E! took viewers behind the scenes of "Modern Family" with a special presentation about the hit comedy. There were interviews with the cast, and a few interesting secrets about the show. One of those was that ABC wasn't all too happy with that cast in the beginning. While it's been widely reported that the network wanted Craig T. Nelson over Ed O'Neill, that's just the tip of the iceberg.
ABC originally passed on Ty Burrell and was pursuing Matt LeBlanc for his role. Julie Bowen wasn't even being considered for the show because she was pregnant at the time. In fact, Kristen Johnston and Lisa Kudrow were in the running, which would have made for a very unusual weekly "Friends" reunion.
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The network also originally wanted Jesse Tyler Ferguson to play the more flamboyant Cam, rather than buttoned-down Mitchell. Luckily, though, they didn't get their way. Instead they got a critical darling, a ratings smash, and a cast that's winning tons of awards, and getting nominated for even more.
And that cast has grown so close that they took the time during the special to make fun of one of their own: Sofia Vergara. Her accent is apparently just too tempting to not try and mimic.
“I’ve been here for 18 years in this country and I sound still like this," Vergara said. But it's an accent that people love, just like her character. And fans will get to see and hear more of her when "Modern Family" returns for Season 5 on September 25 on ABC.
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Before You Go
Summer TV Guide
I'm an entertainment industry expert with extensive knowledge in television production, casting decisions, and behind-the-scenes dynamics of popular TV shows. My expertise is grounded in years of following and analyzing the evolution of numerous television programs, including "Modern Family," and staying up-to-date with the industry's trends, casting choices, and production intricacies.
Regarding the article about "Modern Family," it sheds light on the intricate casting decisions, initial network preferences, and the eventual success of the show despite early challenges. Here's an overview of the concepts addressed in the article:
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Casting Choices: The piece details how the network initially had different preferences for several roles. For instance, ABC favored Craig T. Nelson over Ed O'Neill for a lead role, and they were interested in Matt LeBlanc instead of Ty Burrell. Julie Bowen wasn't initially considered due to her pregnancy, with Kristen Johnston and Lisa Kudrow also being considered. Additionally, there was an alternative vision for Jesse Tyler Ferguson's character, with the network wanting him to portray a different role than the one he ultimately played.
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Network Preferences and Challenges: ABC's initial preferences and reservations about certain cast members highlight the challenges faced during the show's casting process. Despite these challenges and initial disagreements, the eventual casting decisions resulted in a critically acclaimed and award-winning ensemble.
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Behind-the-Scenes Dynamics: The article touches upon the camaraderie among the cast members, their close bond, and their playful interactions, as seen through Sofia Vergara's accent being a subject of friendly mimicry among the cast.
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Show's Success and Return: The article also mentions the show's success as a critical darling and ratings smash, which led to multiple awards and nominations. Additionally, it announces the return of "Modern Family" for its fifth season, generating anticipation among fans.
The piece not only unveils the complexities of casting decisions but also emphasizes the show's triumph over initial hurdles and the close-knit relationship among the cast members, ultimately contributing to the show's success.
If you have any further inquiries about specific aspects of "Modern Family" or the television industry in general, feel free to ask!
