Premiering in 2009 for years I avoided the acclaimed show Modern Family. Oh I knew it was on but it just never grabbed me. It wasn’t for silly reasons like the network it was on or it featured a gay couple. It was because it was mockumentary style!
While technically this was around before, The Office made this trend take off. And while it worked for that show, it drives me nuts they every show had to do it since. From Park and Rec all the way to the current Abbott Elementary (which is excellent btw). Why do I hate it? It’s several things. I’m a sucker for traditional three camera shows with a studio audience. So this hand held camera with no audience bugs me. Why I never watch The Middle! And of course what’s even worst is the thing these are famous for, those ridiculous testimonials. Ugh, it’s so lame! I mean The Brady Bunch is fake because they’re happy but characters stopping to do testimonials is real?? It’s also lazy. Why have the characters actions tell what’s going on when they can stare at a camera and tell us directly?
However the last year or two I finally gave Modern Family a try (you know me, on top of a trend!) and ended up loving it. It’s so well done I got sucked in. With all the comments I’ve made against it for its entire network run, it’s time to share some love. So why does this show work?
Here are five reasons.
