The mockumentary style of sitcom gained popularity over the last view years, mainly due to shows like The Office and Modern Family.

This show started out great. Especially Ty Burrell and some of the child actors really did an convincing job. I also enjoyed the dynamic of this family and the "modern" way they live.

Unfortunatly this show was doomed to fail, because its idea was to accompany a kind of strange family through the years. Their children all were at a different stage of their life and therefore they went through different problems at the time, which often connected to other family members problems. Thats what drove this show. But humans do age. The loveable children turned into teenagers and adults, which isnt a bad thing necessary. But obviously it changed the shows style and tone.

They still managed to make up decent plots and character developments but it just wasnt "what you signed up for."

Another point i like to mention is the lack of really emotional and contradictory episodes, which are a big part of sitcoms. Of course there are some with rather sad and meaningfull themes but they dont compare to those episodes of How i met your mother, Fresh Prince or Scrubs, etc...

Overall this show is defentely a great sitcom, but just not enough to be a part of the very best. Id still recommend watching it.