Modern Family season 3
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2023}}
{{Infobox television season
| season_number = 3
| bgcolour = #ED9121
| image = Modern Family Season 3.jpg
| image_upright = 1.15
| image_alt =
| caption = Region 1 DVD cover
| starring = {{Plainlist|
- Ed O'Neill
- Sofía Vergara
- Julie Bowen
- Ty Burrell
- Jesse Tyler Ferguson
- Eric Stonestreet
- Sarah Hyland
- Ariel Winter
- Nolan Gould
- Rico Rodriguez
- Aubrey Anderson-Emmons
}}
| num_episodes = 24
| network = ABC
| first_aired = {{Start date|2011|9|21}}
| last_aired = {{End date|2012|5|23}}
| prev_season = Season 2
| next_season = Season 4
| episode_list = List of Modern Family episodes
}}
The third season of the American television sitcom Modern Family aired on ABC from September 21, 2011 to May 23, 2012.{{cite web |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/06/27/abc-announces-fall-series-premiere-dates-late-starts-for-once-upon-a-time-man-up/96596/ |title=ABC Announces Fall Series Premiere Dates: Late Starts for 'Once Upon a Time,' 'Man Up' |author=Seidman, Robert |date=June 27, 2011 |work=TV by the Numbers |access-date=2011-06-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527051146/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/06/27/abc-announces-fall-series-premiere-dates-late-starts-for-once-upon-a-time-man-up/96596/ |archive-date=May 27, 2016 |url-status=dead }} This season was ordered on January 10, 2011.{{cite magazine |last=Hibberd |first=James |url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/01/10/greys-modern-family-castle-abc-renewal/ |title='Grey's Anatomy,' 'Modern Family,' 'Castle' plus three more ABC shows get early renewals | Inside TV | EW.com |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=2011-01-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725123307/http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/01/10/greys-modern-family-castle-abc-renewal/ |archive-date=2013-07-25 |url-status=live }} The season was produced by Lloyd-Levitan Productions in association with 20th Century Fox Television, with series creators Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd serving as showrunners.
This season like the previous seasons won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Eric Stonestreet (third consecutively and second for Stonestreet), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Julie Bowen (second consecutive), along with Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series for Steven Levitan, among the fourteen nominations it earned. It also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy.
Production
=Crew=
The third season of the show was produced by 20th Century Fox Television and Lloyd-Levitan Productions and aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC). Modern Family is produced by co-creators Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan who serve as executive producers and show runners with Bill Wrubel as co-executive producer.{{cite web |url=http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2010/07/modern-family-writers-want-an-ensemble-acting-emmy.html |title='Modern Family' writers want an ensemble-acting Emmy |author=Porter, Rick |date=July 20, 2010 |work=Zap2it |access-date=2010-07-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722001134/http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2010/07/modern-family-writers-want-an-ensemble-acting-emmy.html |archive-date=July 22, 2010 |url-status=dead }} The season premiere was filmed at a dude ranch according to Modern Family star Eric Stonestreet.{{cite web |url=http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b246392_will_modern_family_recast_baby_lily.html |title=Will Modern Family Recast Baby Lily? Plus, What Are Cam and Mitchell's Plans for Kiddo No. 2? |publisher=E! |date=2011-06-09 |access-date=2011-06-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612151721/http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b246392_will_modern_family_recast_baby_lily.html |archive-date=2011-06-12 |url-status=live }} The top choice for the setting for the dude ranch was Jackson, Wyoming.{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011/06/29/business-broadcasting-amp-entertainment-us-american-family-jackson-hole_8541063.html |title=Wyo. city in running for 'Modern Family' premiere |date=June 29, 2011 |work=Forbes |access-date=2011-06-29 }}{{dead link|date=January 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Other cities that were under consideration were Tucson, Arizona and Bozeman, Montana. The premiere will also be the first one-hour episode for the series. The season featured the second Christmas episode and the first Thanksgiving episode.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.tvguide.com/News/Modern-Family-Christmas-1036899.aspx |title=Exclusive: It's Christmas Time on Modern Family - Today's News: Our Take |magazine=TV Guide |date=August 30, 2011 |access-date=September 1, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026234724/http://www.tvguide.com/News/Modern-Family-Christmas-1036899.aspx |archive-date=October 26, 2011 |url-status=live }} The season also added new writers including Cindy Chupack as co-executive producer and Ben Karlin as consulting producer.{{cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |url=https://deadline.com/2011/06/staffing-season-highlights-who-got-hottest-jobs-which-shows-attracted-most-writers-139381/ |title=Staffing Season Highlights: Who Got Hottest Jobs, Which Shows Attracted Most Writers – |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=June 21, 2011 |access-date=September 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822150907/http://www.deadline.com/2011/06/staffing-season-highlights-who-got-hottest-jobs-which-shows-attracted-most-writers/ |archive-date=August 22, 2011 |url-status=live }} On February 29, 2012, the cast filmed an episode on location at Disneyland. The episode aired on May 9, 2012.{{cite web |url=http://laist.com/2012/02/29/modern_family_cast_filming_at_disneyland_today.php |title='Modern Family' Cast Filming at Disneyland Today: LAist |access-date=2012-03-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171106151902/http://laist.com/2012/02/29/modern_family_cast_filming_at_disneyland_today.php |archive-date=2017-11-06 }}
