Creators: Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan
Starring: Ed O’Neil, Sofia Vergara, Julie Bowen, Ty Burrel, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Eric Stonestreet, Sarah Hyland, Ariel Winter, Nolan Gould, Rico Rodriguez
Running Time: 8 hours 4 minutes
Certificate: 12
Extras: Deleted and alternate scenes, Destination: Wyoming, A Day on the Set with Ty, Adventures of the Modern Family Kids, A Modern Family Christmas, Driving Lessons, Ed’O Neil Gets a Star, Modern Family Goes to Disneyland Resort, Gag reel
Hailed as the evolution of the classic family sitcom, ABC’s MODERN FAMILY is one of the few US major network comedies to take not only America by storm, but also us hard-to-please Brits. While following all the standard tropes of the genre, the show’s winning combination of comedy styles, phenomenal ensemble cast, and re-evaluation of the 21st century family unit has garnered critical acclaim throughout its run, a fact exemplified by its recent BAFA nomination at this year’s ceremony in May.
Though receiving a generally mixed critical response, the show’s third season has already secured its own host of accolades, including MODERN FAMILY’s first Golden Globe and third consecutive Prime Time Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series. It’s been suggested that the season’s prevalence for guest spots (including David Cross and comedy stalwart Leslie Mann) and use of wacky locations could denote signs of struggling behind the scenes, but arguably, these techniques only serve to broaden the hilarity and test the cast to their full potential. This is also a season of growth, of change, and by its end almost every member of the core character set is profoundly altered in some fashion, cooking up several juicy plot turns ready for Season 4.
While somewhat of a hit and miss season in places, MODERN FAMILY Season 3 certainly boasts enough memorable, belly-laugh inducing episodes to cement its status as one of finest comedy vehicles on television at present. A number of guest directors (including Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston and sitcom veteran Fred Savage) add their personal touches to the already top-notch writing and as usual, the young cast members especially shine, proving its not only the seasoned talent that can tackle the slap-stick scenarios and rhythmic dialogue. But it’s not necessarily the laughs alone that raise this show above its contemporaries; it’s also the heart, and whether it’s the Dumphie’s, the Prichett’s, or Mitchell and Cameron’s situation that chiefly piques your interest, the show’s accessibility and broad appeal offers plenty of relatable material. Because why settle for one dysfunctional family when you can have three?
Extras: Sparing no expense when it comes to bonus gubbins, the three disc set is chock full of interesting titbits and backstage shenanigans to keep the fans smiling. Ty Burrel’s segment is a particular gem and while some of the filler features are admittedly forgettable, it’s clear that throughout the filming process, both cast and crew are loving the ride. Nice to see that the laughs don’t have to end at the snap of the clapperboard.
MODERN FAMILY Season Three is available to own on Blu-ray & DVD now
