"Modern Family" Review: The Funniest New Comedy of the Season?

The only thing trickier than TV pilots are TV promos for TV pilots…

They either give away most of the best stuff (like “Community”) or they don’t tell enough about what the show actually is (like “The Good Wife”).

And in the case of the promos for ABC’s “Modern Family,” they miss the boat entirely. Because what looks like a tired old sitcom slightly updated for today’s times, is actually a very funny show and one you really shouldn’t miss…

“Family” follows the lives of three couples in a pseudo-documentary style. And yes, that means the characters talk to the camera. But what could come off as hokey in a lesser show is only a nice plus for this one.

Phil and Claire (Ty Burrell and Julie Bowen) have three kids, including a teenage girl that causes Claire nothing but stress. However, Phil prefers to think of himself as the cool parent and he and Claire often clash over things like punishment strategy…

Mitchell and Cameron (Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Eric Stonestreet) have been together for five years and have just adopted a daughter from Vietnam. Now they must deal with the implications of their “amazing next step”…

Jay and Gloria (Ed O’Neill and Sofia Vergara) are as different as can be. She is a passionate, fiery Colombian and he is as laid back as they come—not to mention considerably older than her. She has an 11-year-old son who is just as passionate as Gloria, which drives Jay crazy…

It’s not until the last part of the show that you realize there is a connection between these three couples, so I won’t give it away here. Just know that it works…

And what else works is the great cast. Burrell was always the funniest part of “Back To You,” and he continues that streak here as he gets at least two laugh-out-loud moments. It’s nice to see Bowen in a comedy for a change, because she does it quite well. And O’Neill is always a welcome face. Vergara is good, but watching her just makes me mourn “The Knights of Prosperity”…

If you’re looking for a very different take on the family sitcom that isn’t always original, but comes pretty close, then “Family” is definitely for you. I’m interested to see if it can sustain its momentum enough to become the funniest new comedy of the year.

It’s definitely on top of that list right now…

“Modern Family” premieres tonight (September 23rd) at 9 p.m. on ABC…

Photo Credit: Bob D'Amico/ABC