With an award winning cast and refreshing new story lines, “Modern Family” has been lauded by critics as one of the best fall family sitcoms on television. Thankfully, the show’s million fans on Facebook prove this critically acclaimed show has become a must-watch sitcom.
“Modern Family” embodies most elements of the 21st Century family, with a multicultural couple including Jay and Gloria Pritchett, the older man and the younger, Colombian trophy wife and their son Manny. Jay’s daughter Claire is married to the hilarious Phil and they have three children- Haley, Alex, and Luke. The third installment to the family is Mitchell and Cam, a gay couple and their adopted Vietnamese daughter Lily.
The differences between the kids often instigate disagreements, especially between Haley, the sixteen year old social butterfly who loves to text, and her sister Alex, the bookworm who would rather study than go out. Their brother Luke, who is constantly oblivious, misinterprets nearly everything. For example, he believed Claire thought Gloria was a “coal digger” instead of a “gold digger.” Luke is completely opposite from his cousin Manny, who, despite being 12, acts more like an old man than a kid. Manny enjoys drinking coffee and is not afraid to show his feelings, while Luke enjoys activities such as jumping on the trampoline with a box on his head.
The families each have their different parenting styles. Phil proves to be an easy going father, often times more interested in being friends with his kids than their father. Jay tries to bond with Manny, but finds it is more difficult because of their many cultural differences. Mitchell and Cam are enjoying being parents, though they have varying views on how to raise Lily.
Season one introduced the characters and hooked viewers with funny, unthinkable situations. Relationships are worked on, especially Jay and Mitchell’s as they try to overcome any awkward barriers Jay has regarding his son being gay. Phil is seen as more of a kid, yet his childish ways and witty comments prove to be one of the best elements in the show. The first and successful season of “Modern Family” follows Jay as he learns more about his family and becomes closer with his children.
Season two began September 22, drawing just as many laughs as season one. The new season seems to keep improving, following the three families through their relatable mishaps and struggles. Season two focuses a lot on technology and its influence on the kids and parents. In a season two episode, “Unplugged,” Claire notices how immersed her children are in technology so she and Phil challenge their kids to who can stay unplugged the longest from all electronic devices. The show brings in modern fads such as the iPad in the season one episode, “Game Changer,” as Claire tries to get Phil one for his birthday but encounters problems.
The casting for “Modern Family” is pure genius and the writing is witty and hilarious. A fresh take on the family sitcom, the new television show proves to be one of the best. Whether it focuses on family traditions, technology, or getting Lily into the best pre-school, “Modern Family” never fails to entertain and most of all make us laugh.
