Featured Graphic by Destiny Mizell
Story by Jasmine Banks

“Growing Pains,” “All in the Family,” “Family Matters” and “Full House” are just a few of America’s beloved classic shows that focus on the theme of family. Presently, we have two of the most successful family-oriented programs, “Black-ish” and “Modern Family,” which made their debuts on ABC. Despite their differing concepts, these shows share some common storylines.

“Black-ish,” authored by Kenya Barris, who also contributed to various spin-off serieses, premiered on ABC in September 2014 and concluded its run in April 2022. The series centers around the Johnsons, who embark on a journey to embrace their black identity while progressing as a family. Two spin-offs, “Grown-ish” and “Mixed-ish,” explore similar themes and are currently available for streaming on television platforms.

“Modern Family” presents a distinct family dynamic but ultimately revolves around the personal growth experienced by the members of the Pritchett and Dunphy families. “Modern Family” first aired on television on September 23, 2009, and concluded on April 8, 2020. The show was crafted by Christopher Lloyd, who worked on other TV shows such as “Out of Practice.”

In both “Modern Family” and “Black-ish,” families interact with one another, demonstrating both effective and ineffective communication. Even while all the families can reconcile their differences and misunderstandings in the end, the road is not always smooth. All the families appear to struggle with mind reading and understanding what each other wishes throughout the entire program.

In “Modern Family,” the Pritchett couple navigates the challenges of altering their outward appearances to meet each other’s expectations. The characters’ extended and disjointed introductions in the series underscore the absence of essential traits that facilitate effective family communication.

Similar issues with strong family communication were seen in “Black-ish” with the Johnsons who lacked primarily structural discipline and stability. This shows how this family’s structural stability is gradually being pulled apart as neither parent is completely listened to and as a result, their children are protesting their parenting practices increasingly.

I have also noticed that both shows are known for playing with stereotypes. In “Modern Family” one of the main stereotypes that are joked about throughout the entire series is the young wife being a gold digger. “Black-ish” main stereotype comes from side characters who work with the main character, Dre, assuming things about him because he is African American.

I have also noticed that both shows are known for playing with stereotypes. In “Modern Family” one of the main stereotypes that are joked about throughout the entire series is the young wife being a gold digger. “Black-ish” main stereotype comes from side characters who work with the main character, Dre, assuming things about him because he is African American.

These stereotypes caused many debates which lead to Barris to address them. He said in an interview that he was nervous about making something serious into a comedy. The creator of “Modern Family” simply wanted to bring something different to sitcom television.

Both shows became a tremendous success and left an impact on American television today. IMDb ranked both shows in the top 30 list with “Modern Family” coming at number three and “Black-ish” at number 16.

To contact Lifestyles Editor Destiny Mizell, email [email protected]. For more news, visit www.mtsusidelines.com, or follow us on Facebook at MTSU Sidelines or on X at @MTSUSidelines.