The untold stories that made 'Modern Family' a hit
What's the story
Modern Family is one of those sitcoms that redefined family dynamics on television. The show, which aired for 11 seasons, gave us a hilarious yet relatable look at the lives of three diverse families. But behind its success are some interesting facts that most of us don't know. Here are some fun insights into the making and impact of Modern Family.
#1
The original title was different
Before it became Modern Family, the show was originally titled My American Family. The name was meant to reflect the show's focus on a diverse array of characters and their unique experiences. However, the title was changed to better capture the essence of the series as a contemporary take on family life.
#2
Real-life inspiration for characters
Many characters in Modern Family are inspired by real-life people from co-creator Steven Levitan's life. For instance, Phil Dunphy is based on Levitan's own father-in-law, who was a fun-loving and goofy person. This real-life inspiration lent authenticity to the characters and made them relatable to audiences around the world.
#3
Award-winning success
Modern Family won a whopping 22 Primetime Emmy Awards during its run, including five consecutive wins for Outstanding Comedy Series from 2010 to 2014. The show's stellar writing, direction, and acting contributed to its critical acclaim and made it one of the most awarded comedies in television history.
#4
Filming challenges with a unique format
Filming Modern Family was no cakewalk, thanks to its mockumentary format. This style required the cast to deliver lines directly to the camera as if they were talking to documentary filmmakers. It added an extra layer of complexity to shooting scenes but also made the show stand out from the rest.
#5
Celebrity guest appearances galore
Throughout its run, Modern Family featured numerous celebrity guest appearances, including the likes of Elizabeth Banks, and John Lithgow. These cameos not only added star power but also provided fans with unexpected surprises as they got to see their favorite stars interact with beloved characters on-screen.