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3mo ago

Seth MacFarlane Explains Origin of Family Guy's Viral 'It Insists Upon Itself' Line

The phrase, famously uttered by Peter Griffin in a critique of The Godfather, was inspired by a college professor's unusual film criticism.

Peter Griffin and his family are in the middle of drowning when he utters the line, "It insists upon itself."
It Insists Upon Itself
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Overview

  • The line 'It insists upon itself' originates from a 2006 Family Guy episode where Peter Griffin critiques The Godfather while his family is trapped in a flooding room.
  • The phrase has since become a viral meme, widely used online to critique media or express unpopular opinions.
  • Seth MacFarlane revealed on Twitter that the phrase was inspired by his college film professor's critique of The Sound of Music, which he found perplexing.
  • The meme resurfaced in January 2025, sparking renewed discussion on social media about its meaning and application in media criticism.
  • MacFarlane clarified that the line was intentionally nonsensical, reflecting Peter Griffin's lack of understanding, but some fans continue to interpret it as valid criticism.