Modern Family

I totally detest Indian TV shows, be it regressive Saas-Bahu Saga or well-orchestrated reality shows. It is either News channel or music, mostly music for me. News channels are no better, less news and more debate, yelling news anchors, breaking news, mudslinging. I digress. 

I am engrossed by English TV Shows. Right now it is marathon of Modern Family. I finished six seasons and can't stop gushing. Modern Family is an American Sit-Com shot in mocumentary style with characters frequently directly talking into the camera. Set in suburban Los Angeles, CA, the story revolves around Jay Prichett and his dysfunctional family. Old fashioned patriarch Jay Prichett, married to much younger and sexy Colombian, Gloria with whom he has a baby boy; and a son, Manny, from Gloria's previous marriage. Jay has two adult kids, Claire and Mitchell from previous marriage, which ended in divorce. Claire is married to Phil Dunphy, a realtor and self-proclaimed "cool dad". They cluelessely raise three kids together; Haley, a popular, bemused teenage girl; Alex, super intelligent, nerdy; and Luke, a weirdo and cool in his own way.  Jay's son Mitchell, an environmental lawyer, a gay and his husband, Cameron raises an adopted Vietnamese baby girl, Lily.  They all stay in the same neighborhood and its their daily life's nitty-gritties.

It is not a traditional sit-com with usual laugh track. The show focuses mainly on parents and how they raises their kids and interact with each other. Theirs is a modest and close-nit family. Each character is very well-etched, though I see little bit streak of Monica in Clarie. We will be well-acquainted with the character's mannerism and quirk to an extent that we feel they are real people whom we actually know. And the episodes are not interconnected.

It is clever and well-written story.  The writers deliberately take on a lot of social taboos to show us how shallow and prejudiced the society we live in. The life lessons at the end of episodes are heartwarming, but never preachy or soppy. It broadens your way of thinking and compels you for self-introspection. The writers create most hilarious and tear-jerking moments throughout the series. Kids get razor-sharp one-liner to match the adults too. All character share great chemistry with each other and they cracks you up most of the time. The entire ensemble of cast is brilliant. I'm not surprised it has so many accolades in its kitty.

My favourite characters in order of preference.
1. Cameron Tucker; over dramatic, passionate, bubbly, and outgoing.
2. Phil Dunphy; a cool dad, calls parenting as peerenting, drives his wife, claire up the wall most of the time.
3. Gloria; loud, outspoken, feisty, sexy, with a heart of gold.
4. Manny; wise beyond his years and an aptly called "old soul".  
5. Jay Prichett; acts tough, although deeply cares for feelings of all his family members.
6. Claire Dunphy; over protective, over-bearing, stressed out mother.
7. Mitchell Pritchett; oh! I love his eye-rolling.
8. Haley Dunphy
9. Alex Dunphy
10. Lily Prichett-Tucker
11. Luke Dunphy
12. Joe Prichett  

With critical acclaim, this one is a stellar. I recommend this one to anybody who appreciate good comedy.

PS: I already know them inside-out and sheepishly I must admit they are my extended "Modern Family."