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With Spring Fever looming and the end of the semester nearing, I have begun to spend a little more time multi-tasking… That is, doing my school work while answering ‘yes’ to the “Are you still watching?” pop-up on my TV every so often. One of my most recent watches has been Modern Family. 

I honestly can’t believe that I haven’t watched this show sooner! It aired for eleven seasons and I had heard of it for years, but I never knew much about it. Since I started popping it on a few weeks ago, I have to say I am hooked… and so glad to have found a series with ample episodes.

The show centers around a tight-knit family in California split up into three households. First comes Jay, a wealthy closet-company owner, his wife Gloria, and their son Manny. There is next Mitch (who is Jay’s son), his partner Cam, and their daughter Lily. Then, there is the house with Claire (Jay’s daughter and Mitch’s sister), her husband Phil, and their children: Haley, Alex, and Luke. There is never a dull moment in each home, and especially when everyone is together.

One example is the episode, “Disneyland,” in which the gang spends the day in the famous park. We get to see each character’s approach to a Disney trip, along with their usual funny situations. Gloria opts for high heels, Claire tries to set Haley up with a boy she hopes will be a good influence, and Mitch and Cam hope to combat Lily’s new running habit by getting her a leash.

I have never been a huge fan of sitcoms, but I have found that Modern Family is far from my connotation of this word. It’s very funny, has great character development, and is super endearing. Each episode, in addition to the intertwining plotlines, tends to have a moral theme. At the end, the family often gathers together and someone narrates the lesson learned. It is a joyful reminder of the love we have for the people we surround ourselves with and call family.

I have had lots of fun watching this show so far and still have several seasons to go. It lifts my mood and nudges me to appreciate my own family even more. 

I think that this connection and response to Modern Family for me resonates with the way we interact with all media. From television to movies, TikToks, YouTube videos, or beyond, the things we watch can be powerful.

Writing my Passion Blog this school year has been rewarding in allowing me to look deeper into the things I watch. I began with the values in my favorite movies and continued to think about the messages found in the TV I watch. 

Whether it be Legally Blonde or Modern Family, the media we consume is more than a screen. It can extend our imagination and teach us more about life. I am grateful for the things I watch and how they have shaped me.