 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Modern Family
Common Sense Media says
Fresh take on sitcom families includes some iffy content.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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.
What's the story?
MODERN FAMILY traces three very different branches of the same family tree. Patriarch Jay (Ed O’Neill) is recently married to the beautiful Gloria (Sofia Vergara) -- whom people often mistake for his daughter -- and new stepdad to her son, Manny (Rico Rodriguez). Jay’s grown son, Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson), tries to be patient with his dad’s discomfort over his same-sex lifestyle, but he’s happy with who he is -- and with his long-time partner, Cameron (Eric Stonestreet), and their adoptive daughter, Lily. And Mitchell’s sister, Claire (Julie Bowen), rounds out the picture with her own three kids, her husband, Phil (Ty Burrell), and their struggles with common parenting woes like overscheduled calendars and negotiating teen dating.
Is it any good?
Modern Family accomplishes just what it sets out to do: It updates the classic family sitcom to reflect the ever-changing canvas of American family life. Though its primary intent is to entertain -- and it offers plenty of laughs -- the interplay between the characters is often heartwarming, reminding us that family relationships are rarely perfect but always play important roles in shaping who we are.
Because the show's content touches on mature topics like sexuality and divorce and includes some salty language ("hell," "damn," "bitch," etc.) and sexual innuendo, this really isn’t a show for tweens. Much of the humor revolves around Mitchell and Cameron's lifestyle or Jay's unconventional marriage to his much younger bride. But for teens and adults who can put the chuckles into context, Modern Family is a sharp comedy with characters that reflect society's modern definition of "family" -- and might make viewers a little more forgiving of the idiosyncrasies within their own clans.
What 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?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Good, fun, show for the 13+ crowd!
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!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
LUV IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i LUV this show i have never missed an episode plus what is so bad about a gay couple kissing its not like you child doesnt know what gay means or anything
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
May be ok for young adults and older but not for children.
Our family will not watch it. Yes, it may be what the world of today calls a "modern" family but we believe in the "traditional" family. So, where is your "Common Sense" in promoting non-traditional families?!?
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
LOL I love this show so so so so so so so so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
I love this sitcom. It is about a modern family, including a "normal" family, a gay couple, and a couple where one is middle-aged and one is young. It is very funny, but has some suggestive dialogue. There is some language, but nothing a preteen can't handle. There is a bit of sexual content, in some episodes more than others, but for the most part, this show is not all that bad.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
So weird! But in a good way:)
This show is super funny! Homosexuality isn't for children though. Unless they already know about it, and are mature about it.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Keeps me in Stitches
A very funny show that keeps me in stitches every time. Altough some episodes have a little sex taking the charecters are very funny.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
AWESOME SHOW
I really love this series. It is very funny and it is incredibly true. The issues the family struggles with are very relevant, and I think the show is just plain awesome.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Undescribable
Absolutely hilariously amazingly gorgeously fantastically brlliant series.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
I LOVE THiS SHOW
This show is so freaking funny! My family and I will sit an watch an episode every night. It's like bonding time over Modern Family.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | ABC |
| Cast: | Ed O'Neill, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Julie Bowen |
| Genre: | Comedy |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
