Married… with Children is a beloved television sitcom that ran for 11 seasons. Al, Peggy, Kelly and Bud Bundy entertained television audiences for an impressive 250 episodes. It is praised, and at one time crucified, for its edgy humor targeted at marriage, children, and family. Learn about the history of TV’s Married With Children by continuing to read.
A Different Look At Family
The Bundys are quite possibly the most dysfunctional family to ever appear on television. Sitcoms, before the Bundys debuted in 1987, traditionally focused on loving families. The father knew best, the mother was loving, and the kids were precocious. Al Bundy, played by Ed O'Neill, seems more concerned about reliving his glory days playing high school football than his family. Peggy, played by Katey Sagal, was more concerned about spending Al’s money than homemaking. Kelly (Christiana Applegate) & Bud (David Faustino) showed no affection for their parents and were consumed by their own superficial interests.
Married… With Children was the first prime time program for the brand new Fox network in 1987. Fox wanted to show America that they were different than the other big networks. Married… With Children was a controversial sitcom at the time. It was raunchy, crude and completely void of warmth. Family friendly sitcoms like Family Ties, Growing Pains and Full House ruled the 1980s. It took some time but eventually Married… With Children caught on with viewers and it was able to run for 11 successful seasons. The Bundy family helped to establish Fox as a legitimate player in broadcast television.
The Bundys Return?
There have been rumors floating around the internet that the Bundy family will return in animated form, with the original cast back to voice their characters. The original show is still in constant rotation via syndication and streaming. Married… With Children is one of the most memorable TV shows of all time.
- Adam C. Better
Back to All