This is one of the most realistic shows for our time. It captures how families have evolved and still connects how important families are, however they are formed. Families are dysfunctional, there is no perfect family. This is a great show of how people work through their issues, insecurities, fears and continue to progress and grow as individuals and families. And sometimes it is laugh out loud hysterical!
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Modern Family
(Rated TV-PG, Comedy, Starring Ed O'Neill, Julie Bowen, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Where to watch: ABC, Online)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 13. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
New take on sitcom families includes some iffy content.
Themes in this show include: family relationships
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 13–16
The good stuff
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Role models:
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Modern Family
Parents need to know that this sitcom revolves around three different families -- including a homosexual couple and their adopted daughter and a post-mid-lifer and his much younger second wife and stepson. Expect some suggestive jokes, particularly in relation to/at the expense of the homosexual characters, and additional sexual innuendo. Although the characters generally seem to mean well when you get down to it, there's some stereotyping and plenty of dysfunction. Patriarch Jay wrestles with his son Mitchell's sexuality and often jokes about Mitchell's partner and their lifestyle. Language includes words like "damn" and "bitch," adult characters drink socially, and there's frank discussion of topics like teen pregnancy. The show's main goal is to elicit laughs, but there are some touching moments that celebrate family ties, too.
Read our full review by Emily Ashby
Families Can Talk About
Families can talk about how this series compares to other family-centered shows. Does the content seem more or less realistic than others? Do the central relationships seem non-traditional to you? How are they different from other sitcom families?
How does your family compare to the characters in this show? What aspects of your family might be considered non-traditional?
How does the media portray relationships in general? Why do you think topics like unplanned pregnancy, divorce, sex, and and sexual identity are dealt with so frequently in TV shows and movies?
Our Members Say
See all 11 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Good, fun, show for the 13+ crowd!
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
LOVE IT!!!!!
Soooooo funny! The jokes will "fly over" little kids heads. they won't get it.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Good teen-ish show
I like this show because it places homosexuality as a "modern" and "normal" thing, which it is. I really don't think a gay that looks like he's 60 could make it with a woman who could be my older sister, though.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
Better for teens, but l am letting my middle schooler watch
Enjoyable and mostly ok sitcom the whole fam can watch together
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My highlights are:
Needs the benefit of "2 ½ men” writing/directing
Love it, but refer to the review title before the show meets the network "axe". From a P/T writer who laughs to coking from "2 1/2 men" that is also "Big Bang Theory" comedy caliber, timing and humor crucial to this continued broadcast.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 80% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 40% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 40% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 40% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
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