Married with Children
The TV show
Married with Children is a classic sitcom that premiered on Fox in 1987 and ran for 11 seasons (259 episodes) until 1997. The show is often regarded as one of the most controversial and edgy sitcoms of its time, featuring a dysfunctional family who lived in the suburbs of Chicago. The show’s premise revolved around Al Bundy, a former high school football player who now works as a shoe salesman, his wife Peggy, and their two children Kelly and Bud.
What sets “Married with Children” apart from other sitcoms of its time is its unapologetic approach to humor. The show’s writers used a lot of satire and sarcasm to deliver their jokes, often poking fun at the traditional family values that were so prevalent in other sitcoms. The show was also known for its use of crass language, sexual innuendos, and dark humor, which were not common in the sitcom genre. The theme song was written in 1955 by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen, and performed by Frank Sinatra.
The show’s lead character, Al Bundy, played by Ed O’Neill, was the quintessential anti-hero. He was a working-class man who despised his job and often complained about his life. Al was known for his sarcastic wit and his disdain for his wife, Peggy, played by Katey Sagal. Peggy was the stereotypical housewife who loved to spend money and was often portrayed as dim-witted. The dynamic between Al and Peggy provided a lot of the show’s humor, with their constant bickering and insults.
The show’s two children, Kelly and Bud, played by Christina Applegate and David Faustino, respectively, were also a major source of humor. Kelly was the beautiful but dim-witted daughter who was obsessed with fashion and boys, while Bud was the nerdy son who often tried to scheme his way to popularity and success.
One of the show’s most memorable characters was Marcy, played by Amanda Bearse. Marcy was the Bundys’ next-door neighbor who often found herself on the receiving end of Al’s insults. Marcy was a feminist and a vegetarian, and her views often clashed with Al’s conservative views.
While “Married with Children” was often criticized for its controversial content, the show’s impact on television cannot be denied. The show was a major success for Fox, paving the way for other edgy sitcoms like “The Simpsons” and “Malcolm in the Middle.” The show also launched the careers of its main cast members, with Ed O’Neill and Katey Sagal both going on to star in other successful television shows.
The Cast
- Ed O’Neill as Al Bundy
- Katey Sagal as Margaret “Peggy” Bundy
- Amanda Bearse as Marcy Rhoades/D’Arcy
- David Garrison as Steve Rhoades
- Christina Applegate as Kelly Bundy
- David Faustino as Bud Bundy
- Ted McGinley as Jefferson D’Arcy
Conclusion
Overall, “Married with Children” is a classic sitcom that remains relevant to this day. Its use of satire, sarcasm, and dark humor paved the way for future shows to take risks with their content. The show’s cast was talented and their chemistry was undeniable, with each character bringing something unique to the show. While the show’s humor may not be for everyone, it remains a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of television comedy.
