In this episode of How It Started, How It Ended, Angela and Bobby revisit the pilot and series finale of Modern Family, the Emmy-winning sitcom that followed three interconnected families navigating marriage, parenthood, adolescence, and the many ways a family can look. Before diving into the episodes, they look at how creators Steve Levitan and Christopher Lloyd developed the show, including their decision to center three very different but related families and include a gay couple at a time when they worried that storyline might hurt the show's chances. They also discuss the show's mockumentary format, its place in the changing television landscape of the late 2000s, and the casting of Ed O'Neill, Sofia Vergara, Ty Burrell, and the show's unusually large ensemble. The conversation explores how the pilot introduces the Dunphys, Pritchetts, and Tucker-Pritchetts and establishes the dynamics that would drive the series for 11 seasons. Angela and Bobby discuss the parenting struggles, sibling rivalry, cultural differences, and relationship dynamics that make the pilot work, from Phil and Claire's attempts to parent their three very different children to Jay's adjustment to his new family and Mitchell and Cam's nervous return from Vietnam with their newly adopted daughter, Lily. When they reach the finale, they discuss the many ways the characters' lives have changed while still remaining recognizably themselves. Haley and Dylan are parents, Luke is heading to college, Alex is leaving for Switzerland, Mitchell and Cam are moving to Missouri, and Manny is preparing to travel abroad with his father, Javier. They also look at the show's callbacks to the pilot, the bittersweet final moments between the siblings, and the meaning behind the Dunphys' porch light. The finale may run a little long, but Angela and Bobby agree that it succeeds where it matters most: after 11 seasons, Modern Family still feels like the same family they met in the pilot. Verdict: Modern Family sticks the landing. In this episode: • How Steve Levitan and Christopher Lloyd created Modern Family • Why the show's creators wanted to include a gay couple • The mockumentary style shared by Modern Family, The Office, and Parks and Recreation • Ed O'Neill, Sofia Vergara, and Ty Burrell's roles in the show's development • Why Ty Burrell had to audition multiple times for Phil Dunphy • How the pilot introduces the three interconnected families • The parenting dynamics between Phil, Claire, Jay, Gloria, Mitchell, and Cam • The show's portrayal of different family structures • The memorable BB gun storyline involving Luke and Alex • The introduction of Dylan and Haley's relationship • Mitchell and Cam introducing Lily to the family • Jay's evolving relationship with Mitchell and his acceptance of Cam and Lily • How the characters and families change over 11 seasons • Haley and Dylan's journey from the pilot to becoming parents • Mitchell and Cam's move to Missouri • The evolution of Lily's character and the recasting that took place in Season 3 • Manny and Joe's relationship • Phil and Claire becoming empty nesters • The significance of the Dunphys' porch light • Callbacks connecting the pilot and finale • Whether the two-part finale was necessary • Why Angela and Bobby both felt the finale remained true to the show Shows and people discussed: • Modern Family • Steve Levitan • Christopher Lloyd • Ed O'Neill • Sofia Vergara • Ty Burrell • Julie Bowen • Sarah Hyland • Aubrey Anderson-Emmons • Chris Rock • The Office • Parks and Recreation • Everybody Loves Raymond • Back to the Future • Who Wants to Be a Millionaire • Survivor • Family Ties • Diff'rent Strokes • The Lion King Send us Fan Mail If you enjoyed the show, follow How It Started, How It Ended wherever you get your podcasts, and follow us on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok for more conversations about the TV shows that got us hooked—and whether they delivered the ending they deserved.
