A guilty pleasure perhaps, but we're willing to testify that Seth McFarlane's comic animated Family Guy is more than that and at its best is one of the smartest and funniest shows on US TV and a lot more than the Simpsons knock-off that, well, the current Simpsons writers and animators try to (good naturedly) make it out to be. Yes, it varies wildly in quality and yes, McFarlane's personal dislikes get aired a bit too often and yes, we've all been driven to distraction by the number of asides begun with the words, "At least it's better than that time when..." But we still tune in and still giggle helplessly at the more inventive gags and parodies.

For those new to the show, Family Guy features the adventures of the middle-class New England Griffin family – Peter, Lois and their three kids: angst-ridden 16-year-old Meg, 13-year-old Chris, a sweet-natured slacker; and one-year-old Stewie, a diabolically clever baby who's hell-bent on matricide and world domination... Last but not least, there's Brian, the family dog, who likes his Martinis as dry as his dog food.

The announcement of the release of the latest series is not the sort of news item that usually comes our way, given that it's put out by the megalithic 20th Century-Fox, but maybe our warped sense of humour has given us away. What we will note is that what's being released as Season 8 in the UK was in fact Season 9 in the USA, and was three episodes longer there. I have no doubt that hardcore fans know exactly what's going on here and have it logged in detail on their web page. I'll also note, though, that previous Family Guy DVD releases have been freakin' sweet, with the commentaries and extras alone usually worth the purchase and the added bonus of the stronger dialogue not being bleeped out to protect the easily offended, plus unedited episodes deemed too rude for the BBC3 TV airing earlier this year.

And so, to the technical spec. Family Guy - Season 8 will be released on UK DVD on 2nd November 2009 by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment at the RRP of £27.99. You'll also be able to buy a box set containing all eight seasons to date for £109.99. The following extras will be included:

• Optional audio commentaries for all 13 extended episodes;
• 29 Deleted scenes;
• 3 Animatic episodes with optional commentaries;
• 4 Featurettes:
  • Take me out to place tonight;
  • Family Guy cribz;
  • Comic-Con 2008;
  • Family Guy Art Show.