involving Peter has become synonymous with the show's unique brand of humor. Originating in Season 10, this memorable moment sees Peter suffer an exaggerated fall down a flight of stairs, leaving him twisted in an awkward position that would become iconic. What began as a fleeting gag has since transcended the series, infiltrating video games, other animated shows, and internet culture at large. The "Peter Griffin Death Pose" has taken over the internet more than any other Peter Griffin Family Guy meme.

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The Peter Griffin Death Pose Debuted In Family Guy Season 10

The Pose Appeared After Peter Griffin Feel Down The Stairs In "The Blind Side"

The "Peter Griffin Death Pose" made its hilarious debut in season 10, episode 11, "The Blind Side." In the episode, Peter discovers that Lois has replaced the deteriorating staircase in their home with a slicker, more dangerous version. True to Peter's careless nature, he tumbles down the stairs in spectacular fashion, ending up crumpled at the bottom with his arms twisted behind his back and one leg bent awkwardly.

His dramatic and exaggerated fall leaves Peter splayed out in a bizarre and memorable pose. With his back to the camera, he looks like a broken ragdoll—an image that resonates with viewers thanks to its absurdity. Peter remains in this twisted position as he writhes in pain and screams at Lois. The unexpectedness of Peter's tumble and his absurd body contortion made the "Death Pose" a striking and memorable visual gag.

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The Peter Griffin Death Pose May Be A Reference To Highlander

The Highlander Series Features A Character With A Similarly Contorted Body

Some fans believe that the "Peter Griffin Death Pose" is a nod to a scene from season 5, episode 19 of the Highlander television series, released on May 12, 1997 (via Know Your Meme). In this episode, two characters leap to their deaths, and their bodies are shown lying in a pile of rubble. One of the characters ends up in a pose that is strikingly similar to Peter Griffin's infamous posture. Both poses feature twisted limbs and comically exaggerated contortions.

Despite the visual similarities between the two scenes, it's unclear whether the creators of Family Guy intentionally referenced Highlander or if it's merely a coincidence. Without confirmation from Seth MacFarlane or the creative team, this remains speculative. Regardless of the inspiration, the "Death Pose" has undeniably evolved into something unique, transcending its original appearance to become a recognizable meme in its own right. The ambiguity surrounding the origins of this iconic gag only adds to its mystique, and further cements its status as a timeless piece of internet culture.

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Video Games (& The Entire Internet) Are Obsessed With The Peter Griffin Death Pose

Team Fortress 2, Deltarune, The Murder Of Sonic The Hedgehog, & Many Others Have Referenced The Meme

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The "Peter Griffin Death Pose" meme quickly gained traction within the gaming community. Characters from Team Fortress 2, a multiplayer first-person shooter, have been spotted lying on the ground in poses that closely approximate Peter's iconic posture. While it's uncertain if Family Guy inspired the game's creators or if players modded the game to include the meme, the resemblance is uncanny.

The "Peter Griffin Death Pose" also appears in Deltarune, A Hat in Time, The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog, and many other games.

The "Death Pose" has even permeated other animated shows. In Netflix's The Cuphead Show, Elder Kettle mimics the pose in season 2, episode 11, "Say Cheese." Meanwhile, Steven Universe hits a close approximation of the pose in the episode "Catch and Release," although it's not an exact match. These references showcase how deeply the "Peter Griffin Death Pose" has woven into popular culture, earning a place alongside Family Guy's other iconic memes.

Ultimately, the "Peter Griffin Death Pose" embodies the irreverent and absurd humor that has made Family Guy a household name. Its viral spread across the internet and video games illustrates how a single comedic gag can resonate far beyond its original context, solidifying Peter Griffin's fall as a timeless piece of internet culture.

Source: Know Your Meme