The Post-Dunphy Era: 5 Surprising New Projects From The 'Dad From Modern Family'

The question on every fan’s mind since Modern Family wrapped its 11-season run is what the iconic dads are doing next, and as of December 12, 2025, the coolest dad on television, Ty Burrell, is making a massive return to the small screen. The Emmy-winning actor, best known as the lovable, magic-loving realtor Phil Dunphy, has not only launched his own production banner but is also starring in a highly anticipated new comedy pilot for ABC, signaling a major new chapter in his career. This article dives deep into the post-Modern Family lives of the show's patriarchs, focusing on the fresh, unique projects that are set to redefine their legacies.

The success of Modern Family cemented its stars as television legends, but it also created the challenge of following up a cultural phenomenon. For the actors who played the show's central father figures—Ty Burrell (Phil Dunphy) and Ed O'Neill (Jay Pritchett)—their current work proves they are anything but slowing down. From new sitcoms to dramatic Hulu roles, their careers are flourishing in unexpected ways, proving that the 'Dad from Modern Family' is a title that comes with serious star power and creative ambition.

The Complete Biography and Career of Ty Burrell (Phil Dunphy)

Ty Burrell, who brought the "fun dad" archetype to life as Phil Dunphy, has one of the most decorated careers in modern television comedy. His ability to blend heartfelt emotion with physical comedy earned him legions of fans and critical acclaim. Here is a look at the life and career of the man behind the legendary character.

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• Full Name: Tyler Gerald Burrell
• Date of Birth: August 22, 1967
• Place of Birth: Grants Pass, Oregon, U.S.
• Education: Southern Oregon University (Theatre Arts), Penn State University (MFA in Theatre)
• Spouse: Holly Burrell
• Children: Two adopted daughters
• Breakout Role: Phil Dunphy in Modern Family (2009–2020)
• Key Career Milestones:
  • Won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (2011, 2014) for Modern Family.
  • Won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series (2014).
  • Voice roles in major animated films, including Bailey in Disney/Pixar's Finding Dory (2016) and Finding Nemo short films.
  • Early film roles in Black Hawk Down (2001) and Dawn of the Dead (2004).

Burrell’s background is rooted in classical theatre, which gives his performances a depth that elevates even the most slapstick comedy. His portrayal of Phil Dunphy was a masterclass in the modern, well-meaning, but occasionally clueless father, making him an enduring icon in the sitcom landscape.

Ty Burrell’s Major Return: The 'Forgive and Forget' Pilot and Desert Whale Productions

The biggest news in the post-Modern Family world for Ty Burrell is his definitive return to a starring role on the network that made him famous. After years of speculation, Burrell is set to star in and executive produce a new ABC comedy pilot titled Forgive and Forget.

The Surprising Plot of Forgive and Forget

While fans might expect a return to the light-hearted family chaos of the Dunphys, Forgive and Forget offers a more grounded, yet still comedic, premise. The multi-camera comedy centers on a man (played by Burrell) whose estranged father suffers a stroke and, as a result, gets a new lease on life.

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The pilot is inspired by the real-life experiences of co-creator Eugene Garcia-Cross, who looked after one of his parents with Alzheimer’s. This unique blend of serious, emotional subject matter—like dealing with a parent's health crisis—with the traditional multi-camera sitcom format is a fresh direction for Burrell. The show aims to explore the complexities of family relationships and second chances, all filtered through Burrell's signature comedic timing.

This project is a critical step in Burrell's career, allowing him to leverage his sitcom star power while exploring more nuanced, character-driven comedy. The pilot is co-created by Eugene Garcia-Cross and Robin Shorr, and its success could see Burrell back on a weekly series for the first time since Modern Family ended.

The Launch of Desert Whale Productions

Beyond his acting role, Ty Burrell has officially moved into a major creative executive role by launching his own production company, Desert Whale Productions. This move solidifies his commitment to developing new comedy projects from behind the scenes.

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Desert Whale Productions has already secured a two-year first-look deal with 20th Century Fox Television, the same studio that produced Modern Family. This deal means the studio gets the first opportunity to develop any television projects created by Burrell and his team. This production deal is a huge vote of confidence in Burrell's creative vision and his ability to identify the next generation of successful sitcoms. The new ABC pilot, Forgive and Forget, is one of the first major projects to come out of this partnership, showcasing Burrell’s expanded role as a comedy mogul in Hollywood.

From Patriarch to Political Voice: Ed O'Neill's Current Endeavors

While Ty Burrell is returning to comedy, the other primary "dad from Modern Family," Ed O'Neill (Jay Pritchett), has taken a dramatically different path, embracing both serious drama and political engagement. O'Neill's post-sitcom career proves that the wealthy patriarch of the Pritchett family is still a major force in Hollywood.

• Starring in Ryan Murphy's Hulu Drama: Ed O'Neill has joined the star-studded cast of Ryan Murphy's upcoming Hulu legal drama, *All's Fair*. This marks a significant pivot from the sitcom world, placing him in a high-profile, intense dramatic series. The show is expected to be a major streaming event, and O'Neill's involvement adds serious gravitas to the ensemble.
• Filming the Movie *Bad Day*: O'Neill has also been busy on the film side, recently filming the new movie *Bad Day* in New Jersey. This project further diversifies his portfolio, moving him from the familiar multi-camera studio setting to the world of feature filmmaking.
• Political Voiceover Work: In a surprise move, O'Neill lent his voice to a pro-Harris ad for The Lincoln Project in late 2024. This non-acting endeavor shows his willingness to use his public platform for political commentary, a departure from the generally apolitical nature of his most famous roles.

The contrast between the two main dads' current work is striking: Ty Burrell is building a comedy production empire and returning to the sitcom format, while Ed O'Neill is diving into dramatic streaming television and film. Both paths demonstrate a strategic effort to avoid being typecast, but Burrell's return to ABC is arguably the most exciting development for fans of the "cool dad" character.

The Enduring Legacy of the Modern Family Dads

The cultural impact of Phil Dunphy and Jay Pritchett is undeniable. They redefined the modern father figure in a way that resonated globally, earning the show multiple Emmys and a place in television history. The characters' influence continues to shape how we view family dynamics on screen, from the bumbling yet loving Phil, who prioritized being a friend to his kids, to the gruff but ultimately tender Jay, who learned to embrace his blended and diverse family.

Ty Burrell’s new venture with Desert Whale Productions and the *Forgive and Forget* pilot is a direct continuation of this legacy. It shows a commitment to creating smart, heartwarming, and relatable comedy that explores the modern family unit, albeit through a slightly different lens. As the cast members continue to reunite for various projects and public appearances—often sparking viral fan excitement—it’s clear that the affection for the *Modern Family* dads is as strong as ever. The new projects from Ty Burrell and Ed O'Neill are not just career moves; they are the next chapters in the story of television's most beloved on-screen family men.