F Is for Family

F Is for Family
Company type	Television series
Industry	Animation, Entertainment
Founded	December 18, 2015; 10 years ago
Founder	Bill Burr, Michael Price
Area served	Worldwide (Netflix)
Key people	Bill Burr, Michael Price, Vince Vaughn (producer)
Products	Adult animated comedy series
Parent	Netflix

F Is for Family is an adult animated comedy series developed by Bill Burr and Michael Price exclusively for Netflix. The production involves Vince Vaughn's Wild West Television, King of France Productions, Loner Productions, Gaumont Television USA, and Gaumont Animation. Set in the 1970s, the narrative centers on a dysfunctional Irish American household residing in the fictional Rustvale, Pennsylvania.

The series debuted on December 18, 2015. On October 1, 2020, Netflix confirmed a fifth and final season, which wrapped up on November 25, 2021. Across its five seasons, the show delivered a total of 44 episodes: six in the inaugural season, ten in each of the subsequent three seasons, and eight episodes concluding the final installment. It garnered steady acclaim for its frank and humorous depiction of life in 1970s America.

Principal

Bill Burr as Francis "Frank" Xavier Murphy: a 39-40-year-old Korean War veteran awarded the Purple Heart, characterized by his hard-working nature, blunt honesty, short temper, and sense of disillusionment; husband to Sue Murphy and father to four children. Frank is employed as a baggage handler before advancing to ground-operations manager at the local airport.
- Burr also provides the voice for Father Pat.
Laura Dern portrays Susan "Sue" Murphy (née Chilson): Frank’s 36-year-old spouse, mother of four children, and an aspiring businesswoman.
Justin Long voices Kevin Murphy: the eldest Murphy child, aged 14-15; a typical adolescent delinquent with dreams of becoming a musician. Kevin struggles with aquaphobia stemming from a childhood near-drowning experience.
- Long additionally voices Chuck Sawitzki and Phineas.
Haley Reinhart as William "Bill" Murphy: the family’s 10-11-year-old son who is often the most grounded member but can be overly accommodating and exploited by others. He occasionally asserts himself with varying degrees of success.
- Reinhart also voices Frank Murphy during his childhood.
Debi Derryberry as Maureen Murphy: the nine-year-old daughter whom Frank affectionately calls "princess." She is intellectually gifted with interests in science and technology but frequently finds herself in trouble similar to her brother Kevin.
- Derryberry also voices multiple characters including:
  - Philip Bonfiglio: Babe and Marie’s 10-11-year-old son and Bill’s closest friend; exhibits signs of suppressed anger and subtle implications of repressed homosexuality.
  - Kenny: a friend of Bill and Maureen; younger sibling to Ben.
  - Bridget Fitzsimmons: Jimmy Fitzsimmons’ coarse-mouthed 11-year-old sister and Maureen’s companion; named after Pittsburgh’s South Tenth Street Bridge.
  - Megan Murphy: the youngest member of the Murphy family, introduced in the season four finale "Baby, Baby, Baby," set in October 1974.
Sam Rockwell as Vic Reynolds: a wealthy radio disc jockey aged 29-30 with a history of cocaine addiction. Despite his past struggles, he respects Frank’s family life and maintains genuine friendliness, although his demeanor often frustrates Frank. By the conclusion of season four, Vic assumes a protective role as a father to his newborn son.

Co-starring

Trevor Devall portrays:
- Bolo, a member of Kevin's band and one of his close friends.
- Goomer G. Goomer, Frank's voyeuristic neighbor next door and spouse to Evelyn.
- Otto Holtenwasser, the elderly neighbor of the Murphy family and Holocaust survivor, frequently misidentified by the children as a former Nazi.
- Additional roles
Mo Collins takes on the roles of:
- Jimmy Fitzsimmons, a rebellious teenager who initially bullies Bill but later becomes his close companion after being rescued.
- Vivian Saunders, Sue's employer and occasional ally, characterized by narcissistic tendencies.
- Brandy Dunbarton, widow of Roger Dunbarton and ex-CEO of Mohican Airways prior to its merger.
- Claire, a teenage resident from the Murphys' neighborhood.
- Ben, a friend to Kevin, Bill, and Maureen; older sibling of Kenny.
- Ginny Throater, an occasional friend of Sue's with a generally pessimistic outlook.
- Other characters
Phil Hendrie as:
- Jim Jeffords, a television figure dismissed for racist comments who later uncovers corruption in the mayor’s office.
- Reid Harrison, an aging TV star reminiscent of Robert Blake, known for portraying Frank’s favorite character Colt Luger.
- Hobo Jojo (seasons 3–4), Jim Jeffords' clown persona hosting a local children's cartoon segment.
- Mr. Durkin (seasons 3–5), Kevin Murphy’s strict math instructor notorious for mistreating students and facing financial hardships.
- Additional roles
Kevin Michael Richardson plays:
- Chauncey "Rosie" Roosevelt, Frank’s colleague at Mohican Airways and community-oriented alderman.
- Other roles

