*”Married with Children,”* a sitcom that started in 1986 on Fox, wasn’t an immediate hit but became iconic, partly due to an unexpected boost from a protest by activist Terry Rakolta. Her call for a boycott over an episode in season three led to media attention that helped the show gain popularity.
The show had memorable characters and moments, like Peggy Bundy’s bouffant hair, Al Bundy’s grumpy shoe salesman persona, and the infamous “No Ma’am” club. Behind the scenes, there were tensions, particularly between Ed O’Neill (Al) and Amanda Bearse (Marcy Darcy). The show also had fun trivia, such as the Bundys and Rhodes being named after pro wrestlers.
Despite never winning an Emmy, the show became Fox’s longest-running sitcom at the time, known for its humor, quirky characters, and offbeat storylines that resonated with audiences, ultimately achieving cult status through syndication.