Modern Family is a sitcom filmed as a mockumentary that began airing on ABC in the fall lineup of the 2009 season. Modern Family was well received by both critics and viewers. The show follows eleven characters from three different families, who are all related through the father Jay Pritchett, played by Ed O’Neill. The show usually follows one or two of the families through an event that has happened to them. At the beginning of a segment, one of the characters usually gives background as to what’s going on at the current time with their family. At the end of the segment, the same character sums up the events or gives their impression of what has happened, and ends with a joke or touching sentiment.
The three families are made up of: the father Jay who has remarried a much younger woman from Columbia that has a son from her previous marriage, Jay’s son Mitchell and his gay partner along with their adopted baby girl, and Jay’s daughter Claire and her family which is more traditional with a husband and three children. The three families often get together for dinner or some occasion and inevitably some type of family dysfunction is brought up.
Modern Family is a well thought out, well written, and touching comedy that explores the makeup of these three different families. The characters each have their individual personalities, and the show draws you in and gives you the perspective of each person. Most of the characters have their little quirks or annoyances, but the family members are all caring and fun. They understand and accept each other for who they are, even if they make jokes or tease one another along the way. The overall message is one of acceptance and love.
