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Season 1 – Modern Family

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – Modern Family Sep 2009 Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
100% Tomatometer 29 Reviews 95% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
Told from the perspective of an unseen documentary filmmaker, the series offers an honest, often-hilarious perspective of family life. Parents Phil and Claire yearn for an honest, open relationship with their three kids. But a daughter who is trying to grow up too fast, another who is too smart for her own good, and a rambunctious young son make it challenging. Claire's dad, Jay, and his Latina wife, Gloria, are raising two sons together, but people sometimes believe Jay to be Gloria's father. Jay's gay son, Mitchell, and his partner, Cameron, have adopted a little Asian girl, completing one big -- straight, gay, multicultural, traditional -- happy family.
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Modern Family — Season 1

Modern Family — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

Thanks to sharp writing and an eccentric but exceedingly likable cast of characters, Modern Family signals the triumphant return of the family comedy.

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Critics Reviews

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Eric Deggans NPR Nov 21, 2019
Good acting. Great writing. Human characters played by amazing actors.That might be the one twist network TV hasn't tried quite often enough. Go to Full Review Hugh Montgomery Independent (UK) Nov 7, 2018
It is lifted out of the ordinary by a steady stream of jagged quips; some wonderfully staged set pieces; and performances that struck a finely wrought balance between caricature and naturalism. Go to Full Review Alice Jones Independent (UK) Nov 7, 2018
It ran as a series of vignettes whose punchlines were often not quite strong enough. Still, as with any sketch show, there were some hits among misses... I'd tune in again, just for Ty Burrell's "cool dad" Go to Full Review Kevin Carr 7M Pictures Nov 7, 2018
4/5
Even when the show tries to get heartfelt and honest, it doesn't get preachy or annoying. It keeps its messages subtle and doesn't overdo any sort of normalcy. Go to Full Review Glen Chapman Den of Geek Nov 7, 2018
4/5
It's a very perceptive, charming and funny series featuring excellent writing and performances that should appeal to a wide audience. Go to Full Review Nick Venable CinemaBlend Nov 7, 2018
5/5
Modern Family takes even the most trodden plot devices and makes them fresh with intelligent scripts and engaging performances. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Max W @MaxthorWoo Jul 14, 2026 The characters are vividly portrayed, and the story is concise yet full of charm; Modern Family Season 1 successfully creates a warm and loving family atmosphere, sincerely inviting the audience to become a part of this special extended family. See more Janav S @TheCoolJ92781 Jun 10, 2026 Easily one of the best seasons in television history, with its unique take on sitcom-mockumentary with an amazing cinematographic twist to it! See more Terran F. @Neptoon Apr 21, 2026 I’d give it five stars but Gloria rage baits me so much I’m docking a star See more Dylan M @Onlycorrectreviews Apr 16, 2026 Great chemistry great actors great humour See more UhI'm A @Username290 Jan 10, 2026 Please can we have a modern family season 12 See more Pham H @Azure101 Dec 11, 2025 mediocre writing for gay relationship. The rest are stellar See more Read all reviews
Modern Family — Season 1

