After a time-travel mission to 17th-century Jamestown goes wrong, Stewie decides to destroy his time machine to prevent further history-altering mistakes.

Over 100,000 fans signed a petition on Change.org demanding Brian's resurrection.

The specific episode, (Season 12, Episode 6), is one of the most significant in the series' history. Below is a detailed breakdown of the episode's plot and cultural impact. Episode Summary: " Life of Brian " Release Date: November 24, 2013 Central Event: The death of Brian Griffin Plot:

Brian's death was temporary; he was saved two episodes later in "Christmas Guy" (S12E08) when Stewie encountered a past version of himself with a time pad. Viewing Context on XRYSOI

Producer Seth MacFarlane later revealed the death was a way to "shake things up" and demonstrate how much the audience cared for the character.

The episode caused a massive stir upon its release, as Brian was considered a core protagonist.

While setting up a street hockey net in the road, Brian is struck by a speeding car and fatally injured. Because the time machine was just destroyed and the necessary parts are unavailable, Stewie is unable to go back and save him.