Brian, the talking dog in TV cartoon Family Guy, has been brought back to life. The popular character was killed by a car in an episode broadcast on November 25th and was replaced as the Griffin family's dog by a canine called 'Vinny'.
More than 150,000 people signed an online petition to revive the character, and on Sunday night he reappeared in the series.
Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane tweeted afterwards "Thanks for caring so much about the canine Griffin. He is overcome with gratitude".
"I mean, you didn't really think we'd kill off Brian, did you? Jesus, we'd have to be ******* high."
During the Christmas special, baby Stewie Griffin used a time machine to travel back to the moment just before Brian was killed. As a car hurtled towards Brian, Stewie tackled him away from the oncoming vehicle.
Stewie exclaimed: "You're alive, my friend." Brian responded "What the hell do you mean? Of course I'm alive".
Stewie explained. "Brian that car killed you and when it did a little part of me died as well. I couldn't live without you. So I came back from the future to save your life".
'Family Guy' is now in its 12th season.
