Sitcom

Some characteristics that would be given to a TV sitcom include that they are based on a 30 minute schedule instead of 1 hour, and have their own theme/lesson . TV sitcoms usually also consist of being comedic, sarcastic and episodic. Episodic means that each episode within the sitcom has its own conflict and resolution within the 30 minutes, usually they try to portray a lesson or theme in each episode differently, and most of the time these Sitcoms will not show how the characters change or how they develop. They definitely show a family environment and  most of the issues that go on in the show are family related as well.

Family Guy is the perfect example of a sitcom. Each episode has its own conflicts that are usually resolved at the end of that specific episode, if not they put a "to be continued" sign at the end. For example in one of the recently aired episodes, (shown below) Carter Pewterschmidt is found to be cheating on his wife but by the end they get back together. Also, obviously Family Guy is extremely sarcastic comedy and the characters are the same as when the show started in the 90s. Again, each episode in Family Guy has its own mini plot with a climax and resolution which is significant with the sitcoms.

These characteristics of the sitcom function in that writers have the ability to create an all new storyline for each new episode and also the ability to talk about day to day family issues in a very humorist way. Many times the audience like the sitcom because they can relate to what they see. 

http://www.hulu.com/watch/184047/family-guy-welcome-back-carter