After 12 seasons and 216 episodes, the Griffin family’s talking dog, Brian, was killed on the November 24, 2013 episode of “Family Guy,” entitled “Life of Brian.” And though the show’s has answered the call of hundreds of thousands of angry petitioners and agreed to bring back Brian (he will appear on the show on December 15th), they have also introduced his replacement: Vinny, voiced by Tony Sirico of “The Sopranos.”

“Family Guy” has also revamped the opening credits to include the new dog — watch below.

A major character in “The Simpsons” will also be killed off in the coming year.

(via RS)