How to Watch Family Guy on Disney+: A Definitive Guide

The question of whether you can watch Family Guy on Disney+ is a surprisingly nuanced one. The short answer is: it depends on where you live. In some regions, primarily outside the United States, Family Guy is indeed available on Disney+ through the Star content hub. However, in the US, it is not. Let’s break this down and explore the reasons why, and where you can find Peter Griffin and the gang.

Disney+, Star, and Family Guy: A Geopolitical Streaming Love Triangle

Disney+ operates differently across the globe. In the United States, Disney+ is primarily geared towards family-friendly content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Content deemed more mature, like Family Guy, is typically housed on other platforms such as Hulu (which Disney owns) or broadcast networks like Fox.

However, in many international markets, Disney+ incorporates a content hub called Star. Star is specifically designed to include more adult-oriented television shows and movies. This allows Disney+ to cater to a broader audience in these regions without diluting the family-centric brand in the US. Therefore, in regions with Star, you can find Family Guy on Disney+.

Checking if Family Guy is Available in Your Region

The easiest way to determine if Family Guy is available on Disney+ in your country is to simply search for it within the Disney+ app or website. If it appears in the search results, congratulations! You can binge-watch the Griffins to your heart’s content.

If it doesn’t appear, chances are you’re in a region where Family Guy isn’t available on Disney+. This is most likely because you are located in the United States.

Alternative Ways to Watch Family Guy

If you’re outside the Star-inclusive regions of Disney+, don’t despair! There are still plenty of ways to get your Family Guy fix.

Hulu: Your Primary Source in the US

In the United States, Hulu is the primary streaming home for Family Guy. Given that Disney owns a controlling stake in Hulu, this makes logical sense from a content distribution standpoint. Hulu offers a vast library of Family Guy episodes, often including the most recent seasons.

Buying or Renting Episodes and Seasons

You can also purchase or rent individual episodes or entire seasons of Family Guy from various digital retailers such as:

• Amazon Prime Video
• Apple TV (iTunes)
• Google Play Movies & TV
• Vudu

This gives you the flexibility to watch specific episodes or seasons without committing to a subscription service.

Broadcast Television

Family Guy still airs on Fox in many regions. Check your local listings to see when new or rerun episodes are scheduled to air. This is a classic way to catch the show without needing a streaming subscription.

DVDs and Blu-rays

For the true collector (or those with unreliable internet), DVDs and Blu-rays of Family Guy are readily available. This offers a tangible way to own and watch your favorite episodes, regardless of streaming availability.

Understanding Content Licensing Agreements

The reason for these regional variations in streaming availability boils down to content licensing agreements. Media companies like Disney license their shows and movies to various platforms in different territories. These agreements dictate where a show can be streamed, for how long, and under what conditions.

In the case of Family Guy, different licensing agreements are in place for the US compared to international markets. This is why Hulu typically carries the show in the US, while Disney+ (with Star) carries it in many other countries. These agreements can change over time, so it’s always a good idea to stay informed about the latest streaming options.

FAQs: Your Family Guy on Disney+ Questions Answered

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further clarify the situation regarding Family Guy and Disney+:

1. Why is Family Guy on Disney+ in some countries and not others?

As mentioned earlier, the availability of Family Guy on Disney+ depends on regional content licensing agreements and the presence of the Star content hub. Disney+ offers more mature content through Star in international markets, while keeping its US platform primarily family-friendly.

2. What countries have Disney+ with Star?

Some of the key countries that have Disney+ with the Star content hub include:

• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Europe (most countries)
• Singapore

This list is not exhaustive, but it covers the major regions where Star is available.

3. How can I access Disney+ Star if I’m in the US?

Unfortunately, you cannot directly access Disney+ Star if you are in the United States. It’s a region-locked feature. Using a VPN to bypass regional restrictions is generally against the terms of service for streaming platforms and may lead to account suspension.

4. Is Family Guy available on any other streaming services besides Hulu and Disney+?

Besides Hulu (in the US) and Disney+ (with Star) internationally, the availability of Family Guy on other streaming services may vary depending on regional licensing agreements. Check local streaming services for availability.

5. Will Family Guy ever be available on US Disney+?

While it’s impossible to predict the future with certainty, it’s unlikely that Family Guy will be added to the main Disney+ platform in the US any time soon. Disney seems committed to keeping Disney+ family-focused and using Hulu for more mature content.

6. How often are new Family Guy episodes added to Hulu?

Typically, new episodes of Family Guy are added to Hulu shortly after they air on Fox. The exact timing can vary, so it’s best to check Hulu’s website or app for the latest updates.

7. Is there a difference in content between Family Guy on Hulu and Family Guy on Disney+ Star?

The content should be largely the same, with both platforms offering access to a wide range of Family Guy episodes. However, there might be slight variations depending on the specific licensing agreements in each region.

8. Can I download Family Guy episodes for offline viewing on Hulu or Disney+?

Yes, both Hulu and Disney+ typically allow you to download episodes for offline viewing. This is a great option for watching Family Guy on the go without using data.

9. How much does it cost to watch Family Guy on Hulu?

The cost of Hulu varies depending on the subscription plan you choose. Hulu offers various plans, including those with and without ads, as well as bundles that include Disney+ and ESPN+.

10. Are there any free ways to watch Family Guy?

Legally, there are limited free ways to watch Family Guy. Sometimes, free trials are offered for streaming services like Hulu. Checking your local listings for broadcast airings on Fox is another option.

11. Does Disney plan to consolidate Hulu and Disney+?

Disney has been exploring the possibility of integrating Hulu and Disney+ more closely. While specific plans haven’t been finalized, this could potentially lead to changes in how Family Guy is distributed in the future.

12. What is the future of Family Guy streaming?

The future of Family Guy streaming is likely to remain with platforms like Hulu in the US and Disney+ (with Star) internationally. As content licensing agreements evolve, there might be minor shifts in availability, but these platforms are expected to remain the primary homes for the show.