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.

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.