"Excellence in Broadcasting" is the second episode of the ninth season of the animated comedy series Family Guy. It originally aired on Fox in the United States on October 3, 2010. The episode features anthropomorphic dog Brian, an adamant liberal, confronting conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh at a book signing in Quahog, and ultimately having a political change of heart when Limbaugh convinces him to read his latest book. Brian soon decides to become a devoted member of the Republican Party, and soon begins criticizing liberals. This leads Brian to become roommates with Limbaugh, and begins following him everywhere; Limbaugh eventually gets annoyed with Brian and ends up disclosing his true political convictions. The episode was written by Patrick Meighan and directed by John Holmquist. It received mixed reviews from critics for its storyline and many cultural references, in addition to receiving both praise and criticism from conservative news outlets. According to Nielsen ratings, it was viewed in 7.94 million homes in its original airing. As well as Limbaugh, the episode featured guest performances by Gary Cole, Christine Lakin, Phil LaMarr, Shelley Long, Nana Visitor and Rainn Wilson, along with several recurring guest voice actors for the series. "Excellence in Broadcasting" was released on DVD along with three other episodes from the season on December 13, 2011. Plot In light of "And Then There Were Fewer", the Griffins are watching the news — where Tom Tucker reveals that Diane Simmons committed the murders at James Woods' mansion and is now dead. He then introduces Diane's successor, Joyce Kinney. As Lois reads the newspaper, she discovers that conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh is holding a book signing in Quahog. Chris is confused as he thought Rush Limbaugh was secretly Fred Savage, which Lois herself reported when she worked for Fox in Fox-y Lady only for Lois to explain that anything reported on Fox news is/becomes a lie, even if it's the truth. Enraged Brian, who despises Limbaugh over his political beliefs, decides to confront him at the signing. There, Limbaugh is criticized by Brian, but he counters by asking him whether he has read any of his books, leaving Brian dumbfounded and angry. As he curses Limbaugh to himself on his way home, Brian is mugged by a gang; Limbaugh abruptly shows up and beats them all to rescue Brian. Thankful, Brian agrees to read four pages