=Cast=
{{see also|List of Modern Family characters}}
Modern Family employs an ensemble cast. The series is set in Los Angeles and focuses on the family lives of Jay Pritchett (Ed O'Neill), his daughter Claire Dunphy (Julie Bowen), and his son Mitchell Pritchett (Jesse Tyler Ferguson). Claire is a homemaker mom married to Phil Dunphy (Ty Burrell); they have three children, Haley (Sarah Hyland), the typical teenager,{{cite web |url=http://abc.go.com/shows/modern-family/bio/haley/274499 |title=Haley (Sarah Hyland) Bio |access-date=2010-09-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100917171553/http://abc.go.com/shows/modern-family/bio/haley/274499 |archive-date=2010-09-17 }} Alex (Ariel Winter), the smart middle child{{cite web |url=http://abc.go.com/shows/modern-family/bio/alex/274503 |title=Alex (Ariel Winter) Bio |access-date=2010-09-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918031044/http://abc.go.com/shows/modern-family/bio/alex/274503 |archive-date=2010-09-18 }} and Luke (Nolan Gould), the offbeat only son.{{cite web |url=http://abc.go.com/shows/modern-family/bio/luke/274501 |title=Luke (Nolan Gould) Bio |access-date=2010-09-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125051016/http://abc.go.com/shows/modern-family/bio/luke/274501 |archive-date=2012-01-25 }} Jay is married to a much younger Colombian woman, Gloria (Sofía Vergara), and is helping her raise her pre-teen son, Manny (Rico Rodriguez). Mitchell and his partner Cameron Tucker (Eric Stonestreet) have adopted a Vietnamese baby, Lily (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons). The kids are only required to appear in 22 episodes.{{cite news |last=Teti |first=John |url=https://www.avclub.com/modern-family-caught-in-the-act-1798167042 |title="Caught In The Act" | Modern Family |newspaper=The A.V. Club |access-date=2011-01-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122061517/http://www.avclub.com/articles/caught-in-the-act,50195/ |archive-date=2011-01-22 |url-status=live }}
Near the end of the second season, there were rumors of the producers recasting the role of Lily, and changing her age from a baby to a toddler. In July 2011, a casting call for a "3- to 4-year-old daughter of Mitchell and Cameron" was put out by the producers.{{cite web |url=https://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/07/modern_family_wants_to_trade_i.html?imw=Y&f=most-viewed-24h5 |title=Modern Family Wants to Trade In Its Baby |author=Lyons, Margaret |date=July 7, 2011 |work=New York |access-date=July 7, 2011 }} They eventually cast Aubrey Anderson-Emmons to replace Jayden and Ella Hiller.{{cite magazine |last=Franich |first=Darren |url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/08/12/baby-lily-modern-family/ |title=Modern Family replaces Baby Lily | Inside TV | EW.com |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=August 12, 2011 |access-date=August 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110918015844/http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/08/12/baby-lily-modern-family/ |archive-date=September 18, 2011 |url-status=dead }} The season will also feature the developing of Lily's character.{{cite web |url=http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2011/07/07/a-new-lily-for-modern-family/ |title=A new Lily for 'Modern Family'? |date=July 7, 2011 |work=CNN |access-date=July 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709211417/http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2011/07/07/a-new-lily-for-modern-family/ |archive-date=July 9, 2011 |url-status=dead }} There is a possibility of Cameron and Mitchell adopting another baby although it is not definite.{{cite magazine |last=Rice |first=Lynette |url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/05/26/modern-family-finale/ |title=Modern Family finale 2011 | Inside TV | EW.com |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=2011-05-26 |access-date=2011-06-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110529012535/http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/05/26/modern-family-finale/ |archive-date=2011-05-29 |url-status=live }}{{cite episode |title=The One That Got Away |episode-link=The One That Got Away (Modern Family) |series=Modern Family |series-link=Modern Family |credits=Paul Corrigan, Brad Walsh, Dan O'Shannon (writer) Jim Bagdonas (director) |network=ABC |airdate=May 25, 2011 |season=2 |number=24}} The season will also feature Haley's senior year of high school, and her being shown at least one prospect for college.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.tvguide.com/News/New-Season-Surprises-1035651.aspx |title=Keck's Exclusives: New Season Surprises - Today's News: Our Take |magazine=TV Guide |date=2008-10-01 |access-date=2011-07-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110816064314/http://www.tvguide.com/News/New-Season-Surprises-1035651.aspx |archive-date=2011-08-16 |url-status=live }} The season will also feature several guest stars. In the season premiere, Tim Blake Nelson guest starred as a cowboy who "intimidates the guys and sends the girls' hearts a-twitter".