ABC is set to keep the family together for the next few years after the network renewed “Modern Family” for season 9 and 10. This deal will pave the way for the award-winning series to produce over 230 episodes all in all.
According to the ABC, the network is also ready to offer additional seasons after “Modern Family” season 9 and 10 are done. The hit series has brought on a great deal of success for ABC after having aired eight seasons, raking in five Emmy awards consecutively after winning outstanding comedy series honors.
"We are beyond thrilled that we get to spend more time with these characters, these amazing actors, our ridiculously-talented writers and our incredible crew - all of whom are like family to us," “Modern Family” co-creator Steve Levitan shared in an official statement. "And the good kind of family, not the kind that argues with you all the time."
The “Modern Family” agreement comes after news of CBS renewing its own hit comedy series “The Big Bang Theory” for two more seasons. With only a few big-time comedy shows hitting the airwaves, these networks’ moves to renew their hit series are a sign that they are set to invest heavily on remarkably proven TV shows.
Ratings for “Modern Family” have soared to the top last Wednesday among adult audiences aged between 18 and 49; it has also been recognized as the No. 2 comedy series on TV, following after “The Big Bang Theory.” With two more seasons added to “Modern Family,” this agreement with ABC will come with significant pay raises for the actors who play the lead parental characters on the show, along with their fellow cast members who play the lead young adult characters, as noted by The Hollywood Reporter.
The “Modern Family” cast is comprised of Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Sofia Vergara, Ed O'Neill, and Eric Stonestreet, together with Rico Rodriguez, Nolan Gould, Sarah Hyland and Ariel Winter. According to “Modern Family” executive producer Christopher Lloyd, he envisions the comedy series to be following more storylines because there is “so much more to explore in the lives of this family.”
"Ty [Burrell] has already pointed out that Alexander the Great's entire reign only lasted 8 1/2 years (326 -317 BC) so yes, everyone is deeply humbled by this,” Lloyd added.
Speaking to Life & Style, Nolan Gould admitted that he would want Sofia Vergara’s husband, Joe Manganiello, to join the “Modern Family” cast. While the 40-year-old actor could not be given a character opposite Sofia because her character is already married, Nolan does have a storyline for Joe.
“A personal trainer for Luke,” suggested Nolan, who plays Luke Dunphy on “Modern Family.” “Solely because I just want to work out with Joe and I don’t know how to go about asking.” Meanwhile, series creator Steve Levitan offered another suggestion, saying that Joe could become a “love interest for Mitch and Cam.”
“A Mitch-Cam crush! How’s that?” he quipped.
Letting Joe Manganiello join the “Modern Family” cast even for a guest appearance “would be great,” Nolan said.
Meanwhile, the upcoming “Modern Family” season 8 finale will feature the boys as they prep up for graduation. Titled “The Graduates,” the final episode will show Luke and Manny (Rico Rodriguez) as they enter a new phase in their lives. Manny’s father, played by guest actor Benjamin Bratt, makes a comeback for the Manny’s celebration. Despite spending the day with his son, he will again leave him without formally saying goodbye. It will be an emotional episode as the Pritchetts, Dunphys, and Tuckers get ready for the big graduation day.
The "Modern Family" season 8 finale is set to air on May 17, Wednesday, at 9 p.m. EDT on ABC.
