How I Write Steven Levitan: How Modern Family Rewrote The Rules of Sitcom | How I Write
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Jul 9, 2025 
Steven Levitan, co-creator of the beloved sitcom Modern Family, shares insights from his vast experience in comedy writing. He discusses the intricate process of story breaking and balancing multiple plotlines in just 21 minutes. Levitan highlights the necessity of character-driven humor, revealing how authentic dynamics can sustain hundreds of episodes. He also addresses the evolving role of AI in comedy and emphasizes the joy that Modern Family brings to its audience, showcasing how humor can thrive amidst real-life themes.
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Real Life Inspires Modern Family
- Modern Family was inspired by real family dynamics and stories shared by Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd from their lives.
- The show was designed to reflect contemporary family changes including diverse family structures and technology influences.
Juggle Storylines Like Math
- Manage multiple storylines by carefully scheduling character appearances and the episode's timeline.
- Think of weaving stories like math problems to maintain pace, energy, and modern feel.
Character Drives Comedy
- The best comedy emerges naturally from character behavior rather than forced jokes.
- Laughs increase when character traits lead to unexpected but believable situations.