As streaming services grow to incorporate more shows, both Hulu and Peacock have made the decision to include Modern Family into their extensive libraries. Both streaming platforms will host the series on February 3, according to ComicBook. Sitcoms have had an expensive history with streaming services to say the least. HBO acquired the streaming rights to the popular series South Park for over 500 million dollars. They also acquired the streaming rights of Friends for 425 million and Big Bang Theory for 600 million. These are just a few examples of how much a hit sitcom is worth to the titans of the industry.
Modern Family premiered in 2009 and has garnered a following of loyal fans from all ages. With an excellent cast from the likes of Ed O’Neil (Al Bundy, Married with Children), Sofia Vergara (Inez, Chef), Ty Burrell (Leonard, The Incredible Hulk), Julie Bowen (Rhonda Harken, Horrible Bosses) Eric Stonestreet (Duke, The Secret Life of Pets), Jessie Tyler Ferguson (Arthur James Elmer, Untraceable) and many more, fans have fallen in love with the entire ensemble.
Both Peacock and Hulu released statements concerning their acquisition of the rights to stream. Executive Vice President of Content Acquisitions at NBC Universal Val Boreland stated, “Because viewers of all ages love Modern Family, we are creating a fan experience on Peacock that goes beyond just episodes of the series to include curated collections, bonus content, and more,” Boreland announced according to ComicBook. Subscribers to Peacock will be happy to learn that bonus content will be released with the series.
The Vice President of Content Partnerships at Hulu Brian Henderson announced his excitement as well, “We were fortunate to bring this beloved series to Hulu audiences next-day during its celebrated run, and now we’re excited to offer every episode so new fans can meet the Pritchetts, Dunphys and Tuckers and old friends can visit them again,” Henderson stated as reported by ComicBook.
Burrell and Bowen play Phil and Claire Dunphy, a suburban married couple who struggle to solve their own problems let alone the problems of their three children. The dynamics of a more traditional marriage are explored through Phil and Claire. While the marriage of Stonestreet and Ferguson’s characters Cam and Mitch, tackle important aspects of gay parenting and defeating social stigmas with every episode. Finally, O’Neil and Vergara play Jay and Gloria Pritchett who grapple with a difference in age in their marriage, not to mention the standards Jay has to live up to with his surrogate son. With such a diverse environment for each couple, and comical twists and turns to delve into, Modern Family provides fresh stories for its fans every season.