Best ‘Modern Family Episodes to Rewatch on a Bad Day
25. The Bicycle Thief – Season 1, Episode 2
Bad day at work? Watch Phil Dunphy try to buy his son Luke a bike, only to be accused of theft. You’ll laugh at his struggle, but also see the sweetness underneath—a dad who just wants his kid to think he’s cool. Meanwhile, Jay pushes Manny to try new things. No matter how much dads mess up, they’re always there when we need them. In the end, when Manny’s plans get canceled, Jay cancels his own to take him to Disneyland.
24. Great Expectations Season 1, Episode 8
Claire wants their anniversary to be unforgettable, so she hires Izzy LaFontaine, a washed-up bassist from Phil’s favorite band. But it’s not quite the surprise she hoped for. Things spiral into more trouble than talent, but Phil’s boyish excitement at Claire’s effort is the cutest and most romantic thing you’ll see today. It’s silly, it’s sweet, and ultimately, it’s the thought that counts.
23. Moon Landing – Season 1, Episode 14
If you aren’t having a bad day, Jay and Cam’s infamous “moon landing” in the locker room might scar you for life—but you’ll laugh anyway. Meanwhile, Claire struggles with insecurities after meeting a former colleague living a seemingly glamorous life. This episode reminds us that while self-doubt is universal, it doesn’t define us. We’re all good at our own things.
22. The Old Wagon – Season 2, Episode 1
Letting go is hard, and the Dunphys go through it when they decide to sell their old family station wagon, full of memories—road trips, fights, and dating days. Their “one last ride” turns into a sentimental (and chaotic) adventure. Time teaches us that while we can’t cling to things or people, we can still ride through our memory bumps.
21. Chirp – Season 2, Episode 7
Some days, one bad thing ruins everything. Phil has one of those days, obsessing over a beeping smoke detector. By the end, he has a mini breakdown in front of Claire, revealing that his frustration came from a rough month at work. Poor Phil! Bad days will always come, but it’s during those times that clinging to loved ones matters most.
20. Princess Party – Season 2, Episode 15
Mitch plans Lily’s birthday, even rejecting Cam’s clown idea so Lily can shine. Suddenly, Claire and Mitch’s mom, Dede, crashes the party, sparking another hilarious fight with Gloria. The so-called reconciliation is anything but heartwarming. In the end, Mitch relies on Fizbo (Cam’s clown persona) to save the day. Parties can flop, but it’s how we salvage them that matters.
19. Phil on Wire – Season 3, Episode 3
Bored with routine? Phil takes up tightrope walking in the backyard, convinced he can master it with his “Phil-osophy.” He falls, he limps—it’s hilarious. But his pep talks are inspiring, too. The episode reminds us that failure is okay, as long as we keep trying (and laughing) along the way.
18. Election Day – Season 3, Episode 19
If your day feels chaotic, this episode proves you can laugh through the madness. Claire runs for town council, and the family pitches in—ensuring everything that can go wrong, does. Though she loses, the family’s support turns defeat into victory. When your loved ones stand by you, even loss feels lighter.
17. Schooled – Season 4, Episode 2
Life is full of new beginnings. As Haley starts college, we see Phil and Claire in a new light as parents. Their graceful goodbye turns into classic Dunphy awkwardness—sentimental and messy. Meanwhile, Gloria and Jay hilariously attend a parenting class. The lesson? Even as adults, none of us truly have it figured out, and that’s okay.
16. Arrested – Season 4, Episode 7
Even the calm Dunphy home faces panic when Haley gets arrested for underage drinking and violence. Things worsen when she’s kicked out of college. Instead of blaming her, the family rallies together. The episode shows it’s fine to lose your cool, as long as you make it up with love afterward.
15. Suddenly, Last Summer – Season 5, Episode 1
Even the best-laid plans can fail. Mitch and Cam try to plan the perfect proposal, but every attempt falls apart. Finally, stranded with a broken car, they propose in the middle of the road. Sometimes, unplanned moments are the most memorable.
14. The Big Game – Season 5, Episode 9
After Manny scores the winning goal, he feels guilty—especially since the opposing coach had just passed away. He even wishes he’d lost. But Cam teaches him that prioritizing our own happiness is okay. Loss can carry glory, but winning still matters when it brings joy.
13. Won’t You Be Our Neighbor – Season 6, Episode 5
Bad neighbors can ruin your mood, but watching the Dunphys try (and fail) to choose theirs will surely make your day. Phil’s neighbour moves out, and Claire is thrilled to have the chance to choose their new neighbour. But can they? Their attempts to “curate” their dream neighbors soon backfire and end up in disaster. In life, we can’t really control everything, and often, the best stories come from life’s surprises.
12. Strangers in the Night – Season 6, Episode 9
Mitch and Cam go overboard buying an expensive white couch, forbidding Lily to touch it. But when Mitch’s colleague crashes after a breakup, the couch becomes fair game. Lily’s kindness in comforting her reminds them that their “nicest thing” isn’t furniture—it’s family.
11. She Crazy – Season 7, Episode 4
Few things lift spirits faster than Phil with ducks. His backyard duck project spirals into chaos, yet even Claire eventually loves them. Meanwhile, Gloria pushes Jay into trying new things. The episode shows how a little nudge from loved ones can push us out of our comfort zones.
10. Clean Out Your Junk Drawer – Season 7, Episode 8
Family therapy sounds great—until everyone starts talking. Complaints, bickering, and oversharing turn the session into chaos. For anyone having a rough day, this episode is therapy in itself: no family is perfect, and every quirk is laugh-worthy.
9. Do It Yourself – Season 8, Episode 13
Claire joins a cooking show with Haley, while Phil wrestles with a decision about a parking space. Claire bombs on the show, but Haley defends her. Meanwhile, Claire encourages Phil to take risks. It’s a reminder that kindness and support often matter more than success.
8. Pig Moon Rising – Season 8, Episode 17
On “Pig Moon Rising,” Claire and Phil hustle to help Luke with college applications, even sacrificing Phil’s magic trick. When Luke later helps the family in his own way, his parents realize how proud they are. Sometimes, our loved ones shine in ways we don’t expect.
7. It’s the Great Pumpkin – Season 9, Episode 5
Halloween is always a Modern Family highlight. Phil goes all out as the “Great Pumpkin,” while Claire plots her own spooky chaos. Even without much enthusiasm from others, they dive in, eventually riding a giant pumpkin boat across a lake. The takeaway? Celebrate anyway, even if no one’s cheering.
6. Tough Love – Season 9, Episode 9
Phil goes camping alone, but fear gets the best of him—he ends up hiding in a hotel bubble bath. Just when he feels defeated, Claire shows up, reminding him she’ll never be too tired to help. Sometimes, all we need is to share our struggles.
5. Torn Between Two Lovers – Season 10, Episode 4
Haley juggles two boyfriends—Arvin, who’s secure, and Dylan, who makes her laugh. She ultimately chooses Dylan, prioritizing joy over stability. The episode reminds us that true happiness often comes from laughter, not material comforts.
4. Red Alert – Season 10, Episode 16
When Lily gets her first period, Mitch and Cam panic, calling the whole family for help while Lily locks herself in the bathroom. In the end, it’s her dads who console her best. Support from loved ones makes tough times manageable.
3. New Kids on the Block – Season 11, Episode 1
With Haley’s twins at home, chaos reigns. Haley and Dylan try “by the book” parenting, while Phil and Claire hover. Meanwhile, Mitch and Cam brace for Lily’s teenage years, and Jay and Manny bicker over love. Kids grow, parents adapt—change becomes easier when embraced.
2. Pool Party – Season 11, Episode 4
Mitch and Cam feel insecure at a pool party surrounded by younger guys. But Lily reminds them that pride comes from family and love, not appearances. It’s a sweet lesson in self-worth.
1. Legacy – Season 11, Episode 11
Spoiler: this one will make you cry. Phil visits his father, wondering if his career choices created distance between them. When his father later passes away, Phil learns the importance of cherishing every moment. A heartfelt reminder: time with loved ones is priceless.
