Married… with Children, the iconic sitcom that aired from 1987 to 1997, was a true gem of ’80s and ’90s television. The show’s outrageous humor, lovable characters, and relatable family dynamics made it a staple of many households. But behind the scenes, there were many secrets, bloopers, and interesting facts that even the most die-hard fans may have missed.
One of the most interesting facts about the show is how Ed O’Neill landed his role as Al Bundy. According to O’Neill, he sealed the deal with a simple gesture – slumping his shoulders as he walked through the Bundy front door. This defeated posture perfectly captured the essence of Al Bundy, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Another hidden gem is the opening sequence of the show, which features a familiar highway shot. But did you know that this footage was actually borrowed from the 1983 movie National Lampoon’s Vacation? If you look closely, you can even spot the Griswold family’s iconic green and brown Wagon Queen Family Truckster cruising down the road.
The show was also full of bloopers and mistakes that made it to air. In one episode, the camera pulls back too far, revealing the edge of the set and the soundstage. And in another episode, a thermometer in the background reads a cool 70°F, despite the characters complaining about the scorching 100°F heat.
Christina Applegate’s iconic character Kelly Bundy was also full of secrets. Despite her ditzy persona, Applegate played Kelly as a genius in her own mind – and a virgin. Applegate drew inspiration for Kelly from a real person – Cindy Birmisa, a rock groupie who appeared in the rockumentary The Decline of Western Civilization, Part II: The Metal Years.
The show’s cancellation in 1997 was also shrouded in mystery. According to Ed O’Neill, the show ended not because of low ratings, but because of the high cost of reruns. Local stations were paying a hefty $1 million per episode to air the show, and eventually, they asked Sony to stop producing new ones.
Despite its controversial and often outrageous humor, Married… with Children remains a beloved and iconic sitcom. Its impact on popular culture is still felt today, and its characters and quotes continue to be referenced and parodied. Whether you loved the Bundys’ dysfunctional antics or hated how “un-PC” it could be, the show definitely gave us something to talk about.
