Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
IfModern Familyis one of the best sitcoms out there, Phil Dunphy is one of the best characters on it. The series, which follows the now-familiar mockumentary style that was initially made famous byThe Office,expertly combines wholesomeness with whacky humor, something Ty Burrell expertly brought to life.
However, the character’s crush on his stepmother-in-law, Gloria Delgado-Pritchett, portrayed by Sofia Vergara, added a recurring comedic yet awkward layer toModern Family. Over the show’s 11 seasons, Phil’s apparent crush on his stepmother-in-law brought plenty of laugh-out-loud moments but also raised questions about whether he, at least occasionally, went too far.
Fans believe Phil Dunphy’s crush on Gloria went “too far”
Gloria’s stunning looks and vibrant personality are a recurring theme in the show, and while her relationship with Phil is purely platonic, his inability to hide his admiration often leads to comedic chaos.
Most Hilarious “Modern Family” Halloween Episodes, Ranked from Worst to Best
From his unintentional double entendres to outright flustered moments, the tension is played for laughs, but not everyone finds it amusing.
Fans likeu/Massive_Anxiety_2457on Reddit have expressed discomfort with Phil’s behavior. They point out that while Phil’s intentions might have been innocent, in real-life scenarios, such behavior could strain a marriage:
For me personally it takes cool points away from Phil. Phil is a great husband in many ways, but in some ways he isn’t, his obvious attraction to Gloria is what sticks out to me the most. I understand that it’s a tv show, but if this situation played out in real life it would lead to at the very least a lot of tension on Claire and Phil’s relationship and at the worst, divorce.
If it were me I would be absolutely pissed at my husband (I’m not married but if I was) for not only being sexually attracted to my family member, but for being so blatantly obvious and unapologetic about it.
Some viewers felt that thesemoments took away from Phil’s “cool dad”persona, even if he always, on the show, seemingly knew his limits.
Phil’s crush on Gloria created multiple awkward moments onModern Family
One of the show’s most cringe-worthy moments comes in the episodeRegrets Only, where Gloria gives Phil a haircut. Her proximity during the haircut visibly flusters Phil, making the scene both funny and awkward. Similarly, during their trip to Hawaii, Claire catches Phil watching Gloria’s reflection in her sunglasses, unable to deny the obvious.
Another memorable yet controversial instance is when Phil pretends to be married to Gloria to impress an old college rival. While the situation was humorous on the surface, one can see why it can never play out in real life, without leading to tension between Phil and Claire.
Regardless,Modern Family,at the end of the day, is merely a sitcom, and there have been buckets of shows that have also exceeded limits, in more extreme ways than the ABC offering.
“They truly are superheroes”: The Modern Family Star Who Saved a Diabetic Hiker Who Got Away With Just 5 Stitches and a Broken Nose
Modern Familyis available to stream on Hulu.
Rishabh Bhatnagar
Editor/Reviewer
Articles Published :315
Rishabh Bhatnagar is an Entertainment and pop culture journalist/editor with Fandom Wire. He has more than 6 years of experience working for multiple major platforms and is himself an avid consumer of worthwhile content. A natural storyteller, Rishabh has a unique way with words and is always looking to improve, as a storyteller, writer, and a journalist.
More from Rishabh Bhatnagar
5 Movies from Tom Hanks That He Most Probably Wants You to Forget
“It shows how f-cked up the Sopranos are”: ‘The Many Saints of Newark’ Left Michael Imperioli Depressed Over a Sad Realization About Christopher
“He was very creepy”: We All Felt Bad For This Guy From The Big Bang Theory and Now He is Getting His Own Jim Parsons Less Spin Off
Recommended
Real Reason Why Minx on Starz Will Not Return for Season 3
Honey Don’t! Cast: Is Chris Evans Playing a Villain in Margaret Qualley’s Upcoming August 22 Release
NYT Wordle Hints and Solution for June 11, 2025
‘Blue Beetle’ Turns Two: James Gunn’s DCU Has Forgotten Him But These 4 DC Shows Did Him Proud
Transformers Star Is Absolutely Right on Why He Rejected ‘The Penguin’
How Many Episodes Are Left in One Piece Egghead Arc? Explained
Modern Family
