While the funny storylines and constant jokes keep fans of Modern Family watching and rewatching all 9 seasons, it's the relationships that really bring this big family to life. Whether Gloria is bonding with her young son or Mitch is getting used to having Cam's sister living upstairs, viewers can always find a sweet platonic, romantic, or familial relationship to root for.
From some sweet love stories to some family who get along really well, there are several relationships that stand out on Modern Family and ensure that there are just as many emotional and heartwarming moments as hilarious ones.
Phil And Claire
Although Claire and Phil's Modern Family marriage isn't without any issues at all, it's hard not to cheer on their relationship in every scene.
Claire and Phil get each other and always give each other time and space if that's what they need. They always seem in tune and tend to experience change and growth at the same time, which is compelling to watch. In the season 9 episode "Tough Love," Claire drives a truck for her company and Phil tries to camp alone, and they spend the night in a hotel while ing that they each tried something new.
Phil And Frank
Phil's relationship with his father Frank is such a sweet part of the series, making the season 11 episode "Legacy" when Frank es away absolutely devastating.
Before this sad moment, Phil and Frank are exactly alike, enjoying silly jokes and pranks and themed parties. Even when no one else understands them or is having fun, these two characters understand each other, and viewers can tell that Frank has taught Phil many important lessons about enjoying life and being totally himself.
Mitch And Cam
Mitch and Cam's relationship is one of the strongest ones on the sitcom, and whether they're taking care of Lily, being inspired to eat caviar for breakfast and live life to the fullest, or going through a crisis, they're always fun to watch.
While all of the couples on the show are well-matched and tend to balance each other out, this seems particularly true of Mitch and Cam. While Cam is full of joy and adventure, Mitch is a bit more cautious, and they help each other.
Manny And Claire
Claire can behave poorly on Modern Family, which makes her scenes with Manny so special.
In season 9, Claire goes to Manny's college dorm room to find a stuffed animal for Phil who is in the hospital, and s Manny's decision to dye his hair blonde. Claire gives him a hug and jokes that Jay will hate it, and this creates a bonding moment between the two characters who don't always interact. Since Claire knows that Jay can be tough and rigid, she wants to help Manny any way that she can.
Haley And Alex
For much of Modern Family, Haley and Alex act like they can't even be in the same room together. But as they get older, they both mature and realize how important their connection is.
Whether Haley is interrupting Alex's intense class at college or they're chatting about dating (before Haley gets bored and changes the subject), these sisters care about each other and embrace each other's differences. Haley might make fun of Alex for being nerdy, but deep down, Haley loves and respects how smart her sibling is.
Dylan And Haley
Whether or not viewers wanted Haley to end up with Dylan or prefer Andy, Dylan and Haley do make an interesting team that brings a lot of comedy to the show.
Dylan and Haley's relationship is dramatic and even more enjoyable to watch when they aren't together, as Haley gets jealous while pretending that she doesn't feel anything at all. When the two have twins and become a family, it's funny and intriguing seeing them in this new place.
Jay And Manny
Although Jay hurts his relatives on Modern Family in many instances, he helps shape Manny into a confident and kind young person. As the seasons go on, it becomes clear that Jay and Manny have one of the best relationships on the sitcom.
Manny and Jay respect each other and know that they don't have a lot in common, but they can be there for each other anyway. They show each other that it's okay to embrace who they are while staying open-minded, and it's Jay who knows that Manny needs to go to college and not worry about how much Gloria misses him.
Alex And Luke
Alex and Luke seem to merely tolerate each other for much of the show. When they get older and begin living their own lives, they start realizing how much they have in common. Their stand-out storyline is in the season 9 episode "No Small Feet" when they start selling shoes that Alex has worn and making good money.
The family is shocked but also impressed by their work ethic and business know-how, and this storyline works because while the actual product is gross, it's nice to see Alex and Luke working as a team.
Cam And Pam
While there are many great Modern Family plotlines about Cam and Mitch, it's also interesting watching Cam interact with his sister, Pam, who moves into the upstairs unit with her baby.
Pam is a bit more wild and intense than Cam but the two share a love of family, a loyal personality, and the desire to make their voices and opinions heard. It means a lot to Cam that his sister is nearby, and these two characters are always hilarious in a scene together.
Gloria And Joe
Gloria and Joe's mother/son relationship is adorable and charming, especially because she knows that she has to let Manny grow up and let go of him a bit.
Joe is a happy, confident child who is also brave and up for adventure at any moment, and he's also sensitive and sometimes needs time to sit with his emotions. Gloria does a great job teaching him about the world, like the tough moment when he learns about death, while also encouraging him to be a kid and have fun.