All in the/Modern + Family

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            The moment I got the prompt for this blog I knew most people were thinking the same thing I was: ‘Modern Family.’ But while it may be unoriginal, ‘Modern Family’ comes to mind instantly for a reason. It is the contemporary equivalent to ‘All in the Family,’ despite the numerous differences between the two shows.

            Both shows deal with cross-generational couples and explore their differences in opinion, but ‘Modern Family’ stands out for its larger cast and the significant presence of children. In addition, Archie Bunker’s outright intolerance is very different from the uncomfortable acceptance of Jay Pritchett. Both shows are clearly influenced by the standards of their time. While ‘All in the Family’ breached controversial subjects and created situations where traditional values could be questioned, it had to operate in the context of the 1970s. While issues such as homosexuality had reached the mainstream, they were by no means widely accepted. Therefore, Archie uses derisive terms such as ‘fairy’ to describe his daughter’s friend while expressing his complete disgust with gay men, and is arguably an ignorant bigot. However, many of the show’s plots were dedicated to proving the protagonist wrong. The opinions of his daughter and son-in-law were generally presented as being more reasonable, even if much of the audience ended up sympathizing with Archie anyway. In contrast, the entire cast of ‘Modern Family’ accepts Mitchell and Cameron’s relationship. Still, the show notes the awkwardness that sometimes remains attached to the situation. While ‘All in the Family’ drew its conflict from the explicitly opposite beliefs of Archie and the younger characters, ‘Modern Family’ finds it in the differing perspectives of its characters.

            While both shows are products of their times, they are not afraid to satirize these societies. Their willingness to do this, and their setting in a family with multiple generations and differing opinions, is where their similarities stem from.

Helpful Articles:

Modern Family’s Indictment of Modern Families

All in the Family – Review of ‘Modern Family’ Pilot

‘Modern Family’ is Reviving the Half-Hour TV Comedy