When Modern Family premiered on ABC in 2009, it was an immediate hit. Few other sitcoms have been able to upstage it since then. Every aspect of the unique series captured the attention and hearts of audiences -- from the subtle, awkward humor to the likable characters and family dynamic to the important social issues it addressed. Not only was Modern Family loved among viewers, but it was also lauded by critics and won countless awards across its 11-season run. It is interesting to see how all the Modern Family seasons fare when ranked together.

Presented in a mockumentary style, Modern Family followed the Pritchett, Dunphy, and Tucker-Pritchett families in suburban Los Angeles through everyday shenanigans. As the series continued, the families expanded, and significant others, babies, and pets joined the gang. Though the entire series was incredibly well done, some Modern Family seasons stood out in contrast to others.

Updated on May 3, 2024, by Andrea Sandoval: Modern Family is one of the most iconic sitcoms of recent times. However, not all of its seasons held the same quality standard as the first season. We updated this article to comply with CBR's new formatting style.

11 None of Season 9's Storylines Stuck Out To Viewers

Modern Family Season 9 followed the Pritchetts, Dunphys, and Tucker-Pritchetts at a pivotal moment in their collective lives. The kids, save for Lily and Joe, were all adults. Claire was still working as a partner to her CEO father in Closets Closets Closets. Joe, the baby of the family, was five years old, and Lily hit puberty while Cam and Mitchell struggled with how to parent her through it.

Despite this chapter's importance for the family, Season 9 was Modern Family's least memorable. The overall plot was not as interesting, and the jokes weren't as humorous. It wasn't nominated for any notable awards (save for a Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series), and Season 9 was forgettable at best. It comfortably occupies the bottom spot on this list of best Modern Family seasons for being what a sitcom should never be: unmemorable.

10 Season 10 Passed Without Much Notice

In Modern Family Season 10, the Dunphys, Pritchetts, and Tucker-Pritchetts underwent many coming-of-age milestones together. The season focused heavily on Haley as she and Dylan prepared to have twins. Stepping into parenthood is monumental, and thus, the rest of the family was affected as well -- especially Claire and Phil, who became grandparents.

Notable episodes in Modern Family's tenth season included "Good Grief" (in which the families dealt with the death of Mitch and Claire's mother Dede) and "SuperShowerBabyBowl" (when Jay tried to host his Super Bowl party simultaneously with Haley's baby shower). Sadly, Modern Family Season 10 received few accolades compared to other seasons. It was nominated for one Emmy Award and a GLAAD Media Award, among a handful of others.

9 Season 11 Alleviated The Slump Before The End

Season 11 wasn't a favorite, but it was still memorable. Modern Family's characters were in completely different stages of life than they were 10 years earlier. Haley was raising twins, Alex took a job in Switzerland, and Manny and Luke were off to begin their lives as adults. Meanwhile, Claire was still killing it in the workforce. Jay and Gloria continued to be busy with Joe while Cam and Mitch were raising preteen Lily and newborn baby Rex while making the move to Missouri.

Season 11 received fair reviews from critics, with Rotten Tomatoes giving it 79%. They said the season was a "touching tribute to the show and a fitting enough farewell to one of TV's favorite families." It received three Emmy nominations but couldn't stand up to the show's heyday as one of the best seasons of Modern Family.

8 Season 8 Felt Too Much Like What Came Before​​​​​​