Eric Stonestreet, known for his beloved role as Cameron Tucker on Modern Family, recently opened up about the network’s decision to pass on a spinoff centered around his character and his on-screen husband, Mitchell Pritchett, played by Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Stonestreet revealed in an interview that there was a strong script in place, which would have followed Mitch and Cam’s new life in Missouri. Unfortunately, the network declined the project, a decision that left Stonestreet, Ferguson, and co-creator Chris Lloyd disappointed.
“They said no,” Stonestreet recalled. “I think it hurt Jesse and I’s feelings. I think it hurt Chris Lloyd’s feelings.” The actor expressed how much he loved his character and felt there was more to explore after Modern Family’s 11-season run. However, business decisions prevailed, and the network ultimately chose not to proceed with the spinoff.
A Script That Could Have Been a Hit
In the spinoff, Mitch and Cam would have navigated life in Missouri after the couple’s big move from California, introduced in the series finale. The storyline would have followed them raising their children, including their newly adopted son Rexford, and Cam’s pursuit of his dream to become a college football coach. Stonestreet believes the show had immense potential and could have been a “slam dunk” success, with the involvement of Lloyd, one of Modern Family’s original creators.
“I think it would have been successful,” Stonestreet asserted. “We had the right people in place. If ABC had said ‘let’s do it,’ I think we’d be on right now.” While the network expressed concerns about diluting the brand, Stonestreet remained confident that the spinoff would have upheld the show’s legacy. He added that despite the missed opportunity, there has been talk of a potential Modern Family Christmas special to reunite the cast in the future.
Moving On but Not Forgetting
Both Stonestreet and Ferguson have since come to terms with the network’s decision, with Ferguson acknowledging in 2022 that the network was ready to “move in a different direction” after the show’s long run. While the spinoff may never come to fruition, the cast continues to express gratitude for their time on Modern Family, which remains one of the most iconic sitcoms of the past decade.
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For now, fans can hold onto the possibility of a festive reunion, as Stonestreet teased, “I wish we’d do a Christmas special.” With the original cast still open to the idea, it may not be the last we see of Mitch, Cam, and the rest of the beloved Modern Family clan.