About Married... With Children

Married... With Children is an iconic American television sitcom that was first aired in 1987. The series focuses on the lives of the Bundy family living in the suburbs of Chicago. The family consists of Al Bundy, his wife Peggy, their daughter Kelly, and son Bud. The series became popular for its non-traditional portrayal of family life, featuring a dysfunctional and somewhat cynical family unit.

Making / Production

The show was created by Michael G. Moye and Ron Leavitt. The series lasted 11 seasons from 1987 to 1997, delivering 259 episodes to its dedicated fanbase. Despite its controversial themes and numerous allegations of objectifying women, the show persisted and its audience grew because of its uninhibited humor and unique characters.

Actors

• Ed O'Neill played the role of Al Bundy - a disgruntled shoe salesman and patriarch of the Bundy family. O'Neill did an exceptional job embracing the satirical nature of the character.
• Katey Sagal played Peggy Bundy - a lazy, self-centered, big-haired wife who was known for her sharp wit. Sagal shone in the role, capturing Peggy's offbeat style of motherhood.
• Christina Applegate played Kelly Bundy - the Bundy's seemingly dim-witted, blonde bombshell daughter. Applegate’s amazing ability to combine her looks and comedic timing made Kelly one of the show’s best characters.
• David Faustino played Bud Bundy - the younger, somewhat nerdy son who’s constantly attempting to scheme his way into women’s hearts. Faustino brought a great deal of charm and humor to the role.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series was the first primetime television series to air on Fox.
• Ed O'Neill's character, Al Bundy, was a high school football star, which mirrored O'Neill's real-life past as a football standout.
• All the members of the Bundy family are named after famous wrestlers. For example, Al was named after King Kong Bundy.

Awards

The series earned various awards throughout its airing. For her role as Peggy Bundy, Katey Sagal was awarded the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress - Television Series Musical or Comedy in 1991.

Quotes

• "Whoa Bundy!" -Al Bundy.
• "I'm the only guy I know who's TV went out during the lost episode of Gilligan's Island." -Al Bundy.
• "Once you've been with me, you'll never be with others. Because they'll all seem better.” -Kelly Bundy.

Music, Soundtrack

• The show's theme song is "Love and Marriage" by Frank Sinatra.
• Many episodes feature rock music from the era, playing in the background or incorporated into plotlines.