First time on free-to-air TV in the UK

Channel 4 has bought up the rights to air Modern Family.

The hit US sitcom – which was previously only available to Sky subscribers – will now be on free-to-air E4 from Monday October 24.

It will launch with double bills of episodes from series one airing at 8pm on weekdays, with catch-up episodes available to stream on All 4. 

Nick Lee, head of acquisitions at Channel 4 said: ‘Modern Family is that rare thing; a universally loved sitcom, alongside being acclaimed, decorated and having run for 11 seasons, it is a show perfectly aligned with E4’s personality.

‘We are so excited to bring this absolute treat of a series to E4 and All 4 audiences for the first time.’

The mockumentary – which revolves around the blended families of patriarch Jay Pritchett (Ed O’Neil) and his son and daughter – last aired in the US in April 2020, with the finale seen by  7.37 million viewers. It won a total of 22 Emmy awards, including best comedy in each of its first five years.

Published: 12 Oct 2022