Recurring

David Koechner as Robert "Bob Pogo" Pogrohovich, Frank’s excessively obese, self-centered former boss and friend. In season 5, after persuading Mrs. Dunbarton to sell Mohican Airways, he launches a fast food venture that fails due to an unattractive menu.
Kevin Farley portrays:
- Babe Bonfiglio, Frank’s neighbor and companion; husband to Marie and father to Phillip and Anthony.
- Carl, baggage handler and Red’s closest friend as well as Frank’s coworker.
- Dick Sawitzki, owner of an electronics store and longtime friend of Frank’s father.
- Additional characters
Gary Cole (seasons 1–2) as Roger Dunbarton, founder and proprietor of Mohican Airways; dies in the season 2 finale following an airport accident.
Joe Buck plays multiple roles including:
- Lou Gagliardi, president of the International Brotherhood of Baggage Handlers and proprietor of Captain Chucklethrust's.
- Jimmy Fitzsimmons' father
- Rock concert emcee
- Woodshop instructor
- Voiceover for Mohican Airways commercials
John DiMaggio (season 2) as Scoop Dunbarton, Roger’s racist nephew with brain damage and former minor league baseball player; accidentally causes the deaths of himself and Roger during an attempted plane hijacking.
Allison Janney (seasons 2–3) as Henrietta Van Horne, founder of Plast-A-Ware.
T.J. Miller (seasons 2–3) as Randy, Bill’s dubious paper route supervisor.
Michael K. Williams (seasons 2–5) as Smokey Greenwood, vending machine distributor and owner of Champagne Chariot Vending Services; close associate of Rosie. (Season 5 episode 6 dedicated to Williams)
Josh Adam Meyers (seasons 2–5) as "Howlin'" Hank Howland, radio DJ at WKWOK 109.5 alongside Vic.
Jessica DiCicco (season 2) as Haircut Girl, a teenage girl known for offering free haircuts.
Vince Vaughn (season 3) as Chet Stevenson, Air Force veteran suffering from untreated PTSD with an abusive demeanor; new neighbor to the Murphys.
Matt Jones (seasons 3–4) as Nuber, Kevin’s classmate during summer school.
Jamie Denbo (seasons 3–5) plays:
- Marie Bonfiglio, mother to Philip and Anthony.
- Alice Goldman (seasons 4–5), Kevin’s Jewish classmate and girlfriend from a supportive family background.
Al Ducharme (seasons 3–5) as Anthony Bonfiglio, Phillip’s younger brother exhibiting signs consistent with autism.
Eileen Fogarty (seasons 3–5) portrays:
- Evelyn, spouse of Goomer and friend to Sue.
- Nguyen-Nguyen Stevenson, Chet’s Vietnamese ex-wife and murderer; former resident near the Murphys who is incarcerated.
- Eileen Murphy (season 5), younger sister of Frank Murphy.
- Rachel (season 5), one of Alice’s friends.
Jonathan Banks (seasons 4–5) as William "Big Bill" Murphy, Frank's abusive father who softens somewhat with age but refuses to admit past mistreatment; dies early in season 5.
Alex Moffat (season 4) as Sandy Calabasas, Vic’s new superior at the radio station.
Phil LaMarr (seasons 4–5) as Curtis Higgins, African-American TV personality who replaces Jeffords after his racist on-air remarks lead to dismissal.
Joe Pera (seasons 4–5) as Alaquippa Ed, manager at rival Alaquippa Airways; following the merger with Mohican into "Alahican" Airlines in season 5, he becomes Frank’s supervisor.
Cree Summer (seasons 4–5) as Darryl Roosevelt, son of Rosie and Georgia.
Fred Melamed (season 5) as Dr. Erwin Goldman, psychologist and father to Alice.
Danny Burstein (season 5) plays Officer Glanney, Bill’s superior at Rustvale Police Department.
Micah Mason (season 5) portrays Officer O'Rourke, colleague to Glanney at Rustvale PD.
Chris Edgerly (season 5) performs multiple roles including:
- Buster Thunder Jr., a daredevil parodying Evel Knievel attempting a stunt jump ramp.
- Additional characters

Guest Cast

Kurtwood Smith portrays Stanley "Stan" Chilson, Sue's father
Carol Kane appears as Marilyn Chilson, the mother of Sue
Amy Sedaris plays Samantha, a Lamaze instructor with a disdain for men
Daryl Mitchell takes on the role of Chipsy White, the principal comedian and actor in There's a Fairy On My Shoulder
Will Sasso features as Mayor Anthony Tangenti, Rosie's new corrupt superior and the mob-connected Mayor of Rustvale
Neil Patrick Harris acts as Louis Chilson, Sue's gay brother
Joe Pera plays Alaquippa Ed, Frank’s former competitor as an airport manager who eventually manages after the Mohican-Alaquippa consolidation
Snoop Dogg appears as The Rev. Sugar Squires
Rich Sommer is cast as Cliff Haskins, proprietor of Invasive Industries
- Additional Roles
Cissy Jones as Hannah, one of Alice's companions
Nia Renée Hill portrays Georgia Roosevelt, spouse of Rosie Roosevelt
Patti LuPone acts as Nora Murphy: Frank and Eileen Murphy’s mother, grandmother to Frank’s children, ex-wife of William Murphy, and current wife of Earl Gribble

