Modern Family is one of the most beloved sitcoms of the last decade, having aired on ABC since 2009. This show follows the lives of the Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker clan, a blended family which is a source of both comedy and drama. After 12 seasons, viewers have been able to rank the best episodes and discuss their favorite moments. Here we look at the episodes that have been highly ranked by viewers, and why they have become so popular.
Written by Sophie and last updated on dec 20, 2024.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
Gloria decides to honor her late grandmother by cooking more traditional Colombian meals; Claire finds out Alex is interested in a boy; Mitchell's aversion to public displays of affection causes an argument.
The episode was rated 7.86 from 1701 votes.
Claire and Phil decide to reprise their role-playing adventure from last year's Valentine's Day. Jay's surprise plans for Gloria keeps getting interrupted. A secret admirer comes between Cameron and Mitchell.
The episode was rated 7.88 from 1452 votes.
In an attempt to reconnect the family, Phil and Claire challenge them to see who can abstain from using their electronic devices the longest. Mitchell and Cameron attempt to get Lilly into the best pre-school. Gloria deals with the neighbor's barking dog.
The episode was rated 7.89 from 1618 votes.
Mitchell and Cameron assess their family members in trying to decide who would best take care of Lily should anything happen to them.
The episode was rated 7.92 from 1458 votes.
After Phil and Claire have a huge fight, Gloria steps in to counsel Phil while Jay counsels Claire. Jay has some regret in buying Gloria a karaoke machine. Cameron is in full prep mode for a huge fund-raising event and asks Mitchell and Luke for help.
The episode was rated 7.93 from 1523 votes.
Claire and Gloria's Mother's Day excursion with the kids turns into the mother of all disasters. Meanwhile, Phil and Jay share an awkward moment when they stay home to prepare dinner for everyone. Cameron worries about gender roles in his relationship with Mitchell.
The episode was rated 7.94 from 1467 votes.
With the whole family gathered at Jay's before going to Alex's middle school graduation, Jay is hiding a botox mishap, Cameron is upset about Mitchell's habit of laughing at his expense, and Phil tries sympathetic and critical of Claire's worries over the kids growing up too fast that they might miss Alex's big moment.
The episode was rated 7.94 from 1503 votes.
Claire gives each family member a role to play in spookifying the Dunphy house for Halloween, but Cameron hates Halloween due to a traumatic childhood experience. Mitchell had a terrible day at work, and Gloria acts weird after Jay and Manny tease her about her accent.
The episode was rated 7.95 from 1569 votes.
Cameron is overzealous in his planning of the spring musical performance at Luke and Manny's school. Jay's brother visits while Phil convinces the family to be in his new ad.
The episode was rated 7.96 from 1468 votes.
Jay advises a dog trainer, while Phil and Claire switch parenting duties to the kids' chagrin. Mitchell has an extra Lady Gaga ticket when Cameron ends up sick.
The episode was rated 7.97 from 1498 votes.
Jay wants to go fishing on his birthday, but the family insists he have a big party, leading Claire and Mitchell to get trapped in their childhood yard, Phil encounters his college nemesis at the mall and Cameron to have trouble at the bakery.
The episode was rated 7.97 from 1421 votes.
Claire becomes a vigilante to catch a car that speeds though their streets. Phil tries to land an important listing with a difficult client, Jay teaches Manny (and Gloria) how to ride a bike. Mitchell and Cameron meet a mysterious neighbor who is quite the charmer.
The episode was rated 7.97 from 1488 votes.
Manny is depressed about his birthday. Phil and Claire engage in a not-so-friendly car race on the way to the party, and Mitch and Cam get sidetracked when they stop at the mall to pick up a gift.
The episode was rated 7.98 from 1577 votes.
Phil and Claire are not pleased when Luke befriends a curmudgeonly old neighbor. To avoid an invite to the symphony with Gloria and Manny, Jay goes with Mitchell and Cameron on their "boys' night out" while Haley babysits Lily.
The episode was rated 8.00 from 1504 votes.
The episode Caught in the Act from Modern Family is filled with laughter from start to finish. The kids prepare breakfast in bed for Phil and Claire on their anniversary, only to get a surprise of their own. Jay and Gloria's plans for a Vegas vacation are ruined by an email sent to Claire by mistake. Mitchell and Cam try to get a table at a new restaurant owned by a mom at Lily's preschool. The final scene is hilarious, as the parents close the door with a certain noise that the kids recognize as a sign that they are going to do something inappropriate.
This episode is arguably the funniest one yet. It had viewers laughing out loud and almost in tears. It was filled with more jokes than any other episode, making it stand out from the rest. From the email mix-up to the final scene, this episode is sure to leave you in stitches.
The episode was rated 8.12 from 1573 votes.