{{cite magazine |url=https://www.tvguide.com/News/Modern-Family-Tim-Blake-1036295.aspx |title=Keck's Exclusives: Modern Family Corrals Tim Blake Nelson for Premiere - Today's News: Our Take |magazine=TV Guide |date=August 10, 2011 |access-date=August 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822173549/http://www.tvguide.com/News/Modern-Family-Tim-Blake-1036295.aspx |archive-date=August 22, 2011 |url-status=live }} Benjamin Bratt is currently slated to guest star as Manny's biological father and Gloria's ex-husband.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.tvguide.com/News/Benjamin-Bratt-Modern-Family-1036332.aspx |title=Benjamin Bratt to Return to Modern Family, Baby Lily Recast - Today's News: Our Take |magazine=TV Guide |date=August 12, 2011 |access-date=August 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925042647/http://www.tvguide.com/News/Benjamin-Bratt-Modern-Family-1036332.aspx |archive-date=September 25, 2011 |url-status=live }} This will mark Bratt's second appearance on the series. David Cross will also have a recurring role on the series as a city councilman who becomes enemies with Claire.{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/modern-family-lands-arrested-development-230424 |title='Modern Family' Lands 'Arrested Development' Star David Cross (Exclusive) |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=September 2, 2011 |access-date=September 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121084706/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/modern-family-lands-arrested-development-230424 |archive-date=January 21, 2012 |url-status=live }}
Episodes
{{see also|List of Modern Family episodes}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Modern Family season 3
|MainList=List of Modern Family episodes
|EpisodeNumber=49
|EpisodeNumber2=1
|Title= Dude Ranch
|DirectedBy= Jason Winer
|WrittenBy= Paul Corrigan & Brad Walsh & Dan O'Shannon
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|9|21}}
|ProdCode=3ARG03
|ShortSummary=While vacationing at Lost Creek Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the three families try their hands at a little cattle herding, skeet shooting, and horseback riding. There are also some big firsts, a huge surprise, and an actual face-off between Jay and a cowboy named Hank (Tim Blake Nelson).
|LineColor= ED9121
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Modern Family season 3
|MainList=List of Modern Family episodes
|EpisodeNumber=50
|EpisodeNumber2=2
|Title= When Good Kids Go Bad
|DirectedBy= Michael Spiller
|WrittenBy= Jeffrey Richman
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|9|21}}
|ProdCode=3ARG02
|ShortSummary=Mitchell and Cameron plan an evening with the whole family to break the happy news that they're attempting to adopt another child. However, things go poorly when they realize that Lily may not take well to another baby in the house. Meanwhile, Claire and Jay are each focused on proving a point.
|LineColor= ED9121
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Modern Family season 3
|MainList=List of Modern Family episodes
|EpisodeNumber=51
|EpisodeNumber2=3
|Title= Phil on Wire
|DirectedBy= Jason Winer
|WrittenBy={{WritingCredits|t=Danny Zuker|s=Bianca Douglas & Danny Zuker||order=t}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|9|28}}
|ProdCode=3ARG01
|ShortSummary=The growing bond between Jay and the dog, Stella, gets on Gloria's nerves. Meanwhile, Phil and Luke go on a tightrope, but it's Claire with the missteps as she tries to teach the girls a life lesson. Cam's juice fast creates tension between him and Mitchell.
|LineColor= ED9121
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Modern Family season 3
|MainList=List of Modern Family episodes
|EpisodeNumber=52
|EpisodeNumber2=4
|Title= Door to Door
|DirectedBy= Chris Koch
|WrittenBy= Bill Wrubel
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|10|5}}
|ProdCode=3ARG04
|ShortSummary=Jay is determined to help Manny sell wrapping paper for a school fundraiser. Claire petitions the city for a stop sign to be installed at a high-traffic intersection. Mitchell tries to prove a point with Cameron, and neither one of them will back down. Phil and Luke attempt to create a viral video sensation. Finally, Gloria is desperate to find Stella after losing her.
|LineColor= ED9121
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Modern Family season 3
|MainList=List of Modern Family episodes
|EpisodeNumber=53
|EpisodeNumber2=5
|Title= Hit and Run
|DirectedBy= Jason Winer
|WrittenBy= Elaine Ko
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|10|12}}
|ProdCode=3ARG06
|ShortSummary=Phil and Claire's encounter with an annoying city councilman (David Cross) on the campaign trail gets Claire thinking about throwing her hat into the ring. Meanwhile, Gloria's offer for help fall on deaf ears with Jay, who's frustrated at work, and Manny, who's worried about school; and Mitchell and Cameron have a hit-and-run fender bender that leads to a confrontation with a kid who's bothering Haley.
|LineColor= ED9121
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Modern Family season 3
|MainList=List of Modern Family episodes
|EpisodeNumber=54
|EpisodeNumber2=6
|Title= Go Bullfrogs!
|DirectedBy= Scott Ellis
|WrittenBy= Abraham Higginbotham
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|10|19}}
|ProdCode=3ARG07
|ShortSummary=When Phil takes Haley to his Alma Mater on a trip to visit colleges, Claire persuades Mitchell and Cameron to include her in their boys' night out. Meanwhile, Gloria and Jay are alarmed at how fast Manny appears to be growing up.
Note: Ariel Winter and Aubrey Anderson-Emmons did not appear in this episode.
|LineColor= ED9121
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Modern Family season 3
|MainList=List of Modern Family episodes
|EpisodeNumber=55
|EpisodeNumber2=7
|Title= Treehouse
|DirectedBy= Jason Winer
|WrittenBy= Steven Levitan
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|11|2}}
|ProdCode=3ARG08
|ShortSummary=Gloria persuades Jay to commit to a night of salsa dancing after seeing how much his friend Shorty (Chazz Palminteri) and his girlfriend (Jennifer Tilly) do together. Meanwhile, Cameron makes a bet that he can get a woman's (Leslie Mann) phone number at the bar and Phil builds a tree house for Luke.
Note: Ariel Winter and Aubrey Anderson-Emmons did not appear in this episode.
|LineColor= ED9121
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Modern Family season 3
|MainList=List of Modern Family episodes
|EpisodeNumber=56
|EpisodeNumber2=8
|Title= After the Fire
|DirectedBy= Fred Savage
|WrittenBy= Danny Zuker
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|11|16}}
|ProdCode=3ARG09
|ShortSummary=The Pritchetts rally for a good cause after a neighbor's house burns down, but there's a downside to their Samaritan intentions when Jay injures his back. Cameron takes on a moving truck and some donated toys fall into the wrong hands.
Note: Aubrey Anderson-Emmons did not appear in this episode.
|LineColor= ED9121
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Modern Family season 3
|MainList=List of Modern Family episodes
|EpisodeNumber=57
|EpisodeNumber2=9
|Title= Punkin Chunkin
|DirectedBy= Michael Spiller
|WrittenBy= Ben Karlin
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|11|23}}
|ProdCode=3ARG05
|ShortSummary=A former neighborhood resident, now rich and successful, returns for a visit. Jay thinks Manny needs constructive criticism and Mitchell questions the authenticity of Cameron's colorful childhood stories.
|LineColor= ED9121
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Modern Family season 3
|MainList=List of Modern Family episodes
|EpisodeNumber=58
|EpisodeNumber2=10
|Title= Express Christmas
|DirectedBy= Michael Spiller
|WrittenBy= Cindy Chupack
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|12|7}}
|ProdCode=3ARG10
|ShortSummary=The family gathers at Jay and Gloria's pool on a sunny December day, and realize that everyone will be scattered this coming Christmas, so they set off with their respective duties to throw an impromptu Christmas celebration. Therefore, Mitchell, Alex and Lily search for a tree, Jay and Cameron wrap gifts, Phil and Manny shop for the groceries, Gloria and Luke retrieve the angel, that Claire and Mitchell's mother made them, from the attic, and Claire and Haley shop for last-minute gifts.
|LineColor= ED9121
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Modern Family season 3
|MainList=List of Modern Family episodes
|EpisodeNumber=59
|EpisodeNumber2=11
|Title= Lifetime Supply
|DirectedBy= Chris Koch
|WrittenBy= Jeffrey Richman & Bill Wrubel
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|1|4}}
|ProdCode=3ARG11
|ShortSummary=Phil contemplates the worst, after missing a call from the doctor. Elsewhere, Javier, Manny's biological father, pays another visit to take his son to the horse races. Mitchell wins an environmental law award, creating a competition between Cam and himself on who has the better trophy. Gloria tutors Haley in Spanish.
|LineColor= ED9121
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Modern Family season 3
|MainList=List of Modern Family episodes
|EpisodeNumber=60
|EpisodeNumber2=12
|Title= Egg Drop
|DirectedBy= Jason Winer
|WrittenBy= Paul Corrigan & Brad Walsh
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|1|11}}
|ProdCode=3ARG12
|ShortSummary=Jay and Claire take control of their kids' school projects from Manny and Luke, while Haley and Gloria help Phil with a real estate presentation. Elsewhere, Cam and Mitchell meet with a potential birth mother.
Note: Aubrey Anderson-Emmons did not appear in this episode.
|LineColor= ED9121
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Modern Family season 3
|MainList=List of Modern Family episodes
|EpisodeNumber=61
|EpisodeNumber2=13
|Title= Little Bo Bleep
|DirectedBy= Chris Koch
|WrittenBy= Cindy Chupack
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|1|18}}
|ProdCode=3ARG14
|ShortSummary=Claire prepares for her debate with Duane Bailey. Mitch and Cam try to clean up Lily's language before her turn as a flower girl. Jay blames Stella's strange behavior on Gloria.
|LineColor= ED9121
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Modern Family season 3
|MainList=List of Modern Family episodes
|EpisodeNumber=62
|EpisodeNumber2=14
|Title= Me? Jealous?
|DirectedBy= Michael Spiller
|WrittenBy= Ben Karlin
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|2|8}}
|ProdCode=3ARG13
|ShortSummary= Claire believes that Phil's new prospective client is inappropriate, but she cannot convince a trusting Phil. Meanwhile, Cam and Mitchell stay with Gloria and Jay, while their house is being fumigated.
|LineColor= ED9121
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Modern Family season 3
|MainList=List of Modern Family episodes
|EpisodeNumber=63
|EpisodeNumber2=15
|Title= Aunt Mommy
|DirectedBy= Michael Spiller
|WrittenBy= Abraham Higginbotham & Dan O'Shannon
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|2|15}}
|ProdCode=3ARG15
|ShortSummary= After selling a house to Mitch and Cameron's friends, Claire and Phil plan a celebratory dinner; overindulging in drinks leads to over sharing.
|LineColor= ED9121
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Modern Family season 3
|MainList=List of Modern Family episodes
|EpisodeNumber=64
|EpisodeNumber2=16
|Title= Virgin Territory
|DirectedBy= Jason Winer
|WrittenBy= Elaine Ko
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|2|22}}
|ProdCode=3ARG17
|ShortSummary=It's a day of disturbing realizations when Mitchell manages to ruin one of Jay's proudest golf moments, Phil overhears something that may forever change how he sees his little girl, and Gloria stumbles upon Claire's dangerous little secret. Luke and Manny try to get Lily into trouble because she is too cute.
|LineColor= ED9121
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Modern Family season 3
|MainList=List of Modern Family episodes
|EpisodeNumber=65
|EpisodeNumber2=17
|Title= Leap Day
|WrittenBy= Danny Zuker
|DirectedBy= Gail Mancuso
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|2|29}}
|ProdCode=3ARG19
|ShortSummary= Mitchell feels pressured to make Cameron's birthday extra special; people start to question Jay's manliness; the girls' "cycles" interfere with Phil's leap day plans.
|LineColor= ED9121
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Modern Family season 3
|MainList=List of Modern Family episodes
|EpisodeNumber=66
|EpisodeNumber2=18
|Title= Send Out the Clowns
|DirectedBy= Steven Levitan
|WrittenBy= Steven Levitan & Jeffrey Richman & Bill Wrubel
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|3|14}}
|ProdCode=3ARG16
|ShortSummary= Cameron's former clown partner comes to town. Meanwhile, another real estate agent obtains a listing Phil was trying to land. Elsewhere, a new friend of Manny's has Gloria and Jay suspicious.
|LineColor= ED9121
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Modern Family season 3
|MainList=List of Modern Family episodes
|EpisodeNumber=67
|EpisodeNumber2=19
|Title= Election Day
|DirectedBy= Bryan Cranston
|WrittenBy= Ben Karlin
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|4|11}}
|ProdCode=3ARG20
|ShortSummary= On Election Day, the family does some last-minute campaigning for Claire. Claire experiences technical difficulties during interviews.
Note: Aubrey Anderson-Emmons did not appear in this episode.
|LineColor= ED9121
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Modern Family season 3
|MainList=List of Modern Family episodes
|EpisodeNumber=68
|EpisodeNumber2=20
|Title= The Last Walt
|DirectedBy= Michael Spiller
|WrittenBy= Dan O'Shannon & Paul Corrigan & Brad Walsh
|Viewers=10.21{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/04/19/wednesday-final-ratings-american-idol-svu-survivor-modern-family-adjusted-up-off-their-rockers-best-friends-forever-rock-center-adjusted-down/129836/|title=Wednesday Final Ratings: 'American Idol', 'SVU', 'Survivor', 'Modern Family' Adjusted Up; 'Off Their Rockers, 'Best Friends Forever', 'Rock Center' Adjusted Down|last=Kondolojy|first=Amanda|publisher=TV by the Numbers|date=April 19, 2012|access-date=April 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423061125/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/04/19/wednesday-final-ratings-american-idol-svu-survivor-modern-family-adjusted-up-off-their-rockers-best-friends-forever-rock-center-adjusted-down/129836/|archive-date=April 23, 2012|url-status=dead}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|4|18}}
|ProdCode=3ARG21
|ShortSummary= Claire tries to help Luke cope with the death of their neighbor, Walt. Phil and Alex spend some time together. Haley throws a pool party without permission at Jay and Gloria's house; Cameron's father visits.
|LineColor= ED9121
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Modern Family season 3
|MainList=List of Modern Family episodes
|EpisodeNumber=69
|EpisodeNumber2=21
|Title= Planes, Trains and Cars
|DirectedBy= Michael Spiller
|WrittenBy= Paul Corrigan & Brad Walsh
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|5|2}}
|ProdCode=3ARG18
|ShortSummary= Phil's friend Andre (Kevin Hart) convinces him to buy a two-seat convertible instead of his regular Cadillac, to which Claire's response is far from expected. Cam and Mitchell lose Lily's favorite stuffed rabbit on the subway and go to great lengths to recover it. Meanwhile, Jay, Gloria and Manny take a trip to Jay's high-school reunion but run into trouble along the way.
|LineColor= ED9121
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Modern Family season 3
|MainList=List of Modern Family episodes
|EpisodeNumber=70
|EpisodeNumber2=22
|Title= Disneyland
|DirectedBy= James Bagdonas
|WrittenBy= Cindy Chupack
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|5|9}}
|ProdCode=3ARG22
|ShortSummary= When the family travels to Disneyland, Phil struggles to keep up with Luke. Claire tries to set Haley up with her friends nephew Ethan (Matt Prokop) but is stunned when they run into Dylan. Cam and Mitch try to curb Lily's new penchant for running.
|LineColor= ED9121
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Modern Family season 3
|MainList=List of Modern Family episodes
|EpisodeNumber=71
|EpisodeNumber2=23
|Title= Tableau Vivant
|DirectedBy= Gail Mancuso
|WrittenBy= Elaine Ko & Jeffrey Richman & Bill Wrubel
|Viewers= 9.36{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/17/wednesday-final-ratingsamerican-idol-criminal-minds-off-their-rockers-adjusted-up-dont-trust-the-b-adjusted-down/134655/|title=Wednesday Final Ratings:'American Idol', 'Criminal Minds', 'Off Their Rockers' Adjusted Up; 'Don't Trust the B' Adjusted Down|last=Bibel|first=Sara|date=May 17, 2012|work=TV by the Numbers|access-date=May 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626024559/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/17/wednesday-final-ratingsamerican-idol-criminal-minds-off-their-rockers-adjusted-up-dont-trust-the-b-adjusted-down/134655/|archive-date=June 26, 2012|url-status=dead}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|5|16}}
|ProdCode=3ARG23
|ShortSummary= Gloria and Jay bicker while trying to order lunch at a diner; Claire and Cam have different theories on how to discipline kids; Luke accepts an award under false pretenses; Phil has a hard time firing Mitchell from his temporary job at the real estate agency; the entire family participates in Alex's living art display of Norman Rockwell's Thanksgiving painting "Freedom from want".
|LineColor= ED9121
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Modern Family season 3
|MainList=List of Modern Family episodes
|EpisodeNumber=72
|EpisodeNumber2=24
|Title= Baby on Board
|DirectedBy= Steven Levitan
|WrittenBy= Abraham Higginbotham
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|5|23}}
|ProdCode=3ARG24
|ShortSummary= While Gloria helps Cam and Mitch pursue an adoption opportunity, Jay and Manny baby-sit Lily; Alex attends her first prom; Haley makes a shocking announcement about her plans for the future.
|LineColor= ED9121
}}
}}
Reception
=Reviews=
The season has received an overall positive reception, most of which stated that the series had lost some of its originality and wit while falling prey to comedy clichés, while praising its writing and humour. Slant Magazine reviewer Peter Swanson wrote that while the first episode was "the type of wacky-location stunt that's usually reserved for the fifth or sixth season of a dying sitcom", the following episodes "have been better [...] but they're still uneven".{{cite magazine |last=Swanson |first=Peter |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/tv/review/modern-family-season-three/289 |title=Modern Family: Season Three | TV Review |magazine=Slant Magazine |date=October 20, 2011 |access-date=October 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122055418/http://www.slantmagazine.com/tv/review/modern-family-season-three/289 |archive-date=November 22, 2011 |url-status=live }} He also criticized the writers for relying too much on "stunt episodes and celebrity cameos, like David Cross". He ultimately gave the season 3 out of 4 stars. HitFix reviewers Alan Sepinwall and Daniel Feinberg considered the season uneven and Feinberg criticized the season for the multitude of guest stars like David Cross.{{cite web |url=http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/the-fien-print/posts/listen-firewall-iceberg-podcast-no-103 |title=Listen: Firewall & Iceberg Podcast No. 103 |author=Feinberg, Daniel |date=November 21, 2011 |work=HitFix |access-date=November 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124032734/http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/the-fien-print/posts/listen-firewall-iceberg-podcast-no-103 |archive-date=November 24, 2011 |url-status=live }} Sepinwall also criticized the writing for Bowen's character for being "shrill and angry". Despite this, they both complimented the performance of the kids. James Parker of The Atlantic said, at the beginning of the third season that "Modern Family is very, very funny, almost ruthlessly so," [It's] a bit of a master class in pace and brevity ... The writing is Vorsprung durch Technik: hectically compressed but dramatically elegant, prodigal in its zingers and snorters but austere in its construction." He found it an exception to his dislike for sitcoms that eschew a laugh track.{{cite journal|last=Parker|first=James|title=Family Portrait|journal=The Atlantic|date=November 2011|volume=308|issue=4|pages=42–44|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2011/11/family-portrait/8685/|access-date=October 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827044025/https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2011/11/family-portrait/308685/|archive-date=August 27, 2018|url-status=live}}
Despite the recent criticism from some critics, the third season won its first Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy, beating out two-time winner Glee.
=Ratings=
Like the previous two seasons, Modern Family aired Wednesday at 9:00pm and is coupled with Happy Endings.{{cite web|last=Mitovich|first=Matt Webb|title=Fall TV: ABC Sets Premiere Dates, Including Supersized Grey's Anatomy and Modern Family|url=http://www.tvline.com/2011/06/fall-tv-abc-premiere-dates/|work=TV Line|publisher=TV Line Media, LLC|date=June 27, 2011|access-date=June 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629093736/http://www.tvline.com/2011/06/fall-tv-abc-premiere-dates/|archive-date=June 29, 2011|url-status=dead}} Aided by winning the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series for the second time, ratings for the one-hour season premiere, "Dude Ranch" / "When Good Kids Go Bad", rose up 18% compared to the previous season premiere, "The Old Wagon" making it the highest rated episode for the series and the highest rated ABC premiere in six years.{{cite web |author=Seidman, Robert |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/09/22/tv-ratings-wednesday-x-factor-no-idol-modern-family-premieres-big-revenge-gets-nice-start-csi-svu/104503/ |title=TV Ratings Wednesday: 'X Factor' No 'Idol'; 'Modern Family' Premieres Big; 'Revenge' Gets Nice Start; CSI > SVU - Ratings |publisher=TV by the Numbers |date=September 22, 2011 |access-date=September 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924103650/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/09/22/tv-ratings-wednesday-x-factor-no-idol-modern-family-premieres-big-revenge-gets-nice-start-csi-svu/104503/ |archive-date=September 24, 2011 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tv-ratings-modern-family-premiere-239168 |title=TV Ratings: 'Modern Family' Premiere Up 18%; Fox's 'X Factor' Drives Night's Win in Key Demo |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=September 23, 2011 |access-date=September 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924213010/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tv-ratings-modern-family-premiere-239168 |archive-date=September 24, 2011 |url-status=live }} "Dude Ranch" / "When Good Kids Go Bad" finished first in the ratings with a 6.2 rating among adults between the ages of 18 and 49. The high ratings have led to a rise in cost for an ad, with an average of $249,388 per 30-second commercial, making it one of the highest costing shows of the season.{{cite magazine |last=Steinberg |first=Brian |url=http://adage.com/article/mediaworks/chart-american-idol-nfl-duke-priciest-tv-spot/230547/#thurs |title=Chart: 'American Idol,' NFL Duke it out for Priciest TV Spot | MediaWorks - Advertising Age |magazine=Advertising Age |date=October 24, 2011 |access-date=October 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027031608/http://adage.com/article/mediaworks/chart-american-idol-nfl-duke-priciest-tv-spot/230547/#thurs |archive-date=October 27, 2011 |url-status=live }}
{{Television episode ratings
| width = 99
| title1 = Dude Ranch
| date1 = September 21, 2011
| rs1 = 6.2/15
| dvr1 = 2.4
| dvrv1 = 4.70
| total1 = 8.6
| title2 = When Good Kids Go Bad
| date2 = September 21, 2011
| rs2 = 6.0/15
| dvr2 = 2.3
| dvrv2 = 4.63
| total2 = 8.3
| title3 = Phil on Wire
| date3 = September 28, 2011
| rs3 = 5.7/15
| dvr3 = 2.2
| dvrv3 = 4.46
| total3 = 7.9
| title4 = Door to Door
| date4 = October 5, 2011
| rs4 = 5.7/15
| dvr4 = 2.4
| dvrv4 = 4.82
| total4 = 8.1
| title5 = Hit and Run
| date5 = October 12, 2011
| rs5 = 5.9/14
| dvr5 = 2.4
| dvrv5 = 4.71
| total5 = 8.3
| title6 = Go Bullfrogs!
| date6 = October 19, 2011
| rs6 = 5.7/14
| dvr6 = 2.3
| dvrv6 = 4.39
| total6 = 8.0
| title7 = Treehouse
| date7 = November 2, 2011
| rs7 = 5.7/14
| dvr7 = 2.6
| dvrv7 = 4.92
| total7 = 8.3
| title8 = After the Fire
| date8 = November 16, 2011
| rs8 = 5.6/14
| dvr8 = 2.4
| dvrv8 = 4.81
| total8 = 8.0
| title9 = Punkin Chunkin
| date9 = November 23, 2011
| rs9 = 4.6/12
| dvr9 = n/a
| dvrv9 = n/a
| total9 = n/a
| totalv9 = n/a
| title10 = Express Christmas
| date10 = December 7, 2011
| rs10 = 5.1/13
| dvr10 = 2.5
| dvrv10 = 4.94
| total10 = 7.6
| title11 = Lifetime Supply
| date11 = January 4, 2012
| rs11 = 5.7/14
| dvr11 = 2.4
| dvrv11 = 4.85
| total11 = 8.1
| title12 = Egg Drop
| date12 = January 11, 2012
| rs12 = 5.1/13
| dvr12 = 2.3
| dvrv12 = 4.57
| total12 = 7.4
| title13 = Little Bo Bleep
| date13 = January 18, 2012
| rs13 = 5.1/12
| dvr13 = 2.7
| dvrv13 = 5.24
| total13 = 7.8
| title14 = Me? Jealous?
| date14 = February 8, 2012
| rs14 = 5.5/14
| dvr14 = 2.7
| dvrv14 = 5.17
| total14 = 8.2
| title15 = Aunt Mommy
| date15 = February 15, 2012
| rs15 = 4.7/12
| dvr15 = 2.7
| dvrv15 = 5.46
| total15 = 7.4
| title16 = Virgin Territory
| date16 = February 22, 2012
| rs16 = 4.8/12
| dvr16 = 2.8
| dvrv16 = 5.20
| total16 = 7.6
| title17 = Leap Day
| date17 = February 29, 2012
| rs17 = 4.8/12
| dvr17 = 2.7
| dvrv17 = 5.20
| total17 = 7.5
| title18 = Send Out the Clowns
| date18 = March 14, 2012
| rs18 = 4.5/12
| dvr18 = 2.5
| dvrv18 = 4.82
| total18 = 7.0
| title19 = Election Day
| date19 = April 11, 2012
| rs19 = 4.2/11
| dvr19 = 2.0
| dvrv19 = 4.25
| total19 = 6.2
| title20 = The Last Walt
| date20 = April 18, 2012
| rs20 = 4.1/11
| dvr20 = 2.3
| dvrv20 = 4.51
| total20 = 6.4
| title21 = Plains, Trains and Cars
| date21 = May 2, 2012
| rs21 = 4.1/11
| dvr21 = 2.1
| dvrv21 = 4.13
| total21 = 6.2
| title22 = Disneyland
| date22 = May 9, 2012
| rs22 = 4.4/12
| dvr22 = 2.3
| dvrv22 = 4.54
| total22 = 6.7
| title23 = Tableau Vivant
| date23 = May 16, 2012
| rs23 = 3.9/11
| dvr23 = 2.3
| dvrv23 = 4.34
| total23 = 6.2
| title24 = Baby on Board
| date24 = May 23, 2012
| rs24 = 4.1/11
| dvr24 = n/a
| dvrv24 = n/a
| total24 = n/a
| totalv24 = n/a
}}
Awards and nominations
{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Modern Family}}
=Primetime Emmy Awards=
Despite the mixed reviews, the third season received 14 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, the most nominations for a comedy, and won five of them.{{Cite web|url = http://www.emmys.com/shows/modern-family|title = Modern Family Emmys|publisher = Emmys Official site - Archive|access-date = 2012-07-21|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120723035527/http://www.emmys.com/shows/modern-family|archive-date = 2012-07-23|url-status = live}}
| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%;"
! colspan="5" style="background: Gold;" | Primetime Awards |
| style="text-align:center;"
! style="background:#cce;"| Year ! style="background:#cce;"| Category ! style="background:#cce;"| Nominees ! style="background:#cce;"| For role/episode ! style="background:#cce;"| Outcome |
| rowspan="9"|2012
| |{{won}} |
| rowspan="4"|Outstanding Supporting Actor in Comedy Series |Cameron Tucker |{{won}} |
| Jesse Tyler Ferguson
|Mitchell Pritchett |rowspan="3" {{nom}} |
| Ty Burrell
|Phil Dunphy |
| Ed O'Neill
|Jay Pritchett |
| rowspan="2"|Outstanding Supporting Actress in Comedy Series |Claire Dunphy |{{won}} |
| Sofia Vergara
|Gloria Delgado-Pritchett |{{nom}} |
| rowspan="2"|Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series |Episode: "Baby on Board" |{{won}} |
| Jason Winer
|Episode: "Virgin Territory" |{{nom}} |
| colspan="5" style="background: Gold;" | Primetime Creative Arts Awards |
|---|
| rowspan="5"|2012
|Outstanding Casting |Jeff Greenberg | |rowspan="4" {{nom}} |
| Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series |Role: Tad |
| rowspan="2"|Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series |Ryan Case |Episode: "Leap Day" |
| Steven A. Rasch
|Episode: "Election Day" |
| Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half-Hour) and Animation |Modern Family |Episode: "Dude Ranch" |{{won}} |
=Golden Globes=
The show won the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy.
References
{{reflist|30em}}
External links
- [http://abc.go.com/shows/modern-family/episode-guide?season=season-3 Episode recaps at ABC.com]
- {{IMDb episodes|1442437|Modern Family}}
{{Modern Family|3}}
{{Navboxes
|title = Awards for Modern Family season 3
|list =
{{EmmyAward ComedySeries}}
{{GoldenGlobeTVComedy}}
{{Producers Guild of America Award for Best Episodic Comedy}}
{{ScreenActorsGuildAwards EnsembleTVComedy}}
{{Writers Guild of America Award for Television: Comedy Series}}
}}