After finishing his run as Phil Dunphy on Modern Family, Ty Burrell voiced the character of Jack Harris in the animated series Duncanville alongside the show's creator Amy Poehler. That sounds like something that sweet, fun-loving and funny Phil would approve of as he embraces his inner child all the time.
Although Phil is a popular character and viewers love watching his dynamic with his wife Claire, three kids, and the other members of the extended family, some fans have some hot takes on Phil. Redditors are sharing what they really think about this beloved Modern Family character.
Phil Is Too Innocent
Phil is shown to be a kind person who loves his family, his job, his life, and his magic hobby. When other family members share a more cynical worldview, Phil is upset for them and wishes that they would share his strong belief that everything will be just fine. Not everyone thinks that Phil's innocent personality is a good thing.
Redditor Slugees doesn't like "that naive personality" that Phil has. It's true that sometimes Phil does the wrong thing to his family members and that he often smiles and acts overly cheerful even when he should be taking a situation seriously.
Phil Acts Too Much Like A Child
One of the personality traits that distinguishes Phil from the rest of the Modern Family characters is that he keeps his inner child around. Phil enjoys hanging out with his kids, especially Luke, because he loves pretending that he's still a kid. In many ways, Phil has never truly grown up because while he has a real estate career, a wife, and he's a father, he has never forgotten how much fun it can be to be silly and play outside.
One Redditor shared the unpopular opinion that Phil's childlike behavior is a problem, writing, "So far I dislike him too lol I really don't like the man child sterotype."
Phil Doesn't Know What He's Doing
There are many storylines on the sitcom when Phil makes huge mistakes because of miscommunication or because he didn't realize what a mess he would get into. In season 1, Phil hangs out with Denise, who he used to date, thinking that they weren't flirting on social media when it's clear that they were. In season 9, Phil wants to camp in the woods but doesn't want to admit that he's scared.
While Phil is often shown to be a fun, friendly and entertaining character, Redditor hot_teacups shared the hot take that Phil doesn't know what he's doing. The fan wrote, "incompetence is not cute."
Phil Isn't A Great Husband To Claire
When looking at Phil and Claire's Modern Family relationship, there are definitely some cracks in their marriage. But ultimately, fans love this couple and feel that they have each other's best interests at heart. It's sweet watching Phil and Claire be parents, go on date nights, celebrate Valentine's Day with their tradition of pretending to be different people, and handle the ups and downs that happen all the time.
Redditor cmariej shared the hot take that Phil isn't a good partner to Claire. The fan wrote, "He lies to Claire" and "Claire deserved better."
Phil Isn't Funny
Phil is famous for making up phrases and believing that they make total and perfect sense. He loves to laugh, joke around, and while his family and friends don't always think that he's hilarious, Modern Family viewers often praise this character for keeping life light-hearted and fun. Phil's quotes are often thought to be some of the show's most unforgettable.
However, some viewers aren't so sure about Phil's sense of humor or constant jokes. Redditor NightHawk112005 wrote about this character, "He thinks he's a lot funnier than he is."
Phil Tries Too Hard To Be The "Cool Dad"
It's interesting to compare the parenting skills on Modern Family as everyone has a different approach. When looking at the way that Phil and Claire raise Haley, Alex, and Dylan, it's clear that Phil is the "cool" parent. Claire worries more and thinks that their kids need to be on the right path so they can be successful and Phil goes with the flow and thinks that things will work out on their own.
Although fans enjoy seeing Phil's love for his kids and think that his fun attitude is a good thing, not everyone agrees. Redditor honk-if-you-see-me wrote, "everyone seems to love him for being a fun dad, but he’s a total mess in the start and constantly makes Claire sound like a monster when she’s not."
Phil Doesn't Appreciate Claire
Throughout all 11 seasons, Claire ensures that her family is happy and healthy, offering support and advice when she can and doing her best to not judge while sometimes making mistakes. Phil and Claire's dynamic results in hilarious storylines as they are total opposites and they don't always understand what the other person is doing or saying but know that they're in this together.
Redditor Mother_Eik4240 posted that they think that Phil doesn't do enough around the house and that he doesn't appreciate Claire. The fan wrote, "He never contributes to helping with household chores and never thanks Claire for everything she does for the family."
Phil Is Overrated
While favorite TV characters are always subjective, many Modern Family fans love Phil's sense of humor and general sense of silliness. Phil is part of so many plotlines that make the show what it is, from trying to sell a mansion in "Phil's Sexy, Sexy House" to grieving the loss of his father Frank. The sitcom is always heartfelt while still making viewers laugh.
Not every fan thinks that Phil is the best character. Redditor Anonymous2782 said, "I think he is overrated. He wss fun, but not more so than any of the other main cast." Generally, Phil is thought to be one of the funniest and entertaining parts of the show.
Phil Isn't Good Enough For Claire
Phil Dunphy is a fan favorite Modern Family character and while viewers enjoy watching Claire as well, Phil is often said to be one of the greatest characters thanks to his funny quotes, silly personality, and how he approaches life in a joyful, cheerful way. Phil and Claire are thought to be a nicely matched pair who balance each other out.
Redditor Artemis_201 thinks that Claire "settled" for Phil, writing, "2 much settling for less in that family, claire with phil, haley with dylan." Since Claire and Phil have a popular relationship, this is definitely a different take.
Claire Finds Phil "Embarrassing" So Phil And Claire Should Split
In every episode of Modern Family, one of the main characters makes a mistake, saying or doing something that hurts another person. They always apologize, clean the mess up, and try to be a better person next time. This is also true of Phil, who sometimes upsets Claire without trying to at all and who knows that he isn't perfect.
Not every fan thinks that this couple should have stayed together. Redditor Able-Professional507 asked if "Phil and Claire should have broken up?" as Claire "usually gets embarrassed about the things Phil does."