Modern Family

Modern Family is a documentary style sitcom that follows the lives of a family. There's a reason why this show and it's actors/actresses won so many awards over the years...because it's hilarious! The cast (Ed O'Neill, Ty Burrell, Sofia Vergara, Eric Stonestreet, Julie Bowen, Ariel Winter, Sarah Hyland, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, among others) is one of the best overall casts in sitcom history. There's really not a weak link among them, they're all pretty much equally funny! Of course everyone has their favorites and some are a little better than others but not by much. It's a testament to the writing and the actors that you're favorite character will probably change several times throughout the series.

The single most amazing thing about this series is that it never got tired or predictable, never got preachy, and has layers that can only be discovered if you watch it more than once. Okay, that is not a single thing. So sue me. But seriously, folks, the writing here is a study in mixing subtlety and the obvious. Every character is carefully developed and you will find yourself wondering which is actually your favorite after a few seasons. Even the guest stars shine, and the sprinkling of celebrities in later seasons must indicate that the show achieved a special status. It is probably not a surprise that Lloyd used to produce Frasier.

For those still in withdrawal from the cancellation of Arrested Development, let me write you a prescription: Modern Family. The comparisons are obvious and with good reason. The postmodern comedy for the 21 century was ushered in by The Office(UK) and Arrested Development, but I, for one, doubted something could come along and satiate my longing for another truly, original comedy. Albeit, you may initially be wary to see yet another mockumentary-style show, but by the end of the pilot, you'll be smiling/laughing way too hard to stay cynical. Thus far, the plot lines have been really fresh and the characters are so, for lack of a better word, lovable. This show fulfills all my comedy needs, and I feel like I must resort to the listing of relevant adjectives: Witty, dry, smart, outlandish, silly, clever, cute, sarcastic, subtle, not-so subtle. HILARIOUS. I hate to say it, but the laugh tracks and raw goofyness of classic sitcoms like 'Seinfeld' and 'Friends' are obsolete and leave something to be desired. You will find that something in Modern Family. And who knows, maybe some of the more painfully funny and poignant scenarios will reveal insight into the changing dynamics of both the modern family and modern comedy. Great show. Period. And let's get it right this time around: don't cancel good TV shows. Pretty please?

Give this show a chance. I really kind of watched it against my will, but figured I'd give it a shot. I bet out of a hundred pilots, I would like maybe one - this was that one. I literally laughed out loud at numerous parts - the way that it comes together is interesting / well-done - each couple has an interesting balance - great dialog (IMDB won't let me spell it with a "ue" at the end) - original characters - I'm impressed.

I don't think I've ever seen ABC come out with something in this vein. Normally their shows are a bit watered down, but this is edgy and as fresh as anything I've seen hit network TV. I know that comparisons to Arrested Development will be frequent, but I think that this has more structure. The characters aren't as wacky, but they're more believable and easier to sympathize with in my eyes. Tremendous acting, great kid actors - I forwarded the pilot to a bunch of people already, and I feel lucky that I got to watch it before it came out officially.

'Modern Family' more than deserves to be recongised as not only one of the best comedies of the 2000's, but also amongst the best ever.

Sharply written (by several 'Frasier' alum no less) and wonderfully performed by a fantastic cast, this show was near perfection for its first 7 years.

Like all good shows though it did decline in later years, while of course still being able to come up with exceptional episodes along the way, but the writers did seem to run out of logical new stories and ways of developing the kids when they grew up.

Overall though, this was a fantastic show, and one I will revisit regularly.