From 2009 to 2020, Modern Family dominated ABC network. Winning countless awards and gaining quick popularity, the show was, and continues to be, a favorite for many.
For our generation, Modern Family was the show that many of us grew up with–I was 5 when the pilot was first released and 16 when its final season concluded. I truly believe parts of my personality are almost entirely shaped by the characters and storylines of the show. Even now when I watch any random episode, there are lines I know from memory of watching reruns and recorded shows.
My parents first began watching the show during the peak of its popularity. I remember being five or six years old watching Cam and Mitch talk to the camera, frequently using the word “gay” which I was yet to learn the definition of. My parents laughed at so many of the jokes that I would only understand years later.
Although I didn’t recognize it at the time, Modern Family was a way to bring my parents, sister and me together–despite all being from different walks of life, we all loved the show.
My family and I would watch the show together every week–Wednesday evenings at 9pm, ABC. The other show my family and I particularly enjoyed, The Middle, first came on at 8pm. Then, whatever new show ABC was trying to promote during that particular season would fill the 8:30 slot, and then at 9pm, Modern Family came on. All through elementary school my bedtime was 8:30, so oftentimes the viewing of the new Modern Family episode took place after dinner on Thursday evenings (thanks DVR!). But nevertheless, we would all watch together and look forward to viewing of the new episode.
At eight years old, I wrote fan letters to many of the cast members. Eric Stonestreet, the actor who played Cam, sent me back a signed photo addressed to me with my name in big writing over his professional “Cam” photo… I remember running to the mailbox and, heart beating, ripping the envelope open. I couldn’t believe that (hypothetically, at least) someone from the show knew (conceptually) who I was.
Though I admittingly lost some interest in the show as the later seasons progressed, I reflect back now on the earlier half of seasons with the recognition that it truly was one of the best sitcoms ever made. I feel as if its universality is what made the show stand out–it truly appeals to everyone. Even as an early elementary school student, I was a fan. Now being able to “stream” it and watch episodes out of order, I am able to call it my comfort show for whenever I need a laugh or a reminder that we all really are not as different as we think.