Our Favourite Modern Family Episodes

Scrolling through my Instagram Discover page aimlessly, I often came across this “fun fact” about individuals coping with depression or anxiety, that they tend to rewatch the same TV shows/series because knowing exactly how each episode/season would end gives them a sense of comfort. While I doubt there is sufficient (in fact, any) research done on this observation for us to make any claims, I’m sure many of us have a few shows, especially sitcoms, we go back to every now and then.

Whether it’s because the show is written so spectacularly that it still hits the same regardless of the rewatches or the fun fact above is correct and we collectively have undiagnosed depression and anxiety... In today's article, we are ranking one of our all-time favourite sitcoms: Modern Family.

Modern Family, along with other sitcoms like The Office and Community, are our staples when it comes to TV shows we can always go back to for a good laugh. My brothers and I always have an episode of Modern Family on in the background when we eat together. During the COVID-19 downtime where five of us (including our parents) were basically camping in a two-bedroom condo for months, rewatching Modern Family together became a common hobby that helped keep us sane and civil towards one another.

For me personally, the show has a deeper meaning. I have to admit, I used to obsessively watch this show on repeat. This was when I just got out of an especially toxic relationship. My equilibrium and perception of what is normal were completely rocked. Rewatching the show helped keep me grounded. It sounds dramatic (and I’m probably being dramatic), but I genuinely didn’t think I could cope without the show.

When the lockdowns eased in Thailand, I decided to pick up Muay Thai and Boxing. The intention then was to stay active, but more importantly, distract and tire myself to the point where falling asleep wouldn't be a chore.

Who would have guessed that I'd end up falling in love with martial arts? Not me. Not my family members or friends.

But like it or not, training became a big part of my life. And it still is to this day.

This puzzled my close friends and family deeply because they always knew me as that person who closes her eyes at a violent Tarantino movie scene.

While I agree that a fighters' life is far from mine, I see parallels in what the sport and training mean to fighters in how I hope to live my life. I believe that many found this sport as a sanctuary that guides us to lead a disciplined and resilient lifestyle. I think that that's a core human quality that regardless of upbringing, ethnicity, beliefs, we can all admire and get behind.

Anyway, I digress. My point is I didn’t realise that I had stopped watching Modern Family completely. I only realise this when Netflix notified me that Season 11 is now available to watch in Thailand. I couldn’t begin to describe how that notification made me feel. It was a wave of mixed emotions. What hit me the hardest was the realisation that once upon a time, I thought I could not cope without this show.

Yet, I have basically forgotten about its existence.

Better, I am happy and thriving.

How fascinating.

On that very day, I binged Modern Family Season 11. It was an uneventful evening where I was home alone. Honestly, that worked in my favour as I bawled my eyes out for the better half of the season. Season 11 was a complete fan service if you ask me. It was a very fitting ending for the show, as well as that chapter of my life.

Reflecting on what Modern Family meant and had done for me, I am filled with nostalgia and also a bittersweet feeling. As a thank you to the writers, producers, casts and crew of this amazing show, here is a list of our Top 12 Modern Family episodes. We might have cheated a little, lumping connected episodes together- but really, it is harmless cheating.

I hope you enjoy this list and check this sitcom out if you haven’t already.

(Image credit: Modern Family Wiki)

12. New Year’s Eve

With the episode's plot centred around one main theme, we once again get to really see the funny sides of the adult side of the family. This episode is a cult classic that will give you the giggles even though you've remembered the lines by heart.

(Image credit: Modern Family Wiki)

(Image credit: RecapGuide)

11. Airport 2010 (S01E22) and Hawaii (S01E23)

Who doesn't love a good travel episode? Out of all trips the Dunphys and Pritchetts have taken as a cohort, this one comes out on top. We feel like most characters' best/funniest traits shone the brightest here, particularly the adults.

(Image credit: IMDb)

10. The Wedding (S05E23 & S06E01)

A two-part storyline with a brilliant ending as we see some unexpected yet heart-warming character growth from Jay. We love how each character has special relationships and interactions with one another. The work-in-progress relationship Jay has with Mitchell is definitely our favourite. You'll see a few more of that on this list.

(Image credit: AllThatCubeness)

9. Suddenly Last Summer (S05E01)

In this episode, Mitchell and Cam take the spotlight while Claire and Phil provide that light-hearted comic relief- making it a perfectly structured and balanced episode. The ending always tears me up a little.

(Image credit: IMDb)

8. Goodnight Gracie (S04E24)

A feel-good episode that will leave the soft-hearted shedding a tear. The episode demonstrates the sitcom's best asset of using light-hearted humour to tackle a more serious/sad plotline. It really captures the essence of Modern Family.

(Image credit: Modern Family Wiki)

7. Connection Lost (S06E16)

Props to the writers and producers for the creativity they try to bring to each episode and season. This one is definitely a standout when it comes to creativity as we get an episode fully told from Claire's MacBook screen. It made for one of the most hilarious Modern Family episodes ever. Through these little facetime screens, everyone's funniest traits still shine through, really proving how great the cast is at their craft. There are so many iconic lines and moments that make it impossible to not include Connection Lost in this list.

(Image credit: Modern Family Wiki)

6. Las Vegas

Here the adults go on a Vegas trip and it was truly a blast for all parties involved. Every character gets to show their crazy and we love it. This is my younger brother's favourite episode just for the sheer laughs it delivers. An absolute must-watch for anyone who loves a good carefree laugh.

(Image credit: IMDb)

5. See You Next Fall

We love most Modern Family episodes that involve a big event/occasion. Alex's graduation proved to be one of the best though. While the adults provide a wild and absolutely hilarious storyline of trying to get to the graduation in time, we get a sweet sisters bonding moment between Alex and Haley. A beautifully written episode.

(Image credit: ABC.com)

4. The Late Show (S05E05)

Every sitcom has episodes where one or more plotlines is weaker than the others. This happens a lot with Modern Family. However, we can assure you that The Late Show is strong from beginning to end. The writers really pull through here. All characters get their moments and we live for it. We can't even choose a favourite storyline here. They're all good. Plus, the ending is absolutely iconic. Living rent-free in our heads.

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3. Spread Your Wings (S07E11)

In this episode, the Dunphys take the spotlight and really nailed it. Apart from being absolutely hilarious from beginning to end, the episode explores parenthood in conjunction with the kids growing up. It's another feel-good episode that delivers seriously meaningful messages with a side of lighthearted humour. Modern Family at its finest.

(Image credit: IMDb)

2. Express Yourself (S07E17)

My god. The more I think about it, the more perfect this episode is. This is one of those times where every storyline just hits. We go from Manny and Gloria's fuss with Joe's shenanigans to Phil and Claire's attempt to pull an all-nighter. However, the stars of this episode are Jay and Mitchell. Anytime these two come together, we are guaranteed to get a stellar episode of comedy and heart. This one is no exception.

(Image credit: Modern Family Wiki)

1. Alone Time (S08E21)

As I said, if it's Mitch and Jay episode, it's guaranteed to be a banger. This one definitely takes it up a notch as we really see the two polar opposites starting to rebuild their broken relationship. Not to mention, the Dunphys storyline is another golden iconic moment that only elevates Alone Time to be undisputedly our favourite Modern Family episode of all time.