Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane
'Family Guy' favourite Brian Griffin has been killed off.
Fans were left reeling after the much-loved dog was brutally run over by a car in an episode on the adult animation that aired in the US last night (24.11.13), and his partner in crime Stewie was unable to go back in time and save him after disassembling his time machine.
Steve Callaghan, the show's executive producer, described the dramatic decision as "a fun way to shake things up" after 11 seasons.
He told E! Online: 'This was an idea that got pitched in the writers' room and it sort of caught fire, and we thought it could be a fun way to shake things up.
"We started talking about what the next couple episodes could be and we got very excited about the way this change will affect the family dynamics and the characters.
'Family Guy' creator Seth MacFarlane-voiced Brian, who had a penchant for booze and was always struggling to make his name as a writer.
Brian will be replaced as Peter Griffin's pet by new mutt Vinnie, who will be voiced by 'The Sopranos' actor Tony Sirico.
The move comes after Seth suggested he wants the show to end as he doesn't want it to lose its edge.
He previously mused: "Part of me thinks that 'Family Guy' should have already ended. I think seven seasons is about the right lifespan for a TV series."
Tagged in Seth MacFarlane