Modern Family is a television mockumentary sitcom that has aired on ABC since 2009. The show follows the life of Jay Francis Pritchett (played by actor Ed O’Neill) and his “modern family” that includes Jay’s second wife Gloria (played by Sofia Vergara) and their children, as well as Jay’s adult children and their families. This clip provides an overview of key characters, with reflections from the show’s creators about the dynamics of the TV family, their reasons for featuring a gay couple, and the casting of children as part of the cast.

discussion

How well does “Modern Family” reflect what it means to be a family in the 21st century? In what ways does it do a good job of representing diverse identities, and in what ways are the representations incomplete or inaccurate?

How does the economic class position of the Pritchett family influence the type of stories that get told on the show? Is their economic position similar or different from most TV families?