Here’s the Disappointing Result of That ‘Modern Family’ Reunion

In a way, I’m relieved.

Reboots of all-time classics, of which “Modern Family” in the sitcom genre absolutely qualifies, are terrifying. The only thing they can really do is taint the reputation of the original. (“The Office” spinoff, I’m warily looking at you. “Arrested Development” Season 4: I don’t even want to talk about it.)

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On the other hand: what a disappointment.

“Modern Family” stars Ty Burrell, Julie Bowen, Eric Stonestreet, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson have indeed reunited as their characters Phil and Claire Dunphy, Mitchell Pritchett, and Cameron Tucker on their ABC set — for a WhatsApp commercial. Because of course it was.

To be fair, the concept of the ad makes good sense in the “Modern Family” universe: Phil, Claire, and Cam are sharing photos of Haley’s (Sarah Hyland, who played Phil and Claire’s eldest) twins in the family group chat. Phil blows the secret that it’s a different family group chat, drawing looks from Claire and Cam.

Mitchell is not in that one, and it is no oversight. The problem is his new phone and its “blurry photos” and “weird likes,” his sister and husband explain. Thankfully there’s a painter there to sort it all out.

“You know, if your group has different phones, just use WhatsApp,” the painter says. “It’s seamless and private.”

The encrypted-chat app saves the day — and the family. WhatsApp is owned by Meta (the Facebook company).

Watch the commercial here:

Earlier this month, Ferguson teased the “Modern Family” reunion project on CBS’ “The Talk.” He acknowledged it was not a reboot. Asked if it is a commercial, he responded “Maybe. Is it a movie?”

It was not a movie.

“Modern Family” ran on ABC from 2009 to 2020. The series also starred Ed O’Neill (as Claire’s and Mitchell’s father Jay Pritchett), Sofia Vergara (as Jay’s wife Gloria Delgado-Pritchett), Rico Rodriguez (as Gloria’s son/Jay’s stepson Manny Delgado), Nolan Gould (as Phil and Claire’s son Luke Dunphy), Ariel Winter (their daughter Alex), Aubrey Anderson-Emmons (as Cam and Mitch’s adopted daughter Lily Tucker-Pritchett).

“Modern Family” won 22 Emmys. Its principal actors often had to compete against each other for the top performance awards.

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