Cord cutters who remember Al Bundy’s long-running obsession with the John Wayne western Hondo are about to see the joke come full circle.
Married… with Children and the classic western Hondo will be paired together for a special television event on COZI TV titled “Married… with Hondo.”
The themed programming block will air twice in March and recreates one of the sitcom’s most memorable running gags: Al Bundy repeatedly trying (and failing) to sit down and watch the 1953 John Wayne film.
During the special presentation, COZI TV will air two Married… with Children episodes centered on Al’s attempts to watch Hondo, immediately followed by the full film itself.
The Pop Culture Connection Between Al Bundy and Hondo
For longtime fans of the show, Al Bundy’s obsession with Hondo became a recurring joke throughout the series.
The event features two episodes that leaned heavily into that storyline:
- “All in the Family” (Season 2, Episode 22 – 1988)
Al plans his entire weekend around watching Hondo, only to have the rest of the Bundy household derail his peaceful plans. - “Assault & Batteries” (Season 8, Episode 24 – 1994)
Al races home for a rare TV broadcast of the film, claiming it only airs “once every 17 years.”
Immediately after the episodes, viewers will finally get to watch the film that caused all the chaos.
About the Classic Western Hondo
Released in 1953, Hondo stars John Wayne and Geraldine Page in a story based on a novel by Louis L’Amour.
The film became one of Wayne’s notable Western roles and was recognized for its strong box office performance and early use of 3-D technology during the format’s first major wave in the 1950s. Page also earned an Academy Award nomination for her screen debut in the film.
Full “Married… with Hondo” Schedule
Monday, March 9
4 p.m. ET – Married… with Children — “All in the Family” (1988)
4:30 p.m. ET – Married… with Children — “Assault & Batteries” (1994)
5 p.m. ET – Hondo (1953)
Saturday, March 14
7 p.m. ET – Married… with Children — “All in the Family” (1988)
7:30 p.m. ET – Married… with Children — “Assault & Batteries” (1994)
8 p.m. ET – Hondo (1953)
How to Watch COZI TV
COZI TV is a free broadcast network available over-the-air in many markets and through several live TV streaming services.
Cord cutters can typically watch COZI TV through:
The network launched in 2013 and is now available in more than 110 million U.S. TV homes through broadcast affiliates and streaming platforms.