The ratings for which U.S. TV show shot up after facing a boycott led by housewife Terry Rakolta?

The ratings for the U.S. TV show "Married... with Children" (1987 - 1997) shot up after facing a boycott led by housewife Terry Rakolta. Rakolta was from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and led her boycott of the TV show in 1989 after she and her family viewed the episode "Her Cups Runneth Over".

Rakolta began a letter-writing campaign to advertisers demanding they boycott the show because she was offended by (1) images of an old man wearing a woman's garter and stockings, (2) the scene where Steve Rhoades (David Garrison) touches the pasties of a mannequin dressed in S&M gear, (3) a homosexual man wearing a tiara on his head (and Al's line "...and they wonder why we call them 'queens'"), and (4) a half-nude woman who takes off her bra in front of Al (and is shown with her arms covering her bare chest in the next shot).

As a result of the controversy, viewers' curiosity over the boycott and the show itself led to a drastic ratings boost, which Rakolta acknowledged to the public. She was twice mentioned on the show. It happened in "Rock and Roll Girl" when a newscaster mentioned the city Bloomfield Hills, and in "No Pot to Pease In", when a television show was made about the Bundy family and was later cancelled because (according to Marcy D'Arcy played by Amanda Bearse) "some woman in Michigan didn't like it".

The show "Married... with Children" is an American TV sitcom that aired on Fox and was created by Michael G. Moye and Ron Leavitt. It comprises 259 episodes.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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19 Comments

SeasonedAngel

If someone is offended by a show, turn the channel. There are plenty of other people who do have a sense of humour & enjoy these shows. ;-)

Shirley Dutt

And I bet I've seen each episode at least 10 times. I think it's hilarious. Some are definitely offended by it. But, please, get a sense of humor people. The show made fun of everybody, regardless of ethnic origins, skin color, religion or whatever. It was funny. I still watch the reruns.

Jim Adams

There is nothing like telling an American he can’t do something to get him to do it.

Steph Tosches

My husband and I's favorite show of all time. Never should have been cancelled. We grew up on married.

Patty K

If you don't like a show, don't watch it. But don't assume you have the right to say what everyone else can watch. Opinions differ. Why do you think there are so many genres?

Jon Dodson

Performing on a stool, see a sight to make you drool, seven virgins and a mule- keep it cool, keep it cool. Once lines are crossed, there's only one option for feeding the depraved appetites of the dark recesses of the human psyche, and that's crossing all lines until nothing is tabu, and we all die of jaded ennnui...So that's the way the world ends, not with a bang, but a grunt, a groan, & a moan, then a dispairing sigh

steve

No one is forced to watch a TV show. If you don't like it, either change the channel, or turn off the TV and do something else. But DON'T try to force someone NOT to watch the program!!

Cheryl McMeekin

If your so offended either change the channel or turn the TV off; it's that simple!!! You don't have to be so DRAMATIC and waste people's time with a boycott over a comedy show.

Larry Jones

I have never watched a full episode and never will. Ed O'Neill was wasted on that show.

joycekingsmith

Patty K, l couldn't have said it better. Thank you.

David Coe

It's a very funny show. Al Bundy, the eternal put-upon spouse who never succeeds has served as the common man's philosopher - Google "sayings of Al Bundy" - they are a treat!