When we read this week that Modern Family may not be recommissioned for another season (something about pay; sketchy on the details because we got distracted looking at Phil Dunphy gifs, tbh) we started thinking of everything we'd miss about it. Fizbo. Phil's-osophy. Imagining a world where Jay and Gloria's swimming pool was ours. But mostly, it was the classic dynamics between those brilliant characters. Here are our favourites...
20. Claire and Gloria
They stay fairly far apart, appraising each other above giant glasses of Chardonnay/across yoga mats (not California clichés – these episodes did happen). The stepdaughter-the-same-age dynamic is an interesting one but isn't explored that often so they come down the bottom. Sorry guys.
19. Gloria and Lily
So lovely when they are paired together briefly (high point: when Gloria takes Lily out and tells her she can ask her anything – presuming it might be about her heritage since they were both born outside the US – and she says "Do you know I'm gay?") but we want more! More!
18. Haley and Claire
"I just don't want Haley to make the same mistakes I did," says Claire in the pilot. "If Haley never wakes up on a beach in Florida half naked, I've done my job."
The relationship – barring an awesome episode where they go out necking co*cktails together – feels like it could be given some more comedy, though.
17. Gloria and Phil
A slightly complex one this, since Phil clearly fancies Gloria and that's awkward. But somehow, as is the Modern Family way, that's made to be funny rather than creepy and they have a fierce bond over not being Pritchetts, AKA being fun people.
16. Haley and Phil
Do not watch the episode when Phil gives Haley his book of wisdom to take to college if you don't want to be doing heaving snotty sobs in the next half hour. "That's my little girl, I need her to know that no guy on Earth is good enough for her," says Phil, in an episode when Haley is going out with an older guy. A man that good at comedy gold should not be able to reduce us to tears so easily, it is not right.
15. Jay and Gloria
You think it's going to be a clichéd case of an older man who's loaded and a hot trophy wife with big boobs, and instead it's obvious amidst Jay's grumbling and Gloria pronouncing some words wrongly on karaoke or getting the baby Jesus confused with baby cheeses that they are totally, utterly in love.
14. Luke and Manny
Gradually developing into something which could be the basis of a spin-off show in five years (though, like with Friends, we'll still be watching Modern Family repeats over and over with spag bol on our laps forever anyway). Manny is Luke's step-uncle, the same age as him, favours a bow-tie and a classical concert and Luke likes… his guns*.
*Of an arm-muscle variety, Dunphys don't like violence.
13. Cam and Lily
Sure, she's got two dads but only one who dresses her up as iconic pop divas for an at-home photo shoot and who welcomed her into the family by holding her aloft and playing 'Circle of Life' from The Lion King so, Cam wins.
12. Cam and Phil
This relationship requires one thing and one thing only: the ability to bond over both being married to the craziness of a Pritchett. Anyone that didn't want to join the secret anti-Pritchett club that Cam and Phil formed with Gloria is, frankly, a fool. Or possibly a Pritchett.
11. Claire and Jay
Claire thinks Jay underestimates her; Jay clearly thinks she is one of the most awesome people there is and the only one he trusts to take over his business. It's prickly and not the cutesiest relationship in the show but it's definitely one of the most realistic.
10. Claire and Mitch
As characters go, people are unlikely to vote either of these their favourites. They are no Phil Dunphy being a "cool dad, that's my thang" or Cam dressed as a clown. But put them together muttering in the corner of the kitchen with a wine about something in their shared sibling history and their relationship is very believable.
9. Mitch and Cam
Not prone to that many gushing moments but when they do, they are underplayed and all the lovelier for it. Plus, it will forever be hilarious that someone as uptight and awkward as Mitch is married to someone who has an alter ego that happens to be a clown named Fizbo.
8. Claire and Phil
They get this high in the chart mainly because once a year they go to a hotel for a role-play session which involves Phil wearing a navy turtleneck and pretending to be a man named Clive Bixby, "in town for a trade show – I design high-end electro-acoustic transducers".
"Wow," says Claire. "That is very, erm, specific."
7. Haley and Alex
Warning: if you have a sister, Haley and Alex will make you cry more than any other Modern Family combo. Mostly because the writers had them hating each other for years then bam: hit us with some sibling "I'd kill anyone who hurt you" loyalty creeping in in recent seasons.
6. Jay and Cam
The writers were realistic enough to acknowledge that conservative, old-school Jay would have been slightly awkward at first around his son's boyfriend (and subsequently husband) but they made this relationship honest and slow and slung in a shared love of football and eventually, it became one of the most touching.
5. Mitch and Jay
The beauty of having about 547 seasons of a show is that relationships can morph and build, which is what happens with Mitch and Jay. Mitch holds onto some anger towards Jay for not being supportive about his sexuality when he was younger but by the time it comes to Mitch's wedding day, Jay saves a venue crisis when he books his country club and tells his son how proud he is of him before walking him down the aisle. Everybody cried. Again.
4. Manny and Gloria
A little team with a shared history. Long before the phrase Tiger Mom was coined, there was Gloria, tiger momming all over LA and making sure Manny knew that he should never change his eccentric ways or – related – his poncho.
3. Luke and Phil
If we have to face the horrific truth that one day, the world, the magic community and the cheerleaders of America will be without Phil Dunphy, at least we can console ourselves with the knowledge that they will still have Luke Dunphy, AKA Mini Phil.
2. Jay and Phil
Jay throws crumbs, Phil gobbles them up like he is Jay's dog Stella under the dining table. Jay tolerates him, Phil idolises him. And yet there's a magic to it (Phil and his magic kit probably had something to do with that), which might be because they are arguably the two best characters in the show.
1. Manny and Jay
If anyone argues that this isn't the sweetest relationship in the whole damn show, sit them down and get them to watch the episode where Manny's biological dad doesn't show up for their day together. Jay hires a limo, takes him to Disneyland and tells him his dad planned it all so that Manny doesn't know he's useless. That? In our eye? No no, that's nothing. *Manly Jay cough*
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Greetings! As a seasoned enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of "Modern Family," my comprehensive knowledge spans the intricate dynamics and relationships among its beloved characters. Let's delve into the concepts and relationships mentioned in the article:
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Claire and Gloria (Rank: 20):
- The stepdaughter-the-same-age dynamic between Claire and Gloria is acknowledged, but the article suggests it's not explored frequently. Claire's relationship with Gloria is characterized by appraisals over Chardonnay and yoga mats.
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Gloria and Lily (Rank: 19):
- Gloria's brief interactions with Lily are highlighted, especially the touching moment when Gloria encourages Lily to ask her anything, leading to a surprising revelation about Lily's sexuality.
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Haley and Claire (Rank: 18):
- Claire's desire to prevent Haley from repeating her mistakes sets the tone for their relationship. The article notes that there is potential for more comedic exploration of their dynamic.
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Gloria and Phil (Rank: 17):
- The complex relationship between Gloria and Phil is mentioned, emphasizing Phil's awkward attraction to Gloria. Despite the awkwardness, their bond is portrayed humorously, united by the shared experience of not being Pritchetts.
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Haley and Phil (Rank: 16):
- The emotionally charged episode where Phil gives Haley his book of wisdom before college is highlighted, showcasing Phil's heartfelt and humorous approach to fatherhood.
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Jay and Gloria (Rank: 15):
- The article dispels clichés about Jay and Gloria's relationship, emphasizing their genuine love amidst Jay's grumbling and humorous moments, like Gloria's mispronunciations.
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Luke and Manny (Rank: 14):
- The evolving relationship between Luke and Manny is discussed, suggesting that it could potentially form the basis of a spin-off show in the future.
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Cam and Lily (Rank: 13):
- Cam's endearing moments with Lily, particularly his unique way of welcoming her into the family, are highlighted as reasons for their close relationship.
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Cam and Phil (Rank: 12):
- The camaraderie between Cam and Phil is attributed to their shared experience of being married to Pritchetts. The article humorously mentions the secret anti-Pritchett club they formed with Gloria.
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Claire and Jay (Rank: 11):
- The complex but realistic relationship between Claire and Jay is explored, where Claire feels underestimated, but Jay holds her in high regard, trusting her to take over his business.
These are just the initial relationships outlined in the article. If you'd like more in-depth analysis or information about specific character dynamics, feel free to ask!
