
For those who grew up with the uproarious sitcom “Married… With Children,” the thought of a remake series is enough to stir up a wave of excitement and nostalgia. This beloved show, with its relatable family situations and unapologetically crude humor, left an indelible mark on millions of viewers during its original run in the late ’80s and ’90s. However, even the most ardent fans may not be aware of some fascinating behind-the-scenes moments and fun facts that surround this iconic series. As rumors swirl about a possible remake, let’s take a journey down memory lane and delve into the lesser-known aspects of “Married… With Children.” Spanning over a decade, from 5 April 1987 to 9 June 1997, the 11-season-series ‘Married… With Children’ charmed audiences with its irreverent humor and portrayal of the quirky Bundy family.
- The Infamous Couch: The iconic orange couch, a staple of the Bundy living room, was thrown away after the show’s cancellation. However, fans quickly flocked to retrieve it from the trash, and it now resides in the Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills.
- The Almost-Changed Title: The show’s original title was “Not the Cosbys,” a tongue-in-cheek reference to the hugely popular “The Cosby Show.” However, it was later changed to “Married… With Children.”
- The Disputed Spin-Off: There was a planned spin-off centered around Marcy D’Arcy’s niece, played by E.E. Bell. The pilot was filmed, but it never went to series due to creative differences.
- A Role Reversal: Ed O’Neill, who played the bumbling yet endearing Al Bundy, was initially considered for the role of Steve Rhoades, which ultimately went to David Garrison. Fortunately, the casting directors recognized O’Neill’s perfect fit for Al Bundy, and the rest is history.
- The Pilot’s Controversy: The pilot episode, which was initially shot with a different actress playing Peggy Bundy, was reshot with Katey Sagal after the original actress was deemed unsuitable for the role.
- The Iconic Theme Song: The show’s catchy theme song, “Love and Marriage,” was sung by Frank Sinatra and played an essential part in setting the tone for the series.
- David Faustino’s Height: David Faustino, who portrayed Bud Bundy, underwent a significant growth spurt during the show’s run. To maintain the appearance of being younger, he often had to slouch and wear lifts in his shoes.
- Marcy’s Last Name Change: Marcy Rhoades, played by Amanda Bearse, became Marcy D’Arcy after marrying Jefferson D’Arcy, portrayed by Ted McGinley.
- Al Bundy’s Career Numbers: Throughout the series, Al Bundy’s profession as a shoe salesman led him to claim that he had sold over 317,000 shoes during his career.
- The Final Episode: The show’s last episode, titled “Chicago Shoe Exchange,” was set to be the series finale. However, after it aired, the show’s ratings and popularity were still strong enough for one more season.
“Married… With Children” is a classic sitcom that captured the hearts of audiences with its irreverent humor and portrayal of the dysfunctional yet endearing Bundy family. Centered around Al Bundy, a disgruntled shoe salesman, and his sassy wife Peggy, the show delighted viewers with its unapologetic approach to family life. From Bud Bundy’s hilarious misadventures to Kelly Bundy’s endearing ditzy moments, the series provided a comically exaggerated glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of everyday life. With its iconic theme song and memorable catchphrases, “Married… With Children” remains a beloved favorite, leaving a lasting impact on the landscape of television comedy.
As the possibility of a “Married… With Children” remake series swirls through the rumor mill, fans eagerly await news about revisiting the Bundy family and their hilarious antics. Regardless of what the future holds, the original series remains a timeless classic, cherished for its humor, memorable characters, and portrayal of an unconventional yet loveable family. From the Bundy living room to Al Bundy’s quirky job, “Married… With Children” will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who adored this unforgettable sitcom.