---
title: "Modern Family: the reviews"
canonical: "https://film.one/tv/modern-family/reviews"
title_page: "https://film.one/tv/modern-family"
critics_score: 85
critics_reviews: 7
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Modern Family (2009): what the critics said

Critics' score 85 from 7 reviews: 7 positive, 0 mixed, 0 negative.

The reviews are uniformly warm. Most critics single out the ensemble and the writing: three households, cut between briskly, with the asides to camera giving each joke a second layer. Several call it the best new comedy of its season. Phil Dunphy, the try-hard father with the gadgets and the pratfalls, is named again and again as the character who carries the show, and the gay couple is praised for being written as people rather than as a talking point.

The spread is narrow; nobody dislikes it. What reservations there are concern familiarity. Den of Geek finds it sentimental in places and close to other sitcoms in its bones, and The AV Club admits the premise is well worn before allowing that the execution overcomes it. Reviews written years later, covering the later runs and the finale, find the jokes still landing, which suggests the early enthusiasm is not simply novelty.

## The AV Club — Donna Bowman

Rating A-. 23 September 2009. 

The critic finds the pilot funny despite a familiar premise, praising the assured and deft treatment of family dynamics and the mockumentary style that opens up strong comedic possibilities. Singles out the strong performances and confident pacing as harbingers of first-rate television.

[Read the review](https://www.avclub.com/modern-family-pilot-1798207095)

## The Hollywood Reporter

Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 22 September 2009. 

The review finds the show long on heart with great characters, smart casting, expert writing, and consistent humor that redefines and invigorates the family-comedy genre through its multifamily approach and semi-documentary style. The strong ensemble and brisk pacing are singled out for praise.

[Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/modern-family-season-1-tv-93562/)

## Variety — Brian Lowry

Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 20 September 2009. 

The critic calls it the best new comedy pilot of the season, praising its smart, nimble storytelling across three family storylines that deliver laughs on multiple levels while commenting on the evolving nature of family. The direct-to-camera style and strong ensemble performances are highlighted as strengths.

[Read the review](https://variety.com/2009/tv/reviews/modern-family-1200476044/)

## Radio Times — David Butcher

Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 3 September 2015. 

The review praises the show's simple extended-family premise for working perfectly thanks to its brilliant comic ensemble, likening it to Dad’s Army in how the characters power the comedy. It singles out Phil as a standout try-hard, uncool dad full of pratfalls and gadgets.

[Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/comedy/what-should-i-watch-modern-family/)

## The i Paper — Emily Baker

Rating ★★★★. 15 May 2020. 

The critic views the series finale as a bittersweet farewell to the Dunphys and Pritchetts after their long run, noting the enduring appeal and strong jokes that confirm the show's original magic. She singles out the charmingly naive Phil Dunphy as a highlight among the character-driven comedy.

[Read the review](https://inews.co.uk/culture/modern-family-finale-sky-one-review-428392)

## Paste — Austin L. Ray

Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 5 December 2009. 

The critic declares Modern Family the best new comedy of the season, highlighting its charming mockumentary style and well-rounded gay characters. He praises the performances, running gags, and specific characters like Phil Dunphy and Manny.

[Read the review](https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/modern-family/five-reasons-why-modern-family-is-televisions-best)

## Den of Geek — Glen Chapman

Rating 4/5. 4 October 2010. 

The critic praises the show's perceptive writing and excellent ensemble performances that make the extended family charming and relatable. He highlights its fresh take on modern family dynamics while noting some sentimentality and similarities to other sitcoms.

[Read the review](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/modern-family-season-1-dvd-review/)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/tv/modern-family.md