“Modern Family” paved the way on TV, but it’s time to move on.
“Modern Family” is airing its ninth season this year, with the tenth season already promised (though that may be the end of the run). All the original kids are in college now, or at least adults. Overall, the comedy has lost its spark. Yes, there’s growth, but it’s the same rag-tag group of humans trying to make life work with semi-similar storylines.
It’s not that funny anymore, either. Sure there’s an occasional chuckle, but the laugh-out-loud jokes are gone.
When it premiered, “Modern Family” was filled with promise. And it’s had great moments. It didn’t when 5 Emmys for best comedy (in a row, by the way), though it hasn’t won best comedy since 2014.
The TV landscape has changed, and “Modern Family” isn’t the only show focused on a so-called modern family anymore.
On ABC alone, the same network on which “Modern Family” airs, you’ve got “blackish” and “Fresh Off the Boat,” which yes, show some amount of traditional family structure, but also showcase other culture in a positive way.
Then there’s “Transparent.” “Grace and Frankie.” Even “Mom” and “This is Us” in some ways. TV now portrays all different types of families…many types of sexualities, races, cultures…we’re getting to a great time when you can see way more than white people on TV, and it’s not all stereotypes.
We just need to keep moving. (AKA not another “The New Normal,” a terrible show that did more harm than good.)
It’s time to show what America looks like now, not 20 years ago. Let’s talk more about families who deal with cyberbullying, foster care, adoption and gender transition. Let’s talk about families who are struggling with the economy, land rights, hate crimes, police brutality, civil rights…you name it, it’s happening in our country.
And let’s show what American looks like in a true yet entertaining way. “Modern Family” gracefully showcases different families in a way that doesn’t shove issues down the viewers’ throats, but rather simply shows it’s a normal part of life in today’s world.
In a TV world where we got “Mad Men,” “Breaking Bad” and even “Scream Queens” (while campy, it was at least different), let’s continue to show progression on the small screen.