Modern Family is a show that many people love because it’s funny, heartwarming, and relatable. With its unique characters and clever writing, it’s no surprise that this show ran for 11 seasons and became one of the most beloved sitcoms on television. Fans still love to watch the best Modern Family episodes.
Even though it ended a few years ago, it’s still a show that many people go back to when they need a good laugh or just want to feel good. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best episodes of Modern Family that are worth rewatching.
1. Pilot (Season 1, Episode 1)
The first episode of Modern Family, titled Pilot, is where it all began. This episode is special because it introduces us to the three very different families that make up the show. We meet Phil and Claire Dunphy, who are trying their best to raise their three kids. Then there’s Jay Pritchett, who is married to the much younger and beautiful Gloria, and he’s trying to keep up with her and her son, Manny.
Lastly, we meet Mitchell and Cameron, a couple who have just adopted a baby girl named Lily. The way this episode introduces each character is brilliant, as it immediately makes you feel like you know them. The humor is sharp, and the show’s documentary style, where the characters sometimes talk directly to the camera, is refreshing and fun. It’s a great start to what would become a long and successful series.
Also Read: Modern Family Cast Now: Where Are They and What Are They Doing in 2024?
2. Fizbo (Season 1, Episode 9)
Fizbo is one of those episodes that you can watch over and over again and still find funny. In this episode, we see the family preparing for Luke’s birthday party, but things take a turn when Luke ends up in the hospital. The episode plays out like a mystery, as we don’t know who got hurt until the end.
Another highlight of the episode is Cam dressing up as his clown alter ego, Fizbo, to entertain the kids at the party. But things get serious when Fizbo has to come to the rescue when Mitchell is being bullied. This one of the Modern Family’s best episodes is a great example of how the show mixes humor with heart.
3. Caught In The Act (Season 2, Episode 13)
Caught In The Act is one of the most memorable episodes of Modern Family because it tackles a situation that many parents fear: their kids walking in on them during an intimate moment. Phil and Claire’s horror when their children catch them in the act is both hilarious and cringe-worthy. It is one of the best Lily episodes of Modern Family.
The episode doesn’t just stop at that awkward moment; it also shows Gloria accidentally sending an embarrassing email to Claire, and Mitch and Cam trying to cover up a juice spill on a fancy rug. The humor in this episode comes from how over-the-top everything is, but it also captures the awkwardness and challenges that come with parenting.
4. Schooled (Season 4, Episode 2)
In Schooled, parents face some of the toughest moments of raising children. Phil and Claire are dealing with sending Haley off to college, which is hard enough. And it becomes worse when they accidentally embarrass her in the process. Meanwhile, Mitch and Cam are dealing with a situation involving one of Lily’s classmates, and Jay and Gloria are attending parenting classes to prepare for their new baby.
What makes this episode so great is how it shows the different stages of parenting and how each parent handles these challenges in their way. The humor is spot on, but there’s also a lot of heart in the way the characters support each other through these tough times.
5. Up All Night (Season 1, Episode 11)
Up All Night is an episode that showcases how Modern Family can weave multiple storylines together seamlessly. The episode follows the three families as they each deal with late-night troubles. Phil is suffering from severe stomach pain, which leads to a trip to the hospital, while Cam and Mitch are struggling with sleep training Lily.
The funniest part of the episode is seeing how each family member handles their stress in different ways, especially Phil, who is hilariously overdramatic about his pain. This episode is a great reminder of how chaotic and exhausting parenting can be, but also how important it is to have a sense of humor about it all.
6. The Last Halloween (Season 11, Episode 5)
The Last Halloween is a bittersweet episode because it’s the final Halloween episode before the series ends. In this episode, Phil is determined to scare Claire for the first time, and his elaborate plan is both funny and endearing. Meanwhile, Gloria is struggling with the fact that she’s getting older. Cam and Mitch are dealing with Lily becoming more independent as she goes to her first Halloween party without them.
The episode is filled with reminders that the show is coming to an end. However, it handles these moments with grace and humor. Phil’s attempt to finally scare Claire has a great payoff, and the episode as a whole is a fitting tribute to the show’s legacy.
7. Halloween (Season 2, Episode 6)
The first Halloween episode of Modern Family, simply titled Halloween, is a fan favorite. This episode shows just how seriously Claire takes the holiday, as she goes all out to turn the Dunphy house into a haunted house. Each family member has a role to play, but as usual, things don’t go exactly as planned.
The episode is all about laugh-out-loud moments as the family’s quirks and insecurities come to the surface. Claire’s frustration as her Halloween plans start to fall apart is both hilarious and relatable. This episode set the bar high for all future Halloween episodes on the show and is one that fans love to revisit.
8. Express Christmas (Season 3, Episode 10)
Express Christmas is the first Christmas episode where the entire family is together, and it’s a chaotic yet heartwarming episode. The family realizes that they won’t be able to spend Christmas Day together. So, they decide to celebrate early, calling it “Express Christmas.” Of course, with such short notice, things don’t go as planned.
Each family member is tasked with a specific job, but everything goes wrong in the funniest ways. From Phil’s mishap with a rare baseball card to Cam’s overly emotional gift, the episode is a comedy of errors. Despite all the chaos, it is one of the best Modern Family Christmas episodes, reminding us that being together is what matters.
9. The Old Man And The Tree (Season 5, Episode 10)
The Old Man And The Tree is another Christmas episode that takes a slightly different approach. Instead of focusing on the family all being together, this episode shows them dealing with the stress of the holiday season. Gloria becomes jealous as Claire bonds with her mother. Haley and Alex work at the mall as Santa’s helpers, and Phil intends to achieve his New Year’s resolution.
This one of the best Modern Family Christmas episodes is more focused on humor than heart. It has some of the funniest moments coming from Cam accidentally taking Lily to a charity event for underprivileged kids. Even though the family isn’t all together in this episode, it still delivers plenty of laughs. All this makes the episode a great addition to the show’s collection of holiday episodes.
10. Punkin Chunkin (Season 3, Episode 9)
If you are looking for the best Modern Family Thanksgiving episodes, this episode is a must-watch. Punkin Chunkin is the first Thanksgiving-themed episode of Modern Family, and it’s a fun one. In this episode, the family is divided between the dreamers, like Phil, and the realists, like Claire. The tension comes to heads when they try to launch a pumpkin across a football field, with predictably disastrous results.
The episode is filled with the kind of warm, funny moments that Modern Family is known for. To top it all, it ends with a sweet message about how dreamers and realists need each other. The giant pumpkin stunt is just the icing on the cake, making this episode a must-watch.
Final Verdict on the Best Modern Family Episodes
Modern Family has given us countless laughs and memorable moments over its 11 seasons. The episodes highlighted in this article are just a few examples of the show’s brilliance. Whether you’re in the mood for a holiday-themed episode or one that tackles the everyday challenges of parenting, there’s something in Modern Family for everyone. So, grab some popcorn and enjoy rewatching these best episodes of Modern Family!