Unveiled Secrets About the Beloved Sitcom: Married... with Children
Behind the Chaos of the Iconic Sitcom, "Married... with Children"
Viewers of the groundbreaking sitcom "Married... with Children" may think they know everything about the dysfunctional Bundy family, from Al's disdainful job to Peg's eccentric wardrobe, but the making of the show is filled with unexpected trivia and behind-the-scenes chaos.
A Working Title So Near, Yet So Different
Fox initially considered naming the sitcom "Not The Cosbys," a title that perfectly contrasted the squeaky-clean image of Bill Cosby's TV family. Thankfully, the producers chose the provoking title "Married... with Children," which proved fitting for the show's messy, outrageous, and rebellious take on the sitcom genre [1].
A Questionable Introduction
The show's original introduction featured L.A. traffic footage, but it was not footage of the city streets; it was stolen from National Lampoon's Vacation. Eagle-eyed viewers can spot the Griswold family car in the shot. Additionally, Al's infamous Dodge was not a Dodge at all, but a 1972 Plymouth Duster [2].
The Series Finale: An Unforeseen Farewell
The show's finale, aired on May 6, 1997, came as a surprise to everyone. The network decided to cancel the show, leaving the cast in the dark about the decision. It wasn't until Ed O'Neill went on vacation that he heard the news from casual passers-by [3].
A Slow Burn to Success
"Married with Children" did not start off popular, struggling to find an audience on Fox, which was still a relatively new network [4]. However, controversy sparked by Michigan activist Terry Rakolta's campaign against the show inadvertently boosted viewership, making headlines and drawing in more viewers [4].
Creating Peggy Bundy's Image
Katey Sagal's audition for the role of Peggy Bundy was a game-changer. She wore a large red bouffant wig, suggesting that Peggy should be an over-the-top character, a choice that resonated with the show's creators [5].
The Man Behind Al Bundy
Ed O'Neill was initially considered an unlikely choice for Al Bundy. The producers feared his dramatic background may not fit the sitcom's comedic vibe. However, during his audition, O'Neill delivered a subtler performance by merely letting out a tired sigh and feigning a defeated demeanor, instantly capturing the essence of Al Bundy [6].
A Star on the Walk of Fame, Shoe Store Edition
In 2011, Ed O'Neill received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of a shoe store, a fitting place for the actor who portrayed the grumpy shoe salesman [7]. Before his Hollywood success, O'Neill was already making a decent living, reportedly earning half a million dollars per episode in the later seasons of "Married with Children," making him one of the highest-paid TV actors of his time [7].
A Unique Way to Stay Connected
O'Neill found a unique way to stay in touch with fans by occasionally calling them as Al Bundy on their birthdays—but only collect calls [8].
Clashes Behind the Scenes
O'Neill once revealed that fellow cast member Amanda Bearse was the only cast member he had tensions with during the series. Tensions escalated around season three when Bearse's attitude became tougher and more snarky towards him. Despite coming out in 1993, Bearse reportedly did not invite O'Neill and David Faustino to her 2010 wedding [9].
A Lasting Bond with the Family Pet
Buck, the Bundy family's dog, remained with the family until the end of season 10, receiving a proper farewell in the final episode [10]. Sadly, Buck passed away in 1996 at the age of 13 [10]. The show foreshadowed his passing years earlier with a death joke in season five [10].
Leaving the Show, Taking a Memento
David Garrison, who played Steve Rhoades, left the series to return to stage acting [11]. To write him out of the show, the storyline focused on Steve and Marcy growing apart, but Garrison occasionally appeared in later episodes, each time with a new job [11]. When he left for good, he took a souvenir: a mugshot prop from an episode [11].
Swapping out the Original Bud and Kelly
Before Christina Applegate and David Faustino became the Bundy siblings, two different actors portrayed the roles [12]. The show's producers realized the original young actors lacked chemistry, so they recast the roles with Applegate and Faustino, who hit it off and solidified the dynamic duo that audiences adored [12].
A Long Run Without Emmy Recognition
Despite running for 11 seasons, "Married with Children" never received an Emmy award [13]. It briefly held the record for the longest-running show to get completely snubbed by the Emmys until Baywatch beat it in 2001 [13].
Real-Life Inspiration for Characters and Jokes
Some of the show's funniest moments were inspired by events from the actors' real lives. For example, Ed O'Neill's college football background explained Al Bundy's constant bragging about his football prowess [14]. David Faustino's love for rap music transformed Bud Bundy into Grandmaster B, a character whose name was constantly misspoken by other characters [14].
Working Real Life Into the Plot
Katey Sagal's real-life pregnancies had a significant impact on the show, most noticeably during her first pregnancy when the writers incorporated her pregnancy plotline [15]. In later pregnancies, the writers got creative with loose clothes and clever blocking to hide her growing belly without breaking the character of Peggy Bundy [15].
O'Neill's Theory on the Show's Cancellation
O'Neill has his own hypothesis for why the show was ultimately canceled, suggesting that it may not have been a creative decline but rather financial pressures, as Sony asked for a million dollars per episode for syndication, which deterred local stations [16].