Production

In October 2014, the series was officially announced through a collaboration among Netflix, Gaumont International Television, and Wild West Television. This family-oriented comedy draws inspiration from comedian Bill Burr’s stand-up routines and is set against the backdrop of the 1970s, capturing the essence of a distinct cultural period. Burr provides the voice for the Murphy family’s patriarch, alongside Laura Dern as his spouse, Justin Long voicing their eldest son, Debi Derryberry portraying daughter Maureen, and Haley Reinhart as their youngest son. The inaugural season comprises six episodes co-written by Burr and Emmy-winning writer Michael Price, known for his work on The Simpsons. Direction was led by Ben Marsaud. Season 2 launched on May 30, 2017.

On June 28, 2017, the show was renewed for a third season; Burr confirmed this renewal on July 1, 2018. The third season debuted on November 30, 2018. The fourth installment received approval on January 24, 2019, premiering June 12, 2020. Subsequently, Netflix announced a fifth and final season on October 1, 2020, which premiered November 25, 2021.

During his Monday Morning Podcast episode dated July 24, 2025, Bill Burr revealed he was reviewing scripts for F Is for Family, hinting at potential development for a sixth season amid ongoing production challenges.

The series often incorporates references to Pittsburgh, a city Burr frequents during tours and shares sports rivalries with local personalities. This includes mentions of Pittsburgh-area towns such as Steubenville and Aliquippa, weaving regional culture throughout the narrative and branding.

Analysis

F Is for Family offers a pointed critique of the American Dream, satirizing the social and economic turmoil of America in the 1970s. Throughout its five seasons, it explores themes including marriage, labor, economy, war, masculinity, feminism, sexism, domestic abuse, racism, political corruption, education, sexuality, and adolescence.

Disillusionment with the American Dream

Scholar Jack C. Fisher suggests that Frank Murphy personifies the widespread disenchantment with the American Dream amid early-1970s economic downturn: "Discard all your preconceived notions about hard work leading to success—that’s essentially Frank Murphy’s reality." His aggressive demeanor underscores this disillusionment in stark contrast to his more hopeful persona depicted in the series' opening scenes.

Masculinity in turmoil

Cultural historian Shalon van Tine highlights the central motif of the series as the "evolving concept of masculinity during the 1970s," illustrated through the character Frank Murphy. Frank embodies conventional ideals—diligence, family support, and military service—but faces difficult challenges after losing his employment, which shakes his sense of self. His identity, closely linked to being the family's breadwinner, deteriorates as he grapples with insecurity and joblessness. Frank experiences feelings of emasculation when his wife Sue advances professionally, even going so far as to try to sabotage her promotion, admitting, "As a man, I have to do better or what am I?"

Reception

F Is for Family has been met with largely positive critical acclaim. On Metacritic, it maintains a score of 75 out of 100 from 14 critiques, signifying "Generally favorable reviews."

Season 1

The debut season garnered favorable reactions, achieving an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 20 reviews and an average rating of 6.5/10. Critics praised its blend of humor and emotional depth.

David Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter described the show as "entertainingly candid," applauding its scriptwriting, animation quality, and voice performances. Zack Handlen at The A.V. Club characterized it as a "bitter yet profoundly empathetic depiction of suburban malaise and depression," while still maintaining strong comedic elements. Emily St. James of Vox remarked that the series is enjoyable and a worthwhile way to spend time.

Season 2

The sophomore season received increased praise, holding an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from nine reviews with an average score of 7.1/10. The consensus describes it as "grumpier and wiser," effectively portraying a period of American decline with warmth and articulating blue-collar frustrations through Bill Burr’s performance.

Ben Travers of IndieWire commended the season’s tonal evolution, emphasizing its significance in appreciating the series beyond traditional genre boundaries.

Season 3

Merrill Barr from Forbes offered a positive assessment, stating: "Overall, the third season of F Is for Family continues to excel in the qualities that make it a distinctive and valuable addition to Netflix’s offerings."

Awards and nominations

Year	Award	Category	Nominee	Result
2017	Primetime Emmy Award	Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance	Mo Collins portraying Ginny, Jimmy Fitzsimmons, Lex, Ben, and Cutie Pie (Episode: "Pray Away")	Nominee
2019	Primetime Emmy Award	Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance	Kevin Michael Richardson as Chauncey "Rosie" Roosevelt (Episode: "The Stinger")	Nominee