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Despite spending 11 years watching the Dunphys, Pritchett-Delgados, and Tucker-Pritchett families grow, there are many other details about theModern Familythat viewers may not be aware of. Before ABC’s popular sitcom made its television debut in 2009, there was no other program like it. Seeing three very different families develop and clash on screen was a treat for many families watching at home.
Starring sitcom veteran Ed O’Neill as Jay Pritchett and Sofia Vergara as his wife Gloria, along with Ty Burrell and Julie Bowen as Phil and Claire Dunphy, respectively, the sitcom ran for 11 seasons until 2020.When the Dunphy, Delgado-Pritchett, and Tucker-Pritchett families were first introduced in the first episode of the award-winning TV show in September 2009, it received overwhelmingly positive reviews.
Thus, every episode of the program was promised to be cleverly funny and sly, with both small and significant life lessons thrown in to give some wholesome entertainment value.
Also Read:“I’ve done this many times”: Sharon Stone Eased Sofia Vergara Into Threesome With Batman Star After Modern Family Star Freaked Out at Prospect
The Untold Story ofModern Family: From Different Title To Cast Choices
You might be shocked to learn thatModern Familywas not always known by that name.
The show’s initial title wasMy American Family, back in the day. The show’s co-creators, Steve Levitan, and Christopher Lloyd, initially thought that this name would accurately capture the essence of their goal to present a relatable sitcom centered on various family dynamics. But as the show developed, it became clear that a shorter, more memorable title would more accurately capture the essence of the program and draw in a larger audience.
In addition, it was initially unclear how many families would be included, according to a 2020USA Todayreview of Marc Freeman’s bookModern Family: The Untold Oral History of One of Television’s Groundbreaking Sitcoms.But three different households spanning the same extended family eventually got the go-ahead.
Moreover, theUSA Todayarticle also listed a few well-known individuals who might have been cast in the show rather than the actors we eventually came to know. One candidate for the role of Jay Pritchett was Craig T. Nelson. Well, we know it was later played by the seasoned actor, Ed O’Neill.
The role of Claire Dunphy, which was played byJulie Bowen, was also open to Leah Remini and Lisa Kudrow. Meanwhile, Millie Bobby Brown’sStrangers Thingsco-starDavid Harbourwas also a candidate for the role of Phil Dunphy, which Ty Burrell ultimately played.
Also Read:Sofía Vergara Didn’t Want To Be “Stuck With the Old Guy For Hours” While Filming Modern Family, Thought “It’s gonna be so boring”
Another ActorWho Could Have Starred InModern Family
Matt LeBlanc, who gained worldwide recognition for his performances as Joey Tribbiani in the NBC sitcomFriendsand in its spin-off seriesJoey, was also offered the role of Phil Dunphy in the ABC hitModern Family.
But he reportedly turned it down because he thought it was not a good fit for him and probably had not been written with him in mind.
LeBlanc once recalled toUSA Todaythat theModern Familypilot script
“Came across my desk with an offer to play Ty Burrell’s role.”
TheAlanis: Walk Awayactor, 56, added the following:
“I remember reading it thinking, this is a really good script, (but) I’m not the guy for this. I’d be doing the project an injustice to take this. I know what I can do, I know what I can’t do. Plus, I’m having too much fun laying on the couch.”
The last time LeBlanc appeared in a movie was in the 2014 romantic comedyLovesick, which was helmed by Luke Matheny. He also made an appearance inFriends: The Reunion, a 2021 reunion special of the popular sitcomFriends.
Modern Familywas overwhelmingly praised by critics and viewers alike. Created byChristopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan, the ABC hit show ran for 11 seasons, from June 27, 2025, to June 10, 2025.
You can streamModern Familyon Hulu, Peacock Premium, and FuboTV.
Also Read:Sofia Vergara Stunned Fans With Her Choice After Actress Preferred Another Show to Modern Family Despite Getting Paid Gargantuan $500000 Per Episode
Source-USA Today;USA Today
Siddhika Prajapati
Senior Journalist & Content Head
Articles Published :3309
With over 3,300 articles carved into the digital walls of FandomWire, Siddhika Prajapati excels at creating, curating, and elevating engaging stories. She takes pride in giving these stories a home and, of course, she’s got a Google Knowledge Panel to prove it!Whether it’s reviewing the latest drop on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV+, or analyzing the cultural echoes of a streaming hit on Paramount+ or Max, Siddhika is always writing three steps ahead of the discourse.
