The future of "Modern Family" looks blurry. As the fall TV season comes to a close, a behind the scenes setback has emerged for the cast of the Emmy-winning comedy series.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the status of "Modern Family" is currently in limbo as six of the show's actors contracts have already expired - after wrapping up production for its current eight season. Sofia Vergara, Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell, Eric Stonestreet, Jessie Tyler Ferguson and Ed O'Neill are among the major players who have yet to ink new deals with ABC for the show's yet to be renewed ninth season.
Two insiders told THR that the reason behind the hold-up is an ongoing dispute between ABC and the studio 20th Fox Century TV over Modern Family's costs.
Also starring Ariel Winter and Sarah Hyland, "Modern Family" has established itself as one of ABC's top-rated series over the years. The show has won back to back Emmy awards since its debut and has amassed a huge amount of followers due to its unique premise and genuine laugh out loud moments delivered by the ensemble cast.
To this end, it is unlikely that ABC will opt not to renew the series for a ninth season. At this point, it's unclear if there's any movement surrounding the behind the scenes woes. THR reached out to both parties, but said that they declined to comment about the issue.
An all new episode of "Modern Family" airs this week. According to ABC's official synopsis, the half-hour installment (titled "Finding Fizbo) will find Cam enraged when he receives an online video showing someone has been desecrating his beloved Fizbo costume, which sets him on a quest to restore Fizbo's good name. Also, viewers will find a surprised Phil Dunphy when he finally meets his new soon-to-be step-brother at Frank's bachelor party
The episode is slated to air on Wednesday, March 1st.