"I'll See You in Court": The Shelved Episode
The show's 13-year delay in airing the episode "I'll See You in Court" is due to a storyline involving a motel sex tape that caught both the Bundys and Rhoadeses unaware, a touchy subject for network television at the time [17].
A Red Wig Slip-Up Eyes the Fourth Wall
During season 10, Christina Applegate's natural brown hair occasionally showed through her iconic red wig [18]. A subtle nod to the show's declining polish in later seasons [18].
The Mysterious Disappearance of Seven
Seven, Kelly's cousin's child, appeared for a brief time in season seven but then disappeared without any explanation, with the show embracing the absurdity of the sudden absence [19].
A Name Not Derived from Ted Bundy
Contrary to popular belief, the show's Bundy name has its roots in wrestling, a nod to King Kong Bundy and Dusty Rhodes, and neither Bundy nor Rhoades is connected to serial killer Ted Bundy [20].
A Mix-Up at the Credit Card Stand
Many viewers may have missed "Vista" cards hanging in the show's storefront, but it turns out the name was meant to be "Visa," a small and goofy touch that fits perfectly with the show's atmosphere [21].
Banned Episodes and Today's Standards
Some episodes of "Married with Children" would have faced significant controversy if they aired today due to Al's guys-only club, No Ma'am, which he co-founded with Steve Rhoades and Jefferey Williams [23]. Today, this kind of open misogyny would likely face substantially more backlash than it did during the show's original run.
Al Bundy Competitors
The show's producers initially offered the role of Al Bundy to Sam Kinison, known for his loud, wild comedy style [24]. In a twist of fate, Michael Richards, who later played Kramer on Seinfeld, initially auditioned for the role and, when turned down, went on to play a role that solidified his television legacy [25].
Ed O'Neill Sacrifices Film Career for the Sitcom Gig
O'Neill faced challenges in his acting career when he chose to stay with "Married with Children," including a cut role in the film Flight of the Intruder, which earned him a negative reputation with filmmakers for not taking "dramatic" roles seriously [26].
Family Ties Behind the Scenes
The main cast members occasionally brought their own family members into the show for guest appearances throughout the series [29]. For example, O'Neill's wife appeared in a few episodes, and Sagal's brother got a small role [29].
Inspired by Peg and Al's Radios Days
The names Peg and Al Bundy originate from radio comedians Peg Lynch and Alan Bunce, who starred in radio shows during the 1940s and 1950s [30]. Married... with Children took a different direction from the traditional, down-to-earth radio comedies of the past, pushing the envelope of sitcoms into a more outrageous realm.
A Slip-Up with Peggy's Bouffant
In later seasons, Katey Sagal's iconic red wig started showing signs of Nessuslabel'sWardrobe malfunctions, with the actress's natural brown hair occasionally slipping through the wig [31]. The inconsistency did little to diminish the lasting impact of Peggy's flamboyant hairstyle.
The Dogs of the Show
The show's dogs, Buck and later Lucky, had a voice, as a writer and producer of the show, Kevin Curran, provided their dialogue. Cheech Marin also lent his voice to Buck at one point [32].
Crossover Appearances
Christina Applegate and David Faustino made appearances on 21 Jump Street, another Fox drama, in the second season episode titled "I'm OK, You Need Work" [33]. This crossover presented a unique opportunity for Fox viewers to see the Married... with Children duo outside their usual chaotic world.
The Bundys' Enduring Legacy
Despite not regularly ranking at the top of the ratings charts, "Married... with Children" managed to create a lasting impact through its intense cult following and numerous reruns [34]. The show also holds the record for being the longest-running scripted series in American History, outlasting most other shows in the genre [38].
The Show's Unconventional Symbol
The mundane yet meaningful sound of a toilet flushing was the show's opening audio cue, setting the tone for the series as a whole [39]. This clever choice emphasized the show's intent to take a fresh approach to the sitcom and present a raw depiction of the Bundy family's life.
Tidbits for Keen Observers
Detailed viewers may have noticed inconsistencies in the show's backstory, such as Peg's high school in Chicago and her upbringing in Wanker County, Wisconsin [40]. The inconsistencies added to the overall chaotic atmosphere of the show.
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Television and Music Intertwined in Al's BackgroundAl Bundy's constant sports bragging was inspired by Ed O'Neill's real-life college football background, while Bud Bundy's love for rap music was rooted in David Faustino's personal musical preferences.
Pop-Culture Icons in Unexpected PlacesEd O'Neill received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame not for his acting roles, but in front of a shoe store, which seemed to pay tribute to Al Bundy's grumpy shoe salesman character.
Scandal Involving Celebrities and Pop-CultureIn the early 90s, Michigan activist Terry Rakolta's campaign against the show inadvertently boosted its viewership, drawing in more viewers and making headlines in the realm of general news and crime-and-justice. However, the show's original introduction, featuring stolen footage from National Lampoon's Vacation, involved a crime involving stolen entertainment content.
