Reception Theory - Modern Family

Modern Family

Modern Family is an American Television mockumentary which follows the lives of one family. It explores the evolving relationships and problems between a household in a comedic manner. The show is filmed as if it is actually a documentary, with occasional interviews with family members, this makes it relatable for people as it will come across as an actual family in their natural surroundings, not actors playing a part. Modern Family is a very popular TV show, it has won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series and is currently going into its seventh season. I believe this TV show would appeal to the mainstream as it always airs on a Wednesday at 9pm, this shows consistency,and the mainstream enjoys daily routine. It is also aired on a Wednesday which is a week day, this means it is more likely that the viewer will be around their family and the mainstream believes in 'we' rather than 'me'. They would also enjoy the fact that it is about a family and would find their experiences and maybe some of the characters relatable making them feel safe and able to connect with the characters and stories. A lot of people watch this and will express their opinions on certain episodes and characters, so the mainstream will watch this so they can engage in conversation and know about the show, this will give them a sense of security which is their core need.

I believe the encoders wanted you to see the truth about the family in the present day. That they wanted to take away the idea of a traditional family, and explore the new challenges of the Modern Family. The encoders clearly wanted to show people how families may be different but are still a family even with all the problems that are present. This signifies that family is everything no matter what has happened, this will target a lot of people, as the majority of people will believe this as they will have a family and relate with the similar circumstances. The preferred reading would allow you to relate to the family members and connect with the choices they have made. The preferred reading would also be that the audience laughs at the characters and the situations they get themselves into. The show also shows you how you can rely on your family at hard times and they will be there.

People may believe in the oppositional reading that there is more to life than family and you can create the same feelings and experiences on your own or through friends. Others may take the oppositional reading because they are very old fashioned. For example an older family member e.g. a grandparent may believe that family's should not be mixed and that marriages are for life and divorce is not an option, they would then look down on the characters, as they would believe that they are making wrong decisions. People that takes the oppositional reading would also be a very serious person and believe that life is not all fun and games especially when it comes to problems that affect your family, so they will not find some problems the characters encounter funny. Others may disagree with the show because they believe you should be your own person and not look to anyone for help, these people will usually be very serious and older, with traditional views. In one episode the father lends money to his children when they are in need, the person with the oppositional reading would not agree with this.

People with a negotiated reading may of enjoyed the show at one point and related to the family, as