Modern Family is undoubtedly the most beloved sitcom of all time, known for its unique mockumentary style comedy and diverse characters. One of the most iconic figures in the show is Gloria Pritchett. Known for her bold personality, striking beauty, and unwavering protectiveness over her family, Gloria’s character is essential to the show’s success and appeal.
While Gloria brought humor and warmth to the series, her parenting style raised concern, especially when it came to her son, Manny. Given her overly possessive and competitive tendencies, many fans believed that if Gloria had a daughter instead of Joe, it would have been more toxic and detrimental.
It certainly would have been worse if Modern Family’s Gloria Pritchett had a girl child
In Modern Family, Gloria Pritchett’s (Sofia Vergara) relationship with her eldest son, Manny, often raises eyebrows. She was fiercely overprotective. Gloria showered him with love but also had a hard time letting him grow up, often interfering in his relationship. When hiring a nanny for Joe, she refused to consider a female candidate, leading to the hiring of Andy, out of fear that another woman might take her place.
But if she had a daughter, instead of her son, Joe, things might have been much more complicated. Gloria’s confidence and larger-than-life presence could have made things tricky for a daughter growing up in her shadow. She even hated the dog. Given how competitive she could be to other women it’s possible she might have felt conflicted about watching her daughter grow into her own person.
The decision to give Gloria a son instead of a daughter is likely that the show had already introduced Lily and was following her growth. Similarly, adding another young girl might have felt too much. However, Joe’s presence still allowed Gloria’s growth, the same as Jay’s second chance at parenting with Manny and Joe. She was notably less obsessed over Joe than with Manny.
Gloria’s relationship with Lily was no doubt a pure bond. She was delighted to be Lily’s guardian, but her treatment of Lily sometimes leaned into the same problematic behavior. However, a mother-daughter relationship with Gloria might have been a great way to show character growth. Maybe, she would have learned to be less possessive and more encouraging, just like Jay did with his second chance in fatherhood.
Modern Family fans on Reddit also expressed their opinion if Gloria had a girl child
Many viewers on Reddit agreed that a daughter would have suffered under Gloria’s parenting. They pointed out how Gloria’s need to be the center of attention would have turned her daughter into a rival. Others recalled when Jay joked, “Thank god you don’t have a daughter,” in response to Gloria’s body-shaming comments.
Opinion – I’m glad Gloria didn’t have a daughter
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Some fans speculated that Gloria’s daughter would have been either insecure like Alex or overly confident like Haley, both extremes being harmful. Others suggested that in a more dramatic show, this could have been an opportunity to explore Gloria’s upbringing and her flawed parenting style. However, given Modern Family’s lighthearted nature, it seems the writers made the right call in giving Gloria another son instead.
Ultimately, while a daughter might have added a new feature to Gloria’s character, it’s clear that the show avoided an unhealthy mother-daughter duo that could have been difficult to play for laughs.
Modern Family is available to stream on Hulu.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