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Michael Spiller

Director

Chris Koch

Director

Reggie Hudlin

Director

Randall Einhorn

Director

Jason Winer

Director

Kevin Rodney Sullivan

Director

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Sep 23, 2009 Pilot Jay has grown children, grandchildren and a gorgeous young wife, who has a preteen son of her own; all together they must bridge generational, cultural and social gaps. Details Episode 2 Aired Sep 30, 2009 The Bicycle Thief Phil is determined to help Luke prove he is responsible enough to have a new bike; Jay and Manny have some father and son time. Details Episode 3 Aired Oct 7, 2009 Come Fly With Me Jay reluctantly takes Phil on a model-airplane excursion, and Gloria goes shopping with Alex. Meanwhile, Claire and Manny get to know each other as siblings. Details Episode 4 Aired Oct 14, 2009 The Incident Jay's ex-wife, Dede (Shelley Long), tries to make amends with everyone she offended at Jay and Gloria's wedding. Details Episode 5 Aired Oct 21, 2009 Coal Digger Tensions rise during a day of barbecue and football at Jay and Gloria's in the wake of an incident between Manny and Luke at school. Details Episode 6 Aired Oct 28, 2009 Run for Your Wife Jay and Gloria have a disagreement about Manny's choice of outfit for his first day back at school; Cameron and Mitchell freak out when Lily gets a bump on the head. Details Episode 7 Aired Nov 4, 2009 En Garde The family comes out to support Manny's newfound interest, fencing; Phil is determined to find Luke's hidden talent. Details Episode 8 Aired Nov 18, 2009 Great Expectations Claire wants to surprise Phil with a private performance by one of their favorite musicians (Edward Norton); Cameron and Mitchell invite their friend Sal (Elizabeth Banks) out for a night on the town. Details Episode 9 Aired Nov 25, 2009 Fizbo Claire and Phil decide to plan the biggest and best birthday party for Luke. Details Episode 10 Aired Dec 9, 2009 Undeck the Halls Claire and Phil threaten to take away Christmas when the kids get into trouble; Cameron and Mitchell take Lily to have her first picture taken with Santa. Details Episode 11 Aired Jan 6, 2010 Up All Night Gloria does not like Jay's reaction to the arrival of Manny's father (Benjamin Bratt); Phil is rushed to the hospital; Mitchell and Cameron try to sleep-train Lily. Details Episode 12 Aired Jan 13, 2010 Not in My House When Claire finds a dirty picture on the computer and assumes it is Luke's doing, guilty Phil does not correct her; Jay and Gloria disagree over his beloved, life-size dog butler statue; Cameron involves himself in the gardener's woes. Details Episode 13 Aired Jan 20, 2010 Fifteen Percent Mitchell plants an idea in Jay's head; Manny's date gets a makeover from Gloria. Details Episode 14 Aired Feb 3, 2010 Moon Landing A visit from an old friend (Minnie Driver) leaves Claire feeling inadequate; Mitchell tries to help Gloria with some legal issues. Details Episode 15 Aired Feb 10, 2010 My Funky Valentine Claire and Phil plan a Valentine's Day excursion; Jay takes Gloria to a comedy show; Cameron and Mitchell try to play cupid for Manny. Details Episode 16 Aired Mar 3, 2010 Fears Phil tries to conquer his fear of the dark when he and Luke go on a discovery expedition underneath the house; Mitchell and Cameron invite Lily's pediatrician over for brunch. Details Episode 17 Aired Mar 10, 2010 Truth Be Told Phil invites his high school girlfriend (Judy Greer) to the house; Jay accidentally kills Manny's pet turtle, then goes to extremes to cover his tracks; overworked Mitchell stands up to his boss. Details Episode 18 Aired Mar 24, 2010 Starry Night Claire and Phil each take on one of the kids' school projects; Gloria and Cameron bond during a night out. Details Episode 19 Aired Mar 31, 2010 Game Changer The release of a new product Phil wants coincides with his birthday; Mitchell has a newfound desire to toughen up; Cameron gets involved in a neighbor's marital problems. Details Episode 20 Aired Apr 14, 2010 Benched Luke and Manny's hot-tempered basketball coach quits during a game, causing Jay and Phil to jockey to fill the position; Mitchell takes Cameron along to meet a prospective employer. Details Episode 21 Aired Apr 28, 2010 Travels With Scout Claire is suspicious when Phil's father shows up for an expected visit; Manny is traumatized by a horror movie. Details Episode 22 Aired May 5, 2010 Airport 2010 Gloria invites the whole family on a getaway to Hawaii for Jay's birthday. Details Episode 23 Aired May 12, 2010 Hawaii An unexpected reality check dampens Jay's plans for relaxation; Phil wants to make the trip romantic for Claire; the kids get into mischief when left to their own devices. Details Episode 24 Aired May 19, 2010 Family Portrait Everything seems to be working against Claire's plans for a new family portrait; Cameron gets a gig as a wedding singer, leaving Mitchell home alone with Lily and a wayward pigeon. Details

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Modern Family — Season 1

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Season Info

Director
Michael Alan Spiller, Chris Koch, Reginald Hudlin, Randall Einhorn, Jason Winer, Kevin Rodney Sullivan, Steven Levitan
Executive Producer
Steven Levitan, Christopher Lloyd
Screenwriter
Steven Levitan, Paul Corrigan, Danny Zucker, Dan O'Shannon, Joe Lawson, Bill Wrubel, Jerry Collins, Caroline Williams, Brad Walsh, Christopher Lloyd, Alex Herschlag
Network
ABC
Rating
TV-PG (L)
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date
Sep 23, 2009
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