While often listed as Season 18 in broadcast order, it is also referred to as Season 16, Episode 3 on some platforms like TBS and Apple TV . Plot Summary
In the American Dad! episode (originally aired May 3, 2021), Stan Smith pursues a long-abandoned dream of becoming a comedian after discovering a former college friend, Chicago Dave, became a success in the industry. Episode Overview Original Air Date: May 3, 2021 Writer: Nic Wegener (first solo writing credit) Director: Shawn Murray [S18E3] Stan Moves to Chicago
Critical and fan reception was mixed. Reviewers on platforms like IMDb and Reddit noted the episode felt "uneven," though Francine’s subversion of Stan's career and the SNL parodies were highlighted as highlights. While often listed as Season 18 in broadcast
The episode features thinly veiled parodies such as Colin Jokes (Colin Jost), Lorne Mikeys (Lorne Michaels), and the network MBC (NBC). Episode Overview Original Air Date: May 3, 2021
Stan’s drive to Chicago pays homage to the sitcom Perfect Strangers , including a parody of its theme song.
Stan quits the CIA on "regret leave" and moves to Chicago to start a comedy career. After bombing at an improv class and a local Pizzeria Uno—a gig sabotaged by Francine in hopes he would fail and return home—Stan is recruited by Bullock for a CIA mission. He must go undercover at Sketches and Laughing (an SNL parody) to protect star Colin Jokes from a Chinese assassination plot.