Modern Family Season 4 Premiere Spoilers: Sofia Vergara is Pregnant and Cam is a Teacher

Culture

Is it wrong that I've grown a little weary of Modern Family? Sunday night's Emmys proved that I am in the minority. The show took home its third consecutive award for Outstanding Comedy, and all six of the adult cast members were nominated for their performances; Eric Stonestreet and Julie Bowen even won. I think Modern Family is a good show, but I don't think it's the greatest show, and there's the rub. 

In a recent New York Times article by Alessandra Stanley, Stanley discusses how Modern Family has become a safe touchstone on both sides of the political spectrum. She writes of the program, as" the meeting place of the undecided." Yes she is speaking of voters, but it does seem that in large part the show's popularity can be ascribed to its broad appeal. Yes there is a gay couple, but there is also the counter-balance of a very traditional (Dad goes to work and Mom stays home) family. And rather than being about the plights of young adult life (relatable to some but not all), it is about the twists and turns that a family must take: relatable to all. 

The show's third season was funny, but it wasn't a knock out. But fingers crossed that the program can edge it's way back from the brink of being stale, to once again being the fresh, unpredictable comedy that it was in season 1. 

As we return to the Dunphy-Pritchett-Delgados there are a few new tricks up the season 4 sleeve. Most importantly, Gloria is pregnant and that will undoubtedly open up a whole new world of humor for the season. Haley will also be off at college, which means less air time for her; and Cam is apparently heading back to school to teach. 

This clip from the season's first episode also let's us know that it's Jay's birthday and he wants "no surprises."Another surprise for Jay seems to be a fishing trip with Phil. I'll remove my cynicism for a few moments to say that these clips did make me smile, let's see if season 4 is able to bring on the laughs. 

Will you be watching tonight? 

Modern Family airs Wednesday at 9 p.m. on ABC.