Married...with Children

"Married...with Children" is an iconic American sitcom that aired on the FOX channel from 1987 to 1997, affirming its presence as one of the longest-lasting live-action sitcoms on FOX. Created by Michael G. Moye and Ron Leavitt, the show was known for its irreverent, dark humor, tackling taboo subjects that other sitcoms dared not touch, and it quickly gained infamy for its stereotype-shattering approach and working-class portrayal, pushing boundaries and landing on the radar of media watchdog groups.

The protagonist of the series is Al Bundy, played with characteristic wit and grace by Ed O'Neill. Al is a hapless, downtrodden shoes salesman, a former high school football star, and a figure often considered synonymous with the idea of an underachieving patriarch. His character is defined by his relentless bad luck, poor career prospects, and overall dissatisfaction with life.

Al's wife, Peggy Bundy, is brilliantly played by Katey Sagal. Peggy is presented as the quintessential anti-housewife of the 80s, with her big red hair, leopard print outfits, love for daytime soap operas, and aversion to housework. She is the show's beacon of comedic relief, known to shop excessively while utterly ignoring household chores or food preparation.

Christina Applegate and David Faustino embody Kelly and Bud Bundy, the two children of the family, both of whom skew modern stereotypes. Kelly, portrayed by Applegate, is the dimwitted, scandalous blonde daughter who often dominates as the butt of her brother's jokes. Faustino's character, Bud Bundy, is the smart, yet socially awkward and luckless son who often struggles to win women’s affection, something completely opposite to his sister's persona.

Living next to the Bundys are their neighbors Marcy and Steve Rhodes, played by Amanda Bearse and David Garrison respectively. Marcy is Peggy's best friend and polar opposite; she is a career-focused feminist, while Steve is a responsible banker, forming an apparent counterpoint to Al. After several seasons, Steve was replaced by the good-natured but dimwitted Jefferson, portrayed by actor Ted McGinley, who marries Marcy and is often found in many schemes with Al.

Other recurring characters in the series include Harold Sylvester, E. E. Bell, Dan Tullis Jr., and more. While each character brings their own unique flavor and comedic touch to the sitcom, Matt LeBlanc, Jane Lynch, and Tim Conway deserve special mention for their wonder-fill performance. Not forgetting the supporting role played by Buck, the Bundy's lazy pet dog.

The show’s situational humor often dwells into somewhat controversial areas compared to its prime time contemporaries, given it is grounded in a not-so-distant reality. Yet, beneath its bold and contentious surface, "Married...with Children" provides an often-inaccurate but tongue-in-cheek depiction of the American working-class family. The family members, while flawed, share a strong bond and stand up for each other when the world comes tumbling down, giving the show a heart amidst all its audacity.

Unlike many sitcoms from its era or even today, "Married...with Children" does not shy away from portraying a family that is anything but ideal. The landmark show hence broke fresh ground not merely through its inverted take on the classic 1980s family sitcom but also with its candid representation of a middle-class American family—uncensored, politically incorrect, laden with dark humor, and unapologetically real.

Throughout its 10-year run, "Married...with Children" often utilized outlandish, comedic scenarios, unforgettable catchphrases, slapstick comedy, and no-holds-barred dialogue. All in all, the show presents an entertaining, funny, and fresh perspective on family relationships, making it a beloved cult classic that has shaped TV comedy.