For years, Married… with Children was a hugely popular sitcom known for its edgy, adult humor. The show deliberately pushed boundaries with storylines that many considered controversial or uncomfortable. This even led one woman to attempt to cancel the show through boycotts and by contacting advertisers. Ironically, this effort only increased the show’s popularity, but it also resulted in one episode being banned from broadcast for thirteen years – an episode that became known as the “Lost Episode.”
The Married… with Children episode finally aired on June 18, 2002—over thirteen years after its original intended airdate in January 1989. This long delay has made it one of the most famous and controversial episodes in sitcom history, but the protest that caused the delay didn’t ultimately achieve its goal.
The Married… with Children Episode That Was Banned For 13 Years
I remember reading about this a while back – it’s a crazy story! Back in 1989, a woman named Terry Rokolta flipped on the TV with her kids, and they happened to land on an episode of Married… with Children called “Her Cup Runneth Over.” She hadn’t seen the show before, but things quickly went from normal to shocking. Apparently, the episode had some pretty risqué stuff – a guy in garters, a woman playfully teasing Al Bundy by almost taking her top off, and another character acting… well, let’s just say it was suggestive. She was so taken aback – she used the word ‘horror’ – that she decided right then and there that nobody should be allowed to watch it!
Rokolta contacted the writer of the episode, Marcy Vosburgh, to express her disapproval. Vosburgh defended the content, stating they had mirrored European broadcasting practices by letting viewers choose whether or not to watch. Unsatisfied, Rokolta spent weeks identifying the show’s advertisers and personally contacted them. She successfully persuaded major companies like Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson, McDonald’s, and Procter & Gamble to withdraw their advertising from Married… with Children.
Rather than fire Vosburgh and admit a mistake, the studio decided to continue with the show, but they did tone down some of the more offensive jokes and scenes. One episode, titled “I’ll See You in Court,” was considered too risqué and was never broadcast. Fox referred to it as the “Lost Episode.” The episode’s plot involved Peg and Al trying to reignite their sex life with a motel getaway, where they discovered a video of their neighbors, Steve and Marcy, being intimate. This unexpectedly aroused Peg, leading to intimacy with Al as well. They later learned they had been secretly recorded themselves, prompting a lawsuit against the motel involving all four of them.
The episode wasn’t broadcast until June 18, 2002, but is now included on DVD sets and during reruns. It was the only significant consequence of the boycott. Surprisingly, the producers and stars – Ed O’Neill, Katey Sagal, and Christina Applegate – all agreed the boycott actually increased the show’s popularity and ratings. The cast even jokingly sent Rakolta flowers at the beginning of each season to thank her for the unexpected boost. The show’s staff showed their appreciation too, sending her a fruit basket every Christmas as a lighthearted gesture for her unsuccessful attempt to harm the show.
What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!
Read More
- Darkwood Trunk Location in Hytale
- Best Controller Settings for ARC Raiders
- How To Watch A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms Online And Stream The Game Of Thrones Spinoff From Anywhere
- Ashes of Creation Rogue Guide for Beginners
- Hytale: Upgrade All Workbenches to Max Level, Materials Guide
- PS5’s Biggest Game Has Not Released Yet, PlayStation Boss Teases
- Olympian Katie Ledecky Details Her Gold Medal-Winning Training Regimen
- Shonda Rhimes’ Daughters Make Rare Appearance at Bridgerton Premiere
- Francia Raisa Reacts to Selena Gomez’s Wedding to Benny Blanco
- The Rip Ending Explained: Who’s The Traitor (And What Those Tattoos Are About) In Ben Affleck And Matt Damon Thriller
2026-01-20 17:44