The first season of Modern Family (2009–2010) redefined the television sitcom by blending mockumentary-style interviews with a heartfelt ensemble narrative. Following three interconnected families, the season explores the humorous and often chaotic realities of modern domestic life. The Families
Episode Guide: Index of Modern Family Season 1 index of modern family season 1
: Claire finds a suggestive picture on the computer and blames Luke. Fifteen Percent : Mitchell suggests one of Jay's old friends might be gay. Moon Landing The first season of Modern Family (2009–2010) redefined
Claire finds a provocative photo on the computer and blames Luke. Fifteen Percent Jay tries to set up Mitchell’s "gay friend" with a woman. Moon Landing Jay and an old buddy have an awkward encounter at the gym. My Funky Valentine Fifteen Percent : Mitchell suggests one of Jay's
| Episode # | Title | Original Air Date | Director | Writer(s) | Short Plot Summary | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1 | "Pilot" | September 23, 2009 | Jason Winer | Steven Levitan & Christopher Lloyd | Jay struggles to connect with Manny; Claire tries to keep her family in check while Phil tries to be a "cool dad"; Mitchell and Cameron fear being judged while introducing baby Lily. | | 2 | "The Bicycle Thief" | September 30, 2009 | Jason Winer | Bill Wrubel | Phil loses Luke's bike at a carnival; Manny gets his heart broken by a girl; Mitchell and Cameron clash with a rude mother at a playgroup. | | 3 | "Come Fly with Me" | October 7, 2009 | Reginald Hudlin | Dan O'Shannon | Jay tries to teach Manny to fly a model airplane; Claire is jealous of Phil's female business partner; Mitchell helps Cameron face his fear of flying. | | 4 | "The Incident" | October 14, 2009 | Jason Winer | Steven Levitan | A flashback reveals conflicts from Jay and Gloria's wedding day involving Claire's drunken toast and Mitchell's song choice. | | 5 | "Coal Digger" | October 21, 2009 | Jason Winer | Christopher Lloyd | The family gathers for a barbecue; Haley’s boyfriend uses a derogatory term about Gloria, forcing Claire to confront the issue head-on. | | 6 | "Run for Your Wife" | October 28, 2009 | Jason Winer | Paul Corrigan & Brad Walsh | Phil buys a race car to keep up with a younger neighbor; Mitchell and Cameron realize they have no friends; Jay and Gloria go on a double date. | | 7 | "En Garde" | November 4, 2009 | Randall Einhorn | Danny Zuker | Manny takes fencing lessons; Phil tries to bond with Alex; Mitchell is furious when Cameron volunteers to paint a nude portrait of an ex-boyfriend. | | 8 | "Great Expectations" | November 18, 2009 | Jason Winer | Joe Lawson | Claire tries to win over her father’s admiration; Gloria gives Phil advice on romance; Mitchell and Cameron search for a new nanny. | | 9 | "Fizbo" | November 25, 2009 | Jason Winer | Paul Corrigan & Brad Walsh | Cameron’s alter-ego, Fizbo the clown, ruins Luke’s birthday party; Jay and Manny get locked in a mall; Claire gets revenge on a rude neighbor. | | 10 | "Undeck the Halls" | December 9, 2009 | Randall Einhorn | Bill Wrubel | Claire threatens the kids with no Christmas if they lie; Mitchell feels guilty for returning a "tacky" ornament from Cameron. | | 11 | "Up All Night" | January 6, 2010 | Michael Spiller | Christopher Lloyd | Jay and Gloria babysit Lily (while Gloria obsesses over a new purse); Claire tries to have sex with Phil before he falls asleep. | | 12 | "Not in My House" | January 20, 2010 | Chris Koch | Caroline Williams | Phil discovers a provocative poster in Haley’s room; Jay becomes obsessed with a drone; Mitchell tries to rid the house of spiders. | | 13 | "Fifteen Percent" | February 3, 2010 | Jason Winer | Steven Levitan | Gloria negotiates a business deal for Jay; Mitchell and Cam argue over a gay neighbor; Claire accidentally insults a friend. | | 14 | "Moon Landing" | February 10, 2010 | Jason Winer | Bill Wrubel | Phil’s dad visits and reveals a secret; Jay tries to get Manny to punch a bully; Mitchell panics when Lily says "Daddy" to Cam first. | | 15 | "My Funky Valentine" | February 10, 2010* (*Special night) | Michael Spiller | Jerry Collins | A Valentine’s Day disaster at a hotel; Jay and Gloria role-play at a bar; Mitchell and Cam accidentally swap romantic gifts. | | 16 | "Fears" | March 3, 2010 | Reginald Hudlin | Steven Levitan | Phil forces the family to confront fears (clowns, birds, failure); Jay helps Manny with a school presentation; Cam fears he's boring. | | 17 | "Truth Be Told" | March 10, 2010 | Jason Winer | Joe Lawson | Claire snoops on the kids' social media; Jay lies to Gloria about smoking; Mitchell lies about attending a colleague's party. | | 18 | "Starry Night" | March 24, 2010 | Jason Winer | Danny Zuker | Phil tries to create a romantic starry night for Claire but accidentally locks the family out; Jay and Manny build a sick cat a contraption. | | 19 | "Game Changer" | March 31, 2010 | Kevin Hooks | Vanessa McCarthy & Joe Mande | Phil becomes obsessed with a new iPad-like tablet; Jay plays favorites with Mitchell and Claire; Gloria gets a new dog. | | 20 | "Benched" | April 14, 2010 | Chris Koch | Danny Zuker | Phil coaches Luke’s basketball team; Claire bonds with Alex at a father-daughter dance; Jay and Gloria join a country club. | | 21 | "Travels with Scout" | April 28, 2010 | Seth Gordon | Bill Wrubel | The family takes a disastrous road trip; Gloria gets carsick; Cam brings a pet pig along for the ride. | | 22 | "Airport 2010" | May 5, 2010 | Jason Winer | Dan O'Shannon & Paul Corrigan & Brad Walsh | Mitchell misses his flight to a butterfly exhibit; Jay argues with a ticket agent; Claire loses Haley at the airport. | | 23 | "Hawaii" | May 12, 2010 | Steven Levitan | Paul Corrigan & Brad Walsh & Dan O'Shannon | The family goes to Hawaii for Jay and Gloria’s second honeymoon; Phil almost ruins a surprise renewal ceremony. | | 24 | "Family Portrait" | May 19, 2010 | Jason Winer | Ilana Wernick | The family tries to take a perfect portrait for Jay’s birthday, but everything goes wrong – from a stained shirt to a runaway sprinkler. |