Claim: September 23rd, 2009 is the start date of Modern Family.

Modern Family -LRB- stylized as modern family -RRB- is an American television mockumentary sitcom that premiered on ABC on September 23 , 2009 , which follows the lives of Jay Pritchett and his family , all of whom live in suburban Los Angeles . Pritchett 's family includes his second wife , her son and his stepson , as well as his two adult children and their spouses and children . Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan conceived the series while sharing stories of their own `` modern families '' . Modern Family employs an ensemble cast . The series is presented in mockumentary style , with the fictional characters frequently talking directly into the camera . The series premiered on September 23 , 2009 , and the eighth season premiered on September 21 , 2016 . The series was renewed for a ninth and tenth season on May 10 , 2017 .   Modern Family was acclaimed by critics throughout its first season , although reception has become more mixed as the series has progressed . The show won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series in each of its first five years and the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series four times , twice for Eric Stonestreet and twice for Ty Burrell , as well as the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series twice for Julie Bowen . It has so far won a total of 22 Emmy awards from 75 nominations . It also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series -- Musical or Comedy in 2011 .   The broadcast syndication rights to the series were sold to USA Network and 10 Fox affiliates and CW affiliate WLVI for a fall 2013 premiere . The success of the series led to it being the tenth-highest revenue-generating show for 2012 , earning $ 2.13 million an episode .