Modern Family

10 Best Episodes of Modern Family - Season 3

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!

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Modern Family - S3E9

#15 - Punkin Chunkin (Season 3 - Episode 9)

An old neighborhood kid returning to town as a internet billionaire gets Phil thinking of what could have been. Jay feels Manny could use some constructive criticism, Cameron is offended when Mitchell questions the authenticity of his colorful childhood stories.

The episode was rated 7.90 from 1668 votes.

Modern Family - S3E23

#14 - Tableau Vivant (Season 3 - Episode 23)

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Gloria and Jay bicker while trying to order lunch at a diner. Claire and Cam have different theories on how to discipline kids. Luke accepts an award under false pretenses. Phil has a hard time firing Mitchell from his temporary job at the real estate agency. The entire family participates in Alex’s living art display of Norman Rockwell’s Thanksgiving painting.

The episode was rated 7.90 from 1622 votes.

Modern Family - S3E8

#13 - After the Fire (Season 3 - Episode 8)

The Pritchetts rally for a good cause after a neighbor’s house burns down, but there’s a downside when Jay throws out his back, Cameron takes on a moving truck, and some donated toys fall into the wrong hands.

The episode was rated 7.91 from 1702 votes.

Modern Family - S3E14

#12 - Me? Jealous? (Season 3 - Episode 14)

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Phil’s preoccupation with a business opportunity blinds him to his new partner’s inappropriate behavior around Claire. Jay and Gloria may regret letting Mitchell and Cameron be their temporary house guests when their home is being fumigated.

The episode was rated 7.92 from 1674 votes.

Modern Family - S3E20

#11 - The Last Walt (Season 3 - Episode 20)

A visit from Cameron’s father features an awkward dinner for Jay and Gloria at Mitchell and Cameron’s house. Claire helps Luke face the death of an older neighbor, Phil and Alex have a father-daughter bonding experience. Haley throws a party without permission.

The episode was rated 7.93 from 1562 votes.

Modern Family - S3E2

#10 - When Good Kids Go Bad (Season 3 - Episode 2)

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Lily has problems with Mitchell and Cameron’s plans to adopt another child, Jay tries to get Manny to confess to stealing a locket at school, and Claire goes to extreme lengths to prove that she was right in an argument.

The episode was rated 7.94 from 1774 votes.

Modern Family - S3E19

#9 - Election Day (Season 3 - Episode 19)

Claire’s race for town council comes to a head on Election Day as the Dunphys make phone calls for votes and Mitchell and Cameron take to the streets to campaign, while the candidate endures technical problems during some last-minute interviews.

The episode was rated 7.95 from 1593 votes.

Modern Family - S3E16

#8 - Virgin Territory (Season 3 - Episode 16)

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It’s a day of disturbing realizations when Mitchell manages to ruin one of Jay’s proudest golf moments, Phil overhears something that may forever change how he sees his little girl, and Gloria stumbles upon Claire’s dangerous little secret.

The episode was rated 7.95 from 1628 votes.

Modern Family - S3E10

#7 - Express Christmas (Season 3 - Episode 10)

The family puts together a quick Christmas celebration when they realize they won’t be together on the actual day.

The episode was rated 7.95 from 1670 votes.

Modern Family - S3E15

#6 - Aunt Mommy (Season 3 - Episode 15)

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Phil and Claire go overboard with drinks, and divulging personal information, on a night out to celebrate the sale of a house to Mitchell and Cameron’s friends.

The episode was rated 7.98 from 1649 votes.

Modern Family - S3E17

#5 - Leap Day (Season 3 - Episode 17)

In the episode of Modern Family titled "Leap Day", Mitchell is feeling the pressure to make Cameron's birthday extra special. Meanwhile, Jay's manliness is called into question, and the girls get in the way of Phil's plans. Throughout this episode, the audience is treated to a number of humorous moments, making it one of the show's best.

The episode starts with Cameron feeling somewhat down about his birthday. Mitchell, not wanting to disappoint him, goes out of his way to make the day special. However, Jay's manliness becomes a topic of conversation when he attempts to fix a broken light switch, leading to a number of funny moments.

The girls also interfere with Phil's plans by offering him advice on how to make the most of the leap day. This leads to a few more laughs, making this episode a favorite among fans. With its clever writing and a number of laugh-out-loud moments, it is no wonder why this episode is considered one of the show's best.

The episode was rated 8.03 from 1630 votes.

Modern Family - S3E22

#4 - Disneyland (Season 3 - Episode 22)

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In the episode of Modern Family titled "Disneyland," the entire family takes a trip to the iconic amusement park. Phil is put to the test when he tries to keep up with his son, Luke, as they explore the park. Meanwhile, Claire is shocked to run into her ex-boyfriend Dylan while there. Jay and Gloria have a disagreement over what constitutes suitable footwear for the day, and Mitch and Cam have to contain Lily's newfound love for running around. It's sure to be an exciting and eventful day for the Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker family as they experience all that Disneyland has to offer.

The episode was rated 8.06 from 1690 votes.

Modern Family - S3E13

#3 - Little Bo Bleep (Season 3 - Episode 13)

In the episode "Little Bo Bleep", Claire is gearing up for her debate with Duane Bailey, leaving no stone unturned in her preparation. Meanwhile, Mitch and Cam are attempting to clean up Lily's language before her role as a flower girl. Jay, on the other hand, is blaming Stella's strange behavior on Gloria, believing her to be the culprit. It's sure to be an eventful episode with debates, flower girls, and strange behaviors all in the mix.

Things get interesting when Lily reveals that she has learned some, let's say, interesting words and phrases. Mitch and Cam are absolutely horrified and try to come up with ways to clean up her language before her flower girl debut. Claire, on the other hand, is trying to stay focused on her debate while Jay is off trying to figure out why Stella is acting so oddly. It's sure to be an interesting episode as the family deals with the various issues at hand.

The episode was rated 8.06 from 1631 votes.

Modern Family - S3E7

#2 - Treehouse (Season 3 - Episode 7)

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In the episode "Treehouse," Jay and Gloria go out salsa dancing after Gloria persuades Jay to spend some quality time together. Meanwhile, Cameron makes a bet with his friends that he can get a woman's phone number at the bar. Meanwhile, Phil is busy building a treehouse for Luke. Kevin Hart makes an appearance in this episode and viewers have said they liked him a lot, even for the short time he was onscreen. This episode is sure to bring laughs and provide some fun for the entire family.

The episode was rated 8.06 from 1718 votes.

Modern Family - S3E24

#1 - Baby on Board (Season 3 - Episode 24)

The episode "Baby on Board" of the hit comedy show Modern Family is sure to delight viewers. Gloria's bilingualism is put to the test as Mitchell and Cameron embark on an adoption journey. Meanwhile, Jay and Manny help Lily get ready for a dance recital, and Alex attends her first prom. As if that weren't enough, Haley shares her future plans, which come as a surprise to her family.

The comedic elements of this episode are sure to draw in viewers. Gloria's unique bilingualism is sure to be a source of hilarity. Jay and Manny helping Lily prepare for a dance recital is sure to be a funny and heartwarming moment. Alex's first prom will surely bring some entertaining moments, as will the shock of Haley's future plans. With the combination of the comedic elements and the heartwarming moments, this episode is sure to be an enjoyable one.

The episode was rated 8.18 from 1656 votes.

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