The joy and entertainment of a sitcom like Modern Family is that the characters are easy to like even when they make mistakes constantly. Whether Claire can't let go of her need to be in charge or Gloria has trouble with Manny growing up, the characters know their shortcomings but sometimes have trouble learning a necessary lesson.
While fans love every main character on Modern Family, there are certain moments on the show when someone stands out, thanks to a heartwarming storyline or some growth that they are going through. There is one member of this charming family who fans can cheer for in every season.
Season 1: Phil Dunphy
Phil shines in season 1, and this is when fans get to know Phil's hilarious Modern Family inventions, his dorky sense of humor, and his love for his wife and kids. In season 1, Phil has many schemes that go terribly wrong, like when he steals someone's bike to show Luke how to behave and realizes that he made a big mistake.
It's easy to like Phil here as he's a devoted parent who feels sad about his kids growing up. In "Run For Your Wife," Claire realizes that Phil is struggling with their three children returning to school and shows him some compassion. Viewers love seeing how vulnerable and funny Phil is.
Season 2: Manny Delgado-Pritchett
"Manny Get Your Gun" is one of the most memorable season 2 episodes and sees Manny worrying that he's growing up too quickly for his liking. Everyone meets for his birthday dinner but he can't have fun and enjoy the moment.
While Manny's concern that he's getting too old might be unique, as many people are thrilled to grow up and experience what life has to offer, Manny is vulnerable, sweet, and the most likable character in season 2. Manny and Gloria's bond can sometimes be a bit too intense but in this season, Manny is entertaining to watch.
Season 3: Luke Dunphy
Fans always love watching Luke, as he's so different from brilliant Alex and ditzy stylish Haley.
When Luke's favorite neighbor dies in the season 3 episode "The Last Walt," he struggles to cope with death, while also taking Walt's TV. It's emotional watching Claire attempt to help Luke with this grief, and since fans usually see Luke acting silly and immature, it's nice to see him part of a more important storyline.
Season 4: Mitchell Pritchett
Mitch's love for Cam and their desire to adopt another baby becomes a focal point of season 4, and viewers root for Mitch as he deals with his professional and personal life.
From Mitch getting upset over someone bullying Lily at the playground to Mitch helping Cam save a tree, this character is given many opportunities to be a kind, caring, loyal member of his family, and it's really nice to see.
Season 5: Lily Tucker-Pritchett
Lily steals viewers' hearts from the first moment that she is introduced on the sitcom and Lily grows up on Modern Family. She is hilarious, tough, smart, and independent, and in season 5, she shines in the episode "Spring-a-Ding-Fling," making her the easiest person to like in this season.
Lily is scared to share that she broke Gloria's cell phone and says that it was Joe. With this storyline, Lily shows that she's a young child going through the typical growing pains of having trouble taking responsibility as she's afraid to get into trouble.
Season 6: Claire Dunphy
While it's easy to like Claire in every season, she can sometimes be too intense about making sure that her family is doing exactly what she wants them to. Thanks to the season 6 episode "Haley's 21st Birthday," Claire proves to be the most lovable character here.
When Cam, Mitch, Gloria, and Claire go with Haley to a bar, Claire keeps saying that she's Haley's BFF, not a mother. Of course, this turns into a disaster, and Claire realizes that it's okay to be a parent and that she and Haley can still have a good relationship. It's interesting to see Claire work on herself as she's often too stubborn.
Season 7: Gloria Delgado-Pritchett
Gloria does a great job in season 7 of working on her hot sauce company and attempting to get everyone together for some real family time in "White Christmas."
It's not always easy for everyone to get along and have fun, as Christmas proves to be a disaster, but it's sweet that Gloria does her best to get the family to see how much they mean to each other.
Season 8: Alex Dunphy
Alex changes on Modern Family and after going away to college, she starts experiencing more of life. Viewers like seeing more of Alex's personal life as she's brilliant academically but there's more to life than studying.
Alex and Ben start dating in season 8, and it's important to see Alex in a happy relationship. She grows a lot during this season as she enjoys having a partner who treats her well and is intelligent, even if her mom doesn't love him.
Season 9: Jay Pritchett
While Jay can be hard to like sometimes, as he's tough and gets annoyed easily, he becomes a much softer, more compassionate person in season 9.
Fans understand why Jay feels left out when Pritchett's Closet and Blinds makes it into a big international competition, as he doesn't want Claire and the rest of the company's employees to leave him behind. Jay also helps Manny by encouraging Gloria to let him have fun at college and in "Winner Winner Turkey Dinner" he lets everyone knows that he's proud of them. It's significant seeing Jay be so vocal about how much he loves his family.
Season 10: Cam Tucker
It's hilarious watching Cam's Fizbo Modern Family scenes, and he definitely adds his unique sense of humor to this already very funny show. Viewers love watching Cam in season 10 because he's taking responsibility by looking after Pam's son Cal when she is in prison.
Season 10 sees Cam struggling with his past and future. He worries that he's moved on too much from the country setting where he spent his childhood and that he should have a chicken, and he worries about his sister and what her life will be like.
Season 11: Haley Dunphy
While fans might not have guessed that Haley and Dylan would raise their twins in the show's final season, it's fascinating watching this huge change in Haley's world.
Haley shows that she is acting much older than she ever has before, wanting took the Thanksgiving meal and appreciating that her family is helping her out with her babies.