Where is modern family set?
Updated: July 2, 2024"Modern Family," the beloved sitcom that aired from 2009 to 2020, is renowned for its humorous and heartwarming portrayal of a diverse American family. But beyond its engaging storyline and memorable characters, the setting of the show plays a crucial role in its charm. Let’s delve into the various aspects of the setting of "Modern Family."
The General Setting: Los Angeles, California
The primary setting of "Modern Family" is in the bustling city of Los Angeles, California. This sunny, vibrant city provides a picturesque backdrop for the show's events. The creators specifically chose Los Angeles for its diverse neighborhoods, beautiful weather, and the quintessential suburban experience it offers. The city’s cultural richness and scenic beauty are subtly woven into the narrative, enhancing the relatability and realism of the series.
The Pritchett-Delgado Home
Jay Pritchett, the patriarch of the family, resides with his second wife, Gloria Delgado-Pritchett, and Gloria’s son, Manny, in a luxurious home situated in the upscale neighborhood of Brentwood. The house’s modern architecture, expansive living spaces, and elegant decor reflect Jay’s success as a business owner. The setting of their home plays a significant role in showcasing the cultural blend and the generational gap between Jay and Gloria, as well as in highlighting the dynamics of a blended family.
The Dunphy Residence
Phil and Claire Dunphy, along with their three children—Haley, Alex, and Luke—live in a charming suburban home in the fictional neighborhood of West Los Angeles. The Dunphy home is quintessentially suburban, with a cozy, lived-in feel that many viewers find relatable. The house’s design, with its inviting kitchen, spacious living room, and well-maintained backyard, serves as a focal point for many of the family’s humorous and poignant moments.
The Tucker-Pritchett Home
Mitchell Pritchett and his partner Cameron Tucker, along with their adopted daughter Lily, live in a stylish duplex in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles. Their home is characterized by a blend of modern and eclectic decor, reflecting both Mitchell’s penchant for order and Cam’s flamboyant personality. The Los Feliz neighborhood, known for its creative vibe and diverse community, complements the couple’s dynamic and the challenges they face as same-sex parents.
Other Significant Locations
While the family homes are central to the show, several other locations are frequently featured, adding depth to the setting of "Modern Family."
Jay's Closet Company
Jay’s closet company, Pritchett’s Closets & Blinds, often serves as a backdrop for many storylines, highlighting Jay’s professional life and his interactions with his employees and family members. The office setting provides a glimpse into Jay’s character as a successful businessman and the generational differences between him and his son, Mitchell, who occasionally works with him.
Caltech Campus
Alex Dunphy, the intellectually gifted middle child of the Dunphy family, spends much of her later seasons at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). The university’s campus is depicted as a place where Alex’s academic talents can flourish, and it serves as a setting for many of her personal growth experiences.
High Schools
The various high schools attended by the Dunphy and Delgado children are also significant settings. The schools serve as venues for numerous subplots involving teenage angst, academic challenges, and social dynamics. These settings help to explore the younger generation’s experiences and their interactions with their parents.
Filming Locations and Real-Life Inspiration
While the show is set in Los Angeles, many of the scenes were filmed on location in the city and its surrounding areas. The creators made use of a mix of actual homes and sound stages to create an authentic and immersive setting. Notably, the exterior shots of the family homes are real houses located in various neighborhoods of Los Angeles.
The Dunphy house, for instance, is an actual residence located in the Cheviot Hills neighborhood. Similarly, the exterior of the Pritchett-Delgado home is a real house in Brentwood. The use of these real locations adds to the show’s authenticity and helps viewers to connect more deeply with the characters and their lives.
The Cultural and Social Context
Setting "Modern Family" in Los Angeles is not just about the city’s aesthetic appeal. The cultural and social context of Los Angeles plays a significant role in shaping the narrative. The city’s diversity is mirrored in the various characters and their backgrounds, from Gloria’s Colombian heritage to Cam’s rural upbringing in Missouri.
Los Angeles, known for its progressive values and acceptance of diverse lifestyles, provides a fitting backdrop for the show’s exploration of modern family dynamics, same-sex parenting, and cultural integration. The city’s vibrant cultural scene, with its festivals, food, and art, often finds its way into the storylines, enriching the narrative and providing a broader context for the characters’ lives.
The Impact of the Setting on the Show’s Success
The setting of "Modern Family" is integral to its success. The choice of Los Angeles, with its sunny disposition and diverse communities, helps to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that resonates with viewers. The relatable suburban homes, the bustling city life, and the various significant locations all contribute to a sense of familiarity and authenticity.
The setting also allows the show to address contemporary issues within a recognizable and relatable context. From exploring the challenges of raising teenagers in a digital age to navigating the complexities of a multicultural and multi-generational family, the setting provides a rich tapestry against which these stories can unfold.
A Unique Glimpse into Modern Life
As you immerse yourself in the world of "Modern Family," the setting reveals itself as more than just a backdrop. It becomes a character in its own right, shaping and reflecting the lives of the Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker clan. The sunny streets of Los Angeles, the cozy suburban homes, and the vibrant cultural milieu all come together to create a setting that is as dynamic, diverse, and endearing as the family it hosts. The setting of "Modern Family" offers a unique glimpse into the contemporary American experience, inviting viewers to laugh, cry, and grow along with the characters they have come to love.
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