Modern Family—one of the best sitcoms ever created, aired from 2009 to 2020 lasting an impressive 11 seasons. Throughout its run, this ABC series set itself apart as the epitome of an American sitcom with outstanding ratings and endless laughs for fans. From subverting stereotypes to focusing more on non-traditional families, there is plenty that made this show worm its way into the hearts of millions.
Modern Family is, however, a product of its time because, with the current cancel culture, it would be impossible for the show’s pilot episode to air today. This one-of-a-kind comedy series garnered 22 Emmy Wins and critical acclaim. It enjoys constant reference across pop culture, cementing itself as one of the best series of the 2010s across all genres. And with good reason. Here is why Modern Family became so iconic throughout its run!
1. Modern Family Is Relatable
TV shows go down in history for several reasons, such as having a cast with sizzling chemistry like Friends, having an epic storyline, or just being the first to pave the way for other series of its kind. One of the main reasons Modern Family is so iconic is because of how relatable it is to many audiences. From children to adults who grew up in different family dynamics, there is a character that every viewer can relate to. One thing the show gets right is how hard parenting and maintaining a family dynamic is today. Whether it’s a nuclear family, a blended one, or one with an adopted child, there will be challenges, but if the members love each other, it can all be handled healthily and lovingly.
The series also features a diverse range of characters with which to identify. Viewers also get attached to the honesty of these characters and how they deal with the problems they face in their daily lives. They can see themselves in these character’s decisions and way of life. From money problems to breakups, regrets, and marital issues, viewers can see themselves in these characters, which is comforting. While some viewers may not relate to the huge family gatherings in Modern Family, the children’s struggles growing up are something most people have gone through.
2. The Cast Is Filled with Acting Geniuses
Modern Family is filled with several outstanding characters that have a special place in viewer’s hearts. While Modern Family launched several acting careers, it also featured long-time actors like Ed O’Neill as Jay Pritchett—Claire and Mitch’s father. O’Neill did an amazing job bringing the character of a father and husband to life. He is married to a beautiful young Latina woman, Gloria. The show could have easily made him out to be an old-school and traditional character, but they excel in making him seem human. Although he is set in his ways, he tries his best to accept his family and all the drama they bring.
Another fan-favorite character is Cam. Mitch’s loving husband is a drama queen in every sense of the word. It’s interesting to watch as he navigates his personal life, marriage, and raising their daughter. But whether he is panicking about locking his daughter in the car, arguing with Gloria, or going home to do some farm duties, it makes for some entertaining television. Speaking of Gloria, she is a funny and strong character who doesn’t play games when it comes to what she wants and those she loves.
Her desire to ensure her son doesn’t lose her heritage is also sweet to see. She is the beautiful bombshell of the show, and Sofia Vergara is perfect for the role. Her acting rage definitely shines in this show, and it was about time that audiences finally saw her in a show that did her acting skills justice. Of course, honorable mentions to Ry Burrell as Phil Dunphy, Julie Bowen as Claire Dunphy, and Jesse Tyler as Mitchell Pritchett, who make the show well-rounded and thrilling for viewers to enjoy. Phil and Claire’s marriage is full of funny and mature moments that these actors flesh out very well.
3. It’s Humor Was Well Executed
Aside from the endless jokes and funny character stories that make Modern Family great to watch, it’s the mockumentary style editing that adds the cherry on top for this hilarious sitcom. Much like other successful mockumentary sitcoms like The Office and Abbott Elementary, any time Phil turns to the camera after making a joke or during one of Haley’s confessionals, fans get to see a deeper aspect of these characters that adds a different layer to each story. The slapstick comedy full of dad jokes sometimes lands flat, but when taken in doses, Modern Family still hits the right spots as a binge-worthy sitcom.
5. Modern Family Wasn’t Shy about Being Different
Modern Family was lucky enough to exist at a time when audiences were more forgiving and less critical of every single joke. Some jokes from earlier seasons would not go over well today. The jokes would be insensitive, considering the current political climate. Many series today are walking on eggshells because of cancel culture, and they can’t be blamed because the world is just a different place today. Towards the later seasons, viewers can tell that the series changes with the times, and the jokes, while still funny, do not really go as hard as they could have. Which is okay, but the earlier seasons are so beloved because they could go where other shows were too afraid to at the time.
Showcasing non-traditional families like Cam and Mitch’s was one thing that was unique about this sitcom. At a time when shows tried to shy away from such topics, Modern Family addressed it head-on and featured a same-sex marriage as they maneuvered raising an adopted daughter. The respectful representation got the show several fans. They also subvert stereotypical gender roles by having Phil be the gentler parent, who is the stay-at-home parent, while the mother, Claire, goes to work and brings home the bacon. The show did this without emasculating Phil or making him look less of a parent because he wasn’t doing the job society expected of him.
Another reason why Modern Family was so iconic is because it didn’t lean into the usual stereotypes. Gloria is expected to be a materialistic gold digger who marries an older man for her money, but the series shows that Gloria really loves Jay and his family. She also advises Manny and ensures that he has all the male support he needs despite not having his biological father around. Modern Family has so many iconic elements that make it a standout series. Here are the top 10 must-watch Modern Family episodes ranked.
Follow Us
