Set in the 1970s,[2] the series follows a dysfunctional suburban Irish American family in the fictional town of Rustvale, Pennsylvania.

[34][35][33] The first season consists of six episodes, shown in a serial manner, written by Bill Burr and Michael Price.

[36] The series is directed by Ben Marsaud (director of Counterfeit Cat & former storyboard artist on The Amazing World of Gumball).

[45] Throughout its 5-season run, the series satirizes and explores several issues exclusive to the socioeconomic and cultural upheaval of 1970s America, including those with or within marriage, labor, economy, war, masculinity, feminism, sexism, domestic abuse, racism, political corruption, education, sexuality and adolescence.

[47] In an essay on the series, cultural historian Shalon van Tine argues that the primary theme explored in F Is for Family is the "changing nature of masculinity in the 1970s", mostly depicted through Frank Murphy's perspective: "Frank believes in hard work and feels that the traditional family structure is ideal, but throughout the show, he learns the hard truth that the American dream is a lie.

Much of his persona is based around the notion that he must be a 'good man'—one who served his country in the Korean War, married his girl when she got pregnant, works a dead-end job to provide for his family, and raises three rowdy kids to stay out of trouble.

The site's critical consensus reads, "While the humor relies on vulgarity, the strength of F Is for Family is its substantial heart.

"[50] In his review for The Hollywood Reporter, David Fienberg called the series "entertainingly honest", praising the writing, animation and voice acting.

Club described it as a "bitter, but deeply empathetic portrayal of suburban malaise and depression that also doubles as a very funny TV show".

[52] Emily St. James of Vox wrote that "F Is for Family is quite a bit of fun" adding, "it isn't a bad way to kill a few hours".