Modern Family’s missed opportunity: Eric Stonestreet reflects on the axed spinoff
A heartfelt revelation
In a recent video interview, Eric Stonestreet, known for his iconic role as Cameron Tucker on Modern Family, opened up about a missed opportunity that still stings. The actor shared his disappointment over ABC’s decision to reject a planned sequel series that would have followed Cameron, Mitchell (played by Jesse Tyler Ferguson), and their daughter Lily (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons) as they embark on a new chapter in Missouri. This spinoff had the enthusiastic backing of Modern Family co-creator Chris Lloyd, making its cancellation all the more surprising.
The dream that never took flight
Stonestreet expressed his dismay, stating, “I don’t think it’s potential anymore. They had their chance.” He elaborated on how Chris Lloyd and a team of writers crafted a compelling script that would have seen Cameron and Mitchell navigating life in Missouri, with Cameron pursuing his dream of becoming a college football coach. Despite the promising premise and the involvement of key creative minds, ABC decided not to move forward with the project.
A bond beyond the screen
Reflecting on his time on Modern Family, Stonestreet shared, “I love my character. I love the show. I love Jesse.” The chemistry between Stonestreet and Ferguson was palpable, contributing significantly to the show’s success. The actor speculated that perhaps ABC viewed them as “the old guys” and didn’t see the value in continuing their characters’ stories. This decision, he admitted, felt “a little hurtful,” but he acknowledged that business decisions often drive such outcomes.
A legacy of laughter
Stonestreet’s portrayal of Cameron Tucker spanned all 11 seasons of Modern Family, a show that aired 250 episodes on ABC from 2009 to 2020. His performance earned him three Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, with two wins. The show’s impact on television comedy is undeniable, and the potential spinoff seemed like a natural extension of its legacy.
What could have been
Stonestreet firmly believes that the Cameron-Mitch spinoff would have been a success. “It would have been a slam dunk,” he asserted. With one of the original creators on board and a talented team in place, the project had all the ingredients for greatness. “If ABC would have said ‘Let’s do it,’ I think we’d be on right now,” he lamented.
The door closes, but hope remains
While the chances of the spinoff coming to fruition have dwindled with time, Stonestreet remains open to reuniting with his Modern Family co-stars. He even floated the idea of a Christmas special, a sentiment that fans of the show would undoubtedly embrace. The actor’s reflections highlight the enduring bond between the cast and the lasting impact of the series on its audience.
Watch the full interview
For those interested in hearing more from Eric Stonestreet, you can watch his full interview with Graham Bensinger here.
Modern Family may have concluded its run, but the characters and their stories continue to resonate with fans. The show’s blend of humor, heart, and relatable family dynamics has left an indelible mark on television. While the spinoff may never see the light of day, the legacy of Cameron, Mitchell, and the entire Modern Family ensemble lives on in the hearts of viewers.