“Married with Children,” an iconic sitcom that aired for 11 seasons from 1987 to 1997, broke new ground with its unconventional and irreverent portrayal of a dysfunctional family.
Centered on the beleaguered shoe salesman Al Bundy, his lazy wife Peggy, and their misfit children, the show became Fox’s longest-running live sitcom, defying the era’s trend of idealized TV families. The production was expensive, costing nearly $1 million per episode, and although initially underestimated, it quickly gained a massive following.
The cast, including Ed O’Neill as Al, who secured his role with a standout audition, and Katie Segal, who clinched her part with Peggy Bundy’s signature look, became household names. Behind the scenes, tensions existed, particularly between Ed O’Neill and Amanda Bearse, who played neighbor Marcy.
Notably, O’Neill is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. The show featured numerous guest stars and memorable elements like its theme song sung by Frank Sinatra and Al’s beloved “Psycho Dad” TV show. Despite plans for a spin-off centered on Bud Bundy, it never materialized. Nevertheless, “Married with Children” remains a beloved classic, still available on streaming platforms, with a legacy marked by its candid humor and groundbreaking